Mr. Umberto Alberto Santagata

Umberto was born October 12, 1937 in Cosenza, Italy to Francesco & Mira, and came to Canada in 1970 and met the love of his life the same year; a year later they were married.

At age 13, Umberto realized he had a talent for baking, and when he moved to Winnipeg, he and his wife started their own bakery, European Pastry Shop, and ran it successfully for over 25 years. During that time they were famous for their bread. They also made so many friends from the bakery that there were too many to count.

Baking was only one of his many passions. Others included, his grandchildren, watching Italian Soccer, dogs Loki & Keno, music, wine making, and his vegetable garden. It was only fitting that his final garden last summer was his best with gigantic tomatoes and other vegetables that were larger than normal.

He was predeceased by Mother Mira, Father Francesco, Brother Mario all in Cosenza, Italy.

Umberto was survived by his wife of over 42 years Luisa, their children, Claudia (Bobby) Launderville, Veronica (Peter) McMullen, grandchildren Michael Launderville, Leya & Anabeth McMullen, brother Tony (Italy), sisters Pina (Italy) & Silvana (Italy) as well as numerous extended family.

Funeral Service will be held Tuesday May 27, 2014 at Holy Rosary Church, with Father Sam Argenziano officiating. Viewing will take place at 10:00am, Eulogy at 10:45am and Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Waverley Memorial Gardens, 1501 Waverley Street, in the Garden of Peace. Pallbearers will be: Bobby Launderville, Mario Ronzone, Ernesto Ronzone, Enzo Signorile, Danny DaSilva, Salvatore Paletta and Peter McMullen.

The family would like to express their thanks the Grace Hospital Doctors and staff in the ICU for their tender loving care and compassion during this difficult time.