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ERCOLE ALBO

ERCOLE ALBO April 12, 1925 - June 12, 2012 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ercole Albo after a lengthy illness. Papà will be forever missed by his wife of 57 years, Maria; children Vivian, Joe (Lisa), Marina and Anna; his two cherished grandchildren, Maria and Matteo. He also leaves behind his brothers Gino (Nella) and Franco, sister Ida, sisters-in-law Ofelia, Teresa and Lilia (Ugo), and brothers-in-law Leo and Silvio along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Papà was predeceased by his parents Giuseppe and Gelsomina, brother Antonio, sister-in-law Marfisia, and brothers-in-law Joe and Antonio. Papà was born in Grimaldi, Italy. At the age of 13 he went to Eritrea and Sudan with his brother Antonio and father where they had a plantation of oranges and other fruits. He remained in Africa for nine years, but during the Second World War, became a prisoner of war. Papà always said that despite the war and his circumstances, the people of Africa always treated him well. After the war, he went back to Italy before immigrating to Canada in 1949, eventually settling in Winnipeg where he met and married Mom in 1955. Always the entrepreneur, Papà and his brother Franco were one of the first to open an Italian specialty grocery store. The Albo Brothers pioneered a customer loyalty program before it was common. Hundreds of pieces of dinnerware were redeemed by customers each month. After the grocery store, he had several other businesses, but his last venture was one that involved his entire immediate family. In 1978, the Albos opened Sunrise Health Foods. Right to the very end, Papà was still asking, how's business? Was it busy today? Papà was both proudly Italian and Canadian. He always encouraged us to give back to the community. He practiced what he preached. He was generous and served on a number of community-based boards. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends on Corydon, long walks, his pets (Daisy and Theo) and talking - or rather debating - politics and current affairs. In his 80s, Papà discovered the Internet and spent hours reading up on all the news from Italy, so he came into debates with lots of knowledge. He also loved sports. In fact, he was a pretty good soccer goalie in his day. He cheered his Azzurri, but his favourite soccer team was Bologna. He loved hockey too! He was always home in time to catch the Detroit Red Wings. Papà was always devoted to family. He had many close friends, and people who met him instantly fell in love with his charm and welcoming smile. He was an honest man who always cheered for the underdog. We would like to thank Doctors Weisenthal and Krahn as well as the staff on 5E at St. Boniface Hospital, for taking such good care of him. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, June 15, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 510 River Ave. Viewing will be held one hour prior to Mass. Reverend Father Sam Argenziano celebrant. Interment will follow the Mass in the St. Boniface Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or an animal shelter of your choice. Riposa in pace, Papà For online condolences, more information or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 275-5555
Publish Date: Jun 14, 2012

ERCOLE ALBO It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ercole Albo, at the age of 87 years, after a lengthy illness. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, June 15, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 510 River Ave. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the Mass. Reverend Father Sam Argenziano celebrant. Interment will follow the Mass in the St. Boniface Cemetery. Longer obituary notice to follow in Thursday's edition. For online condolences or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 275-5555
Publish Date: Jun 14, 2012

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on June 14, 2012