CLELIO RITAGLIATI

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CLELIO RITAGLIATI Peacefully with his wife Camilla by his side, Clelio, aged 88, passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, at Misericordia Place. Clelio is survived by his wife Camilla; sister Leandra Phillips (Oregon, U.S.A.); nephews, Vincent (Jan), Naldo (Martine), Victor; and some cousins, nieces and nephews in Italy and South America. There are also many in-laws in Italy. He was predeceased by his mother Regina, brother Naldo, stepmother Angelina and father Gino. Clelio was born in Italy and moved to Canada with his parents when he was four. Soon he showed unusual musical talent on the violin, winning a gold medal at the age of nine. In 1936 he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England. During his three years there, he won several medals for outstanding ability. It was there, that he met his future wife Camilla; however, due to the Second World War, their marriage, in Milan, Italy, was postponed until September 1948. After the war broke out, Clelio was advised to return to Canada. He spent a brief time in the army before he began his professional music career as a highly regarded violinist. He was a member of the Winnipeg Symphony, the CBC concert orchestra, and performed in numerous TV and radio broadcasts for CBC and CKY. He was a quiet gentleman, fluent in three languages, a smart dresser, a smooth dancer, and loved by all who knew him. His one weakness was his love of chocolate. Clelio and Camilla loved nature and, for 30 years, enjoyed it to the fullest at their modest Netley-Creek cabin. They welcomed friends and family to join them there for fishing excursions, corn and wiener roasts around the campfire and other memorable times. Cremation has taken place. A memorial mass will be held at Misericordia Place chapel, 44 Furby Street, on Wednesday, April 11 at 11:00 a.m. The family would like to give grateful thanks to all those who cared for Clelio during his stay at Misericordia Health Centre and Misericordia Place (level 3 Robin way). In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, Misericordia Place, or the Humane Society. The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949; toll free 1-888-233-4949.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 07, 2007