ONOFRIO (ONO) CURATOLO (ONO)

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ONOFRIO (ONO) CURATOLO
February 10, 2022

CURATOLO, Onofrio "Ono," 83, of Kelowna, British Columbia passed away peacefully while surrounded by family at Central Okanagan Hospice House in Kelowna, on February 10, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer. Onofrio was born in the Italian Village of Quaglietta, located in Calabritto, Province of Avellino, Campania. Onofrio is predeceased by his parents Gerardo "Gerry" and Genoveffa "Gina," his infant daughter Angela, and infant grandson Marco. He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 25 years, Cleofe, and three loving sons and their families: Bruno (Nancy), Mario (Andrea), Carlo and grandchildren Melissa and Amanda, and Brandon, Will, and Nicolas. He is also survived by identical twin brother Rocco (Rosaria) and younger brother Vince (Tenney). Onofrio will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in law and families and countless friends.
While only expecting one child, after Rocco was born it is believed his mother shouted "Oh No!" when told of an impending second child. "Ono" studied in the seminary for 11 years until the family received their visas to start a new life in Canada. In May 1960, they boarded the MV Irpinia in Naples, arriving in Winnipeg 14 days later. He soon worked in a clothing factory, enrolled in English lessons, and two years later, founded Universal Travel Agency. He wed his first wife, Maria, in 1964 and together created an iconic business that helped so many.
Onofrio was a very active member of Holy Rosary Church: choir director, Liturgy Readings, new church building committee, and yearly tour groups to Italy. He helped found the Dante Alighieri Society and Italian Credit Union Society and was involved in the Leonardo DaVinci Society and Folklorama. He also volunteered weekly with Bernardo Tucci's Italian radio program: relaying news and messages from Italy. Having lived the struggles that new immigrants face, Onofrio selflessly donated countless hours to help friends, family, and customers from all ethnic backgrounds - translating documents and helping complete various government, personal and business forms and applications. In 1979, they sold Universal Travel and his family and parents relocated to Kelowna. Onofrio's second career was established in 1988, evolving into Ace Screens & Tint (retractable screen doors and glass tinting). He also invented the "D-Jammer" door stop, one of his many ideas. Having a strong work ethic and wanting to keep busy, Onofrio never fully retired, as he loved meeting new people.
Onofrio was extremely grateful and proud to be Canadian yet fostered and preserved his Italian heritage. For over 40 years, he was an active member of the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club and The Sons and Daughters of Italy – Galileo Lodge and was always involved in various fundraising, business and political events in Kelowna. Onofrio and Cleofe enjoyed many dinners, dances, picnics, and gatherings with family and friends. He enjoyed golf, watching soccer, and attending hockey games. He always shared the bounties from his garden and fruit trees, and from wild mushroom picking. True to his upbringing, Onofrio had a heart of gold, always giving his time and money to help and support others! Often referred to as a real "character," Onofrio was also a man of character who wore his heart on his sleeve. He would stand up for what he believed in and protect those that he loved. Onofrio was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and was their biggest cheerleader. He was truly blessed by the care and love provided by his wife, Cleofe and cherished time spent with family and many friends.
The family sincerely thanks Dr. Bak, and the doctors, nurses, and various staff at KGH and Hospice House that provided loving and expert care. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated this spring, as restrictions are relaxed. In lieu of flowers, donations in Onofrio's memory can be made to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation at kghfoundation.com or 250-862-4438, to either the "White Heart Project" or to "Hospice House." Arrangements by Springfield Funeral Home, Kelowna, BC. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting springfieldfuneralhome.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2022