Roberto Giuseppe Verardi

Roberto Giuseppe Verardi born, on November 4th, 1939, in San Giovanni in Fiore, Cosenza Italy, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 84 surrounded by his loving family holding hands and hearing their prayers. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and unwavering love.

Predeceased by his parents Battista and Giuseppina, his brothers Francesco, Salvatore, Giovanni, and sisters Chiara, Serafina, and Caterina, and niece Giuseppina Verardi, Sisters-in-law Maria Barberio and Luisa Ventura, and brother-in-law Pasquale Lapera. Roberto is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Caterina; daughter Giuseppina (Greg); daughter Rosa (Matthew); son Battista; and five grandchildren Josie (Nathan); Grace, James, Elise, and Elora, sister, Maria Verardi; brother-in-law, Mario Mazzona; sisters-in-law Assunta and Maria Iaquinta, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews in Italy and Switzerland.

Born into a devoutly religious family, Roberto was one of eight siblings. Raised in a household where faith was paramount, instilling in him a strong sense of spirituality that guided him throughout his life.

Although he showed promise as a student, Roberto's education was cut short when he was called upon to help his family in their forge. He accepted this responsibility, showcasing his innate sense of duty and devotion to his loved ones. Roberto's passion for metalworking began at a young age spending hours in the family forge supporting the family business, as well as secretly crafting intricate pieces of artwork using metal. He had to hide his creations from his father, as he was using the metal for purposes other than those that could be sold. Despite this obstacle, Roberto's talent and passion for his craft never waned. This early experience ignited a lifelong love affair with blacksmithing and artistic metalwork.

Upon reaching adulthood, Roberto was drafted into the military, where his remarkable fitness level led to his selection as a radio operator. His physical capabilities allowed him to reach the necessary heights for better radio transmission, demonstrating his exceptional commitment to excellence.

Following his military service, Roberto ventured to Switzerland, where he worked at a fabrication plant. His hard work and dedication earned him a supervisory position at a very young age. The owner of the plant was disappointed to lose Roberto after he received an invitation from his older brother, Giovanni, to emigrate to Canada.

In 1967, Roberto and his new bride, Caterina, embarked on the next chapter of their lives in Calgary, Alberta. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories with their three children.

Roberto's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his craft established him as a skilled artisan creating iron fences, railings, fireplace screens, and tools. His craftsmanship was renowned throughout the community, and his creations still adorn numerous homes and businesses in the area. Additionally, he indulged his passion for artwork, crafting intricate pieces that showcased his creativity and mastery of metalworking. During many of his first years in Calgary, Roberto also worked as an expert farrier, supporting the Calgary Stampede by fitting and shoeing horses, again showcasing his skill in a trade that takes years to master.

Roberto quickly earned his boilermaker certification at SAIT due to his numerous years in the forge and secured his first long-term employment position with Sureway Metal Systems where he worked for 15 years. He later spent another 20 years with CP Rail, where his expertise and dedication were widely recognized and respected.

During his tenure at Sureway Metal Systems, Roberto played a pivotal role in the construction of the Saddledome, contributing his immense knowledge and gaining the respect of his employer and colleagues. He was required to read and interpret blueprints ensuring the structural metal was welded accurately before heading to the construction site. Roberto took great pride in being a key consultant during this project and often spoke of the challenges he had to overcome.

Throughout his career, Roberto was not only a master craftsman but also a dedicated mentor. He was entrusted with training and developing apprentices, guiding them as they honed their skills and worked towards securing their professional designations. His patience, knowledge, and passion for passing on his expertise ensured that countless individuals were equipped for success in their chosen trades.

Roberto's dedication to his family was unparalleled. He took immense pride in his children and grandchildren, providing unwavering support and encouragement as they pursued their dreams, always being a protective figure in their lives. He was a pillar of strength and love, always there to offer guidance and inspiration. Roberto enjoyed telling stories from his youth and making his family and friends laugh. His quick wit and captivating storytelling endeared him to all, often bringing tears of laughter even after telling the same story many times over the years.

Roberto will be deeply missed by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his passion for his craft, his sense of humor, and dedication to his family and community. May he rest in peace, knowing that he was dearly loved and will be forever remembered.

The Verardi family is extremely grateful for all the friends and family who have shown their support. This time would have been much more difficult without your love and company. We want to thank Dr Margaret Churcher, our family physician, as she supported his health for many years, and we are very appreciative of her attention. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the caregivers at Newport Harbour for showing “Papa” their utmost care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the Family requests donations be made to the Saint Therese de Lisieux Foundation in Roberto’s memory.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Catholic Church (404 Northmount Pl NW) on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 11:00 am.

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