Anthony Audia

Sadly, we announce the passing of Anthony Audia in Calgary, AB, on Thursday March 18, 2021 at the age of 81.

Anthony was born at the end of grape harvest season in the mountains of the family vineyard in San Giovanni in Fiore, Cosenza, Italy on Nov. 5, 1939. He liked to say he was that year’s best vintage. After surviving a childhood that spanned the Second World War, 13-year-old Antonio immigrated to Canada with his family in 1954.  He graduated from St. Mary’s Boys’ High School in Calgary, earned a BSc in Math from the University of Alberta, followed by his teaching certification. While in Edmonton, he met, fell in love with, and proposed to Flora Iacovone, his wife of 50 years until her passing in 2016. Tony earned his M.Ed. at the University of Calgary in 1970, a few years after the birth of his two children: Rosanne and Maurice. As a dad, he led by example and set high standards. As a grandfather, he was a steady source of wisdom and an inventive storyteller.

He was a life-long learner and educator; Tony and Flora’s home was filled with books and enthusiastic discussions at the dinner table.  His career was shaped by teaching for both Edmonton and Calgary Catholic school boards; but, when SAIT sought to hire teachers, Anthony jumped at the chance to teach math at the post-secondary level, including evening math courses at Mount Royal College. He continued at SAIT for the remainder of his teaching career, teaching not only math but also training new instructors how to teach in the classroom. By mid-life, he also built a successful construction and land development company, alongside his brother, in an effort to continually challenge himself. He loved travelling for both work and family vacations to cities all over the globe; but his favourite was always Rome. His presence will be greatly missed. 

He is survived by his children, Rose Audia-Ranieri and Dominic Maurice Audia; his grandchildren, Luke Anthony Ranieri and Nicole Flora Ranieri; his sister Maria (Tony) Urbani, his in-laws Bruna Audia, Joe Muto, Lena Fletcher, Albert (Elaine) Iacovone; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. Anthony is predeceased by his wife, Flora, his parents Domenico and Rosa Audia, and siblings Serafina Muto and Joseph Audia.

The family wishes to thank the exemplary healthcare professionals that comprised his final care team:  cardiologist Dr. Todd Anderson for his skillful knowledge and comforting confidence in applying tailor-made care and his organized assistant Shannon Perry, hepatologist Dr. Bertus Eksteen for his vast knowledge and unwavering patience, Edgar Trinidad, RN, for his over-arching attention in guiding senior home care that allowed Anthony to remain living in his home for all but the last 7 days of his life. 

A private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Church in Calgary, AB, with entombment to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. His family will host a Celebration of Life dinner in his honour once Covid restrictions are lifted.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anthony Audia, please visit our floral store.