Mario Lamacchia

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Mario Lamacchia at the age of 99 years old. As the Patriarch of our Italian family, he will be deeply missed as a devoted husband, Dad, Nonno and Biz Nonno. Mario was predeceased by his parents, Emilia Manfredi and Luigi Lamacchia, in Italy, as well as his siblings Teresa, Antonio, Francesco, and Salvatore. Mario is also predeceased by his grandson Marino Silvaniuk in 2008.

Mario is survived by his beautiful wife Elvira, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. He also leaves behind his children: daughter Mary Silvaniuk (Tyler), son John Lamacchia (Shirlee) and son Mike Lamacchia (Liana). Mario cherished his grandchildren, with whom he had a special bond; Nevada Silvaniuk, Kristen Hodge (Curtis), Tanis Olynyk (Ryan), Scott Lamacchia (Rachel), Matthew Lamacchia, Mikaela Lamacchia, and Alexandra Lamacchia. His great-grandchildren: Lucas and Ryleigh Hodge, Abigail and Malcolm Olynyk, and Caleb and Peyton Lamacchia brought him immense pride and joy. Mario is also survived by his sister Michelina Polillo in Kelowna. 

Mario was born and raised in Spezzano Piccolo, Italy, the third of six siblings. At an early age of 26 years, Mario had a desire to leave his homeland and emigrate to Canada in hopes of building a new life. Mario was a skilled and accomplished carpenter. In 1951, he came to Canada and settled in Field, BC, where he began working for the CPR and later started a career with Parks Canada.

He married his beautiful wife Elvira on December 2nd, 1956, and together they raised their loving family. Eventually, they moved to Calgary to be closer to their children as they pursued post-secondary education. After retiring from Parks Canada, Mario continued working as a Maintenance Foreman at the Hospitality Inn in Calgary before fully retiring.

A dedicated family man, Mario always prioritized his family. His greatest pleasures were spending time with his family, enjoying family dinners, gatherings, gardening, and making his homemade wine. His family brought light, laughter, and love into his life. We are grateful for his caring nature, the stories from the “old country”, the wisdom he shared and his unwavering love and support.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at both the Foothills Hospital Unit 112 and Southwood Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care of Mario during his stay.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 11:00 am with live-streaming available through the link below for those unable to attend in person.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. 

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