Tonino (Tony) De Simone

It is with great sadness that we announce that Tonino De Simone passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the age of 93 years. Born December 1, 1930, in Fossacesia, CH, Italy. Tony was predeceased by his father Roberto, mother Anna and his sister Carolina Arrizza.

Survived by his wife of 65 years Jean, children Robert (Lynda), Annamaria (Larry), Sandra (Bob), Claudio (Angie) and his brother Donato in Italy.

Tony was loved by and adored his grandchildren Madeleine (Ryan), Alison, Sebastian, Faith, Elia, and Jessica.

Tony emigrated from Italy to Canada in 1958 aboard MS Saturnia through Pier 21 Halifax. After a 5-day train ride Tony landed in Calgary to start a 35-year career with the City of Calgary. A student of horticulture in Italy, Tony started his career planting trees as a part of the City of Calgary Urban Forestation project.

Building on his knowledge of horticulture and design, Tony moved to Calgary's Parks and Recreation Department, where he worked on many projects. Tony was involved in the design of Foothills and Glenmore Athletic Parks. He was asked to consult on the Commonwealth Stadium design in Edmonton. Of all the many projects he collaborated on, Tony considered the river pathway system to be one of his greatest accomplishments. Today the City of Calgary Pathway system boasts one of the most extensive urban pathway systems in North America.

As an immigrant to Canada, Tony understood the value of a close, supportive community. Tony became the President of the Columbus Credit Union helping the local Italian community by giving his time and energy.

Tony enjoyed driving and teaching others to drive. He spent 25 years as a Driving Instructor with the Alberta Motor Association. Tony was proud to see his students graduate and pass their driver exams.

Tony's retirement offered time to work on his hobbies and pastimes including gardening, traveling, watching soccer, reading, photography and tinkering.

Tony was admired and respected by his family, friends, and colleagues. Tony will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank the staff of Brentwood Care Centre for their support and care during Tony’s time there.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (corner of Northmount and Northland Drive NW) on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. A recording is available below for those who were unable to attend.  Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

Memorial Tributes can be made directly to Parks Foundation Calgary at www.parksfdn.com. All donations will go towards supporting many great projects in the community. **Please include “Tony De Simone Memorial” in the Additional Comments box.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tonino (Tony) De Simone, please visit our floral store.