In loving memory
Bernard “Benny” Gramacci
(1925-2013)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bernard Gramacci of Bellevue, Alberta. Benny passed away peacefully on November 26, 2013 at the Crowsnest Pass Continuing Care Centre in Blairmore at the age of 88 years.
Benny Gramacci was born on May 13, 1925 in Bellevue, AB to Joe and Caterina Gramaccia. Benny was raised with a great appreciation for family and an honest work ethic. He met his wife, Jessie Allan, when she was a nurse at the Bellevue Hospital during the war years. They married and moved to Edmonton in 1948. Their two daughters, Janis and Joanne, were born there a few years later. Benny worked as a Sales Manager for Market Tire in Edmonton and retired in 1986 when Jessie became ill. She passed away in May 1987.
Benny met Ida DeZorzi of Bellevue, AB in 1987 and they shared many years together first in Edmonton and later when they moved to Bellevue in 2008. Benny appreciated the family that Ida brought him and they shared many happy times together.
Benny had a great sense of humor, with a ready smile and twinkling blue eyes |He loved to dance, sing and whistle a happy tune. His hobbies included gardening, fly fishing and tinkering on his cars and trucks. Benny was a huge hockey fan and rooted for the Edmonton Oilers.
Left to mourn his passing are his daughters, Janis (Dominique) Strathearn of Vancouver, BC and Joannne (Jay) Gordon of Kelowna, BC; his grandchildren, Jeff (Tess) Gordon and Darcy Gordon of Vancouver, BC; his long term companion Ida Dezorzi of Bellevue and her family Diane (Greg) Friesen of Frank, AB and their daughter Sherry Friesen of Vancouver, BC.
Extended family members include his brothers-in-law, Ed Cardle of Oliver, BC and Bill Mattson of Calgary, AB; his nephews Sidney (Sepideh) Marcinew of Langley, BC, David (Sandra) Marcinew of North Delta, BC and Joe (Bev) Cardle of Victoria, BC; his niece, Sheri-lynn Mattson of Calgary, AB; as well as the many friends that he made throughout his lifetime in both the Crowsnest Pass and Edmonton.
Benny was predeceased by his parents Joe and Caterina Gramaccia; his wife, Jessie Gramacci; his sisters, Mary “Maime” McEwen, Lydia Cardle and Gena Mattson; and his nephews, Jim Cardle and Fred Cardle.
A public ceremony will be held in honour of Bernard’s life on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 2:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion in Bellevue, Alberta. A private family celebration will be held in Vancouver at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation will be gratefully accepted. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Benny's family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the exceptional caregivers at York Creek Lodge, Crowsnest Pass Acute Care and Continuing Care Centre.
Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.