Obituary of Alberto Colantuoni

Passed on peacefully at Carlingview Manor on Sunday, June 9th, 2024, at 91 years after a long battle with illness. Alberto was born in Naples on April 26, 1933, the second last of six children of Agostino and Rosa (Fiorenza) Colantuoni.

Alberto grew up in the Spanish Quarters of Naples. He came from humble beginnings as the family of eight shared one large room and worked hard to keep the family fed, especially true during WW2 where food was scarce. His idiom about being careful with money was likely born from those humble beginnings where the family was poor in wealth but rich in love and compassion, following him throughout his life. His family kept their spirits high, while they worked as a group, by singing Neapolitan songs together. Working to help support his family, education took a back seat to learning a trade. Alberto completed grade 5, and then began to learn his trade from his father who taught him to design and cut suits. He excelled at tailoring, never giving up when faced with a challenge. At the age of 41, he went back to night school to better himself, he explained that this would allow him to help his son with his schoolwork. His thirst for knowledge continued throughout his life and he became a Google before one existed, especially about history and politics.

Alberto met Raffaela whom he was smitten with and soon wed. Their travels to find a suitable place to rear their children took them to many places. Their first stop were the Bahamas (where Agostino was born), Italy (Rome where Caterina was born), then onto Brisbane, Australia, and finally to Canada where they settled. Throughout his travels, he worked hard providing for his family. Alberto had a generous, friendly nature, was an incredible cook and prided himself on his garden. Throughout his life, the importance of family reigned overall. His primary mission in life was to provide for his children and grandchildren. Alberto, like his spouse, never spent money on frivolities and instilled these values in their children. Through the years, the family grew but would always get together to share a meal every weekend. His generous nature was evident through his support of many causes, as well as family back home. Alberto was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church. His dedication to his faith was not only a cornerstone of his identity but also a testament to the depth of his character and the values he held dear.

He retired from the RCMP tailor shop in 1999 at 66 years old, allowing him to spend more time with his grandchildren.

Beloved husband of Raffaela Colantuoni (nee Minopoli). Loving father of Agostino (Eleanor) and Caterina (Marc). Cherished Nonno of Nicolas, Emily, Isabella and Gabriel.  Alberto is survived by his youngest brother Renato in Rome, and predeceased by his siblings, Ernesto, Angelo, Concetta, and Lucia.

The family's heartfelt gratitude goes out to the many wonderful staff members at Carlingview Manor, too many to name, a steady stream of which continued checking in with him the last few days before passing.

Friends are invited to visit on June 14^th, from 4pm – 6pm at Cole Funeral Services, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa.  Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel the following day at 11:00a.m. with a private family interment service to follow.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa, or to a charity of your choice

Memorial Slideshow