Obituary for Massimo Bertelli
Massimo Bertelli (Max)
November 18, 1933 - October 29, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce Massimo (Max) Bertelli, 88, passed away on October 29, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta. He was born in Carpaneto Piacentino, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and was the oldest of four boys and the only member of his family to immigrate to Canada. He left Italy at 17 to work in forestry in Alsace, France in order to help support his parents and siblings. In 1955 he moved to Ottawa, where he worked his way from east to west, honing his skills in the concrete and construction industry. He went wherever there was work.
On February 15, 1964, Massimo married Michela Leva in Cassino, Italy and convinced her to move to Calgary to begin their life together. He charmed her by promising to buy her a “fancy car” which mom says was not the case at all. It had 4 wheels and was covered in rust.
His vocation in Calgary began with Calgary Concrete, later known as Conmac and in 1978 he embarked on a new venture with three partners to start Asty Concrete & Construction. Starting a new business is challenging and he faced many obstacles but he always treated people with respect and dignity. He retired in 2001 after receiving a diagnosis of Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy but retirement was not easy for him because he loved his work and the challenges that came with it.
Massimo was a man of few words but will forever be remembered for his expressive smile, genuine laugh, his calm demeanour and profound generosity. We’ll treasure how much his face lit up whenever he saw someone he loved, especially his grandchildren. He was always kind, authentic, gentle and gave the best advice but only when asked. Dad battled more obstacles throughout his life than most could have handled. Resilience is a gift that not many people possess, yet one of the most defining aspects of dad’s character was his ability to overcome.
He leaves behind his loving wife Michela of 58 years, his children Aurelio (Tania), Isa (Steve) and Luciano; his grandchildren Natasha, Matthew, Valentina and Massimo. He is survived by his brother Giacomo (Eugenia) and numerous nieces and nephews and is predeceased by his father Ventura; mother Ermenia and brothers Piero and Aurelio.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church (640-19th Avenue NW) on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 10:30 am. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum (3219-4th Street NW).
We are incredibly thankful for the compassion and care provided by Dr. Walsh, John, Natalia, Nicole, Axel and the entire staff of Unit 53 at the Peter Lougheed Hospital, who cared for Massimo during his final days.
Our family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to a charity of your choice or to the The Prostate Cancer Centre.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Max, visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
November 18, 1933 - October 29, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce Massimo (Max) Bertelli, 88, passed away on October 29, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta. He was born in Carpaneto Piacentino, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and was the oldest of four boys and the only member of his family to immigrate to Canada. He left Italy at 17 to work in forestry in Alsace, France in order to help support his parents and siblings. In 1955 he moved to Ottawa, where he worked his way from east to west, honing his skills in the concrete and construction industry. He went wherever there was work.
On February 15, 1964, Massimo married Michela Leva in Cassino, Italy and convinced her to move to Calgary to begin their life together. He charmed her by promising to buy her a “fancy car” which mom says was not the case at all. It had 4 wheels and was covered in rust.
His vocation in Calgary began with Calgary Concrete, later known as Conmac and in 1978 he embarked on a new venture with three partners to start Asty Concrete & Construction. Starting a new business is challenging and he faced many obstacles but he always treated people with respect and dignity. He retired in 2001 after receiving a diagnosis of Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy but retirement was not easy for him because he loved his work and the challenges that came with it.
Massimo was a man of few words but will forever be remembered for his expressive smile, genuine laugh, his calm demeanour and profound generosity. We’ll treasure how much his face lit up whenever he saw someone he loved, especially his grandchildren. He was always kind, authentic, gentle and gave the best advice but only when asked. Dad battled more obstacles throughout his life than most could have handled. Resilience is a gift that not many people possess, yet one of the most defining aspects of dad’s character was his ability to overcome.
He leaves behind his loving wife Michela of 58 years, his children Aurelio (Tania), Isa (Steve) and Luciano; his grandchildren Natasha, Matthew, Valentina and Massimo. He is survived by his brother Giacomo (Eugenia) and numerous nieces and nephews and is predeceased by his father Ventura; mother Ermenia and brothers Piero and Aurelio.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church (640-19th Avenue NW) on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 10:30 am. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Mausoleum (3219-4th Street NW).
We are incredibly thankful for the compassion and care provided by Dr. Walsh, John, Natalia, Nicole, Axel and the entire staff of Unit 53 at the Peter Lougheed Hospital, who cared for Massimo during his final days.
Our family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to a charity of your choice or to the The Prostate Cancer Centre.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Max, visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.