It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Urbano, dedicated husband, father and proud nonno, on February 16, 2021, at the age of 84.
He was predeceased by his mother, Maria Domenica, father Urbano, and brother Michelangelo. He is survived by his loving family, wife Immacolata, daughter Michelina Maria (Ben), grandchildren Francesca, Gianmarco and Kristina, son Walter (Stephanie), grandchildren Viviana, Stella and Marcello, daughter Stephanie, sister Maria Josefina (Juan), brother Antonio (Concetta), sister-in-law Filomena, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear family and friends.
His extraordinary life began on September 24, 1936, in the quaint village of Matrice, province of Campobasso, Italy. In 1950 he immigrated with his family to Montevideo, Uruguay, following his uncle, during a time when many families immigrated to South America. At the impressionable age of 14, Urbano instantly embraced the vibrant, cosmopolitan culture which would shape his values and worldview for the rest of his life. Celebrations and gatherings with family, friends and pisani, at the beaches of Punta del Este and Solymar, playing the accordion, singing and dancing would be a highlight of this time. He apprenticed as a shoemaker with a close friend, then he resourcefully turned a home studio, built by his father, into a successful shoe making business.
In 1963 he returned to Italy, fell in love, and married Immacolata Zampini. In 1964 he journeyed back to Montevideo with his new wife, and his grandmother, to begin their new life. Shortly after their arrival, daughter Michelina Maria was born. In 1971, ready for a new adventure, he immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia, with his young family.
It was in Canada that Urbano and his family would settle, establish their roots with the births of children Walter and Stephanie, and integrate into the diverse tapestry of Canadian life. He became an exemplary, hard-working Canadian citizen in an emerging city filled with opportunity. His passion for soccer was well known at the sports bars of Commercial Drive; his love of music and his accordion were felt at every family gathering joined by their ever expanding network of cherished friends that became family.
Despite expansive distances, his bond with his siblings was deep and unwavering. He often traveled to Windsor, Ontario, where his brother and sister lived with their families, for birthdays, milestone events, and surprise visits. He was known to chase the sunshine during Canadian winters and would often return to visit Uruguay, as well as Margarita Island, Venezuela with his brother and sister-in-law. He enjoyed many family vacations to Italy, California, Nice, Las Vegas, Hawaii, and Mexico.
As a devoted grandfather, Nonno Urbano was always available to pick up his grandchildren from school, attend track meets, sports games, concerts, and dance recitals. This, he often remarked, was his greatest honour. It was the vista from his life’s mountain that he savoured with pride.
Our beloved Urbano, how we all enjoyed your wine, your witty truths, your passionate conversations, and your animated company. You entered a room with pizzazz, a fresh suit, a strong opinion, and an open heart - a special energy that will never leave us.
In accordance to Covid Protocols, Private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, February 24th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Vancouver, BC. Private Entombment service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Ocean View Burial Park South Mausoleum, Burnaby, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Urbano’s memory. Friends and extended family may view Urbano’s services online at https://www.legacystreaming.com/kearney/
Thank you Urbano,
for building this beautiful life of yours and sharing your legacy with all of us.