Alfonso ELIA

Alfonso Elia passed away on February 10th, 2023, at the age of 95 years. Alfonso was proud to have lived a long, happy, and healthy life until the end. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 69 years, Erminia, whom he missed deeply.

Alfonso was born July 10th, 1927, in the village of Serradipiro (Bianchi), Calabria, Italy, where he grew up in a small house with three sisters and eight brothers. As a young man, he met and fell in love with Erminia Elia and eloped shortly thereafter in 1952. In 1958, Alfonso, Erminia, and their son Emilio immigrated to Canada to find work and build a new life. Alfonso settled in Fernie, where he stayed for 65 years, surrounded by great friends and family.

Alfonso was initially hired by the City of Fernie in the late 1960s to aid in the construction of the Fernie arena. The city employed him for the next 32 years, where he worked various jobs until his retirement in 1990. Alfonso was a devout Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus, volunteering for many events and fundraisers at Holy Family Parish.

Alfonso enjoyed spending time with family and friends while camping and vacationing. At home, he passionately tended to his vegetable garden, pruned his fruit trees, and made homemade wine, cheese, bread, and cured meats. He frequently gathered with family and friends to drink his wine and eat the harvests of his garden, masterfully prepared by Erminia. Alfonso’s family will miss staying long after dinner to listen to Alfonso’s stories while cracking nuts and munching on fresh fruit (a few of Alfonso’s favourite things).

Alfonso will be missed by his three children: Emilio (Gloria), Carmine (Sharon), and Gino (Lois). His grandchildren Amanda, Darren (Kristina), Maddy (Corey), Harrison (Heather), Christian and Easton and great grandchildren Maya, Emma, Nicole, and Paul will miss their Nonno deeply. Throughout his life, Alfonso stayed connected to his family in Canada and Italy, who will miss him as well.

Alfonso’s particularity was inherited by each of his children and grandchildren, and they will be reminded of him each time they debate in the grocery store’s pasta aisle, drive across town for better quality cheese, or cook their vegetables a little longer than they should.

Alfonso’s family extends their thanks to the Elk Valley Hospital and Rocky Mountain Village staff, as well as Dr. Macbeth and Dr. Rodrigue for their kindness and support. In place of flowers, please consider donating to the Rocky Mountain Village Auxiliary Society (information provided below).

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