UPDATED – CURATOLO, Onofrio “Ono”
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Funeral Mass will be held on FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022, AT 10:30 AM (PDT), AT ST. CHARLES GARNIER PARISH, 3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC, with interment to follow at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC.
Onofrio Curatolo, 83, of Kelowna, British Columbia passed away peacefully while surrounded by family at Central Okanagan Hospice House in Kelowna, on February 10, 2022 after a brief battle with cancer.
Onofrio was born in the Italian Village of Quaglietta, located in Calabritto, Province of Avellino, Campania. Onofrio was predeceased by his parents Gerardo “Gerry” and Genoveffa “Gina”, his infant daughter Angela, and infant grandson Marco. He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 25 years, Cleofe. Onofrio is also survived by three loving sons and their families: Bruno (Nancy), Mario (Andrea), Carlo and grandchildren Melissa and Amanda, and Brandon, Will, and Nicolas. He is also survived by identical twin brother Rocco (Rosaria) and younger brother Vince (Tenney). Onofrio will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and families, and countless friends.
Named after his paternal grandfather, Onofrio’s parents were only expecting one child. Immediately after Rocco was born, it is believed his mother shouted “Oh No!” when told of an impending second child. Onofrio studied in the seminary for 11 years until age 22, after which the family received their visas to start a new life in Canada. In May 1960, they boarded the MV Irpinia in Naples for a 12-day voyage to Quebec City and a 2-day train ride to Winnipeg, MB.
He soon worked in a clothing factory and enrolled in English lessons. Two years later, he bought Universal Travel Agency. He wed his first wife, Maria, in 1964 and the two of them worked hard to create an iconic business that helped so many – all while raising their three boys. He was heavily involved in Holy Rosary Church and many other business and service organizations. Having lived the struggles that new immigrants face, Onofrio selflessly volunteered endless hours to help friends, family, and customers from all ethnic backgrounds – translating documents and helping complete various government, personal, and business forms and applications. In 1979, he sold Universal Travel and relocated his family and his parents to Kelowna.
After owning a shoe store, grocery store and souvenir shop, and tile and concrete business, Onofrio’s second career was established in 1988: Ace Trim & Vinyl Repair, later evolving into Ace Screens & Tint. He also invented the “D-Jammer” door stop, bringing to fruition one of his many ideas. Having a strong work ethic and wanting to keep busy, Onofrio never fully retired, as he loved meeting new people.
Onofrio was extremely grateful and proud to be Canadian yet fostered and preserved his Italian heritage. For over 40 years, he was an active member of the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club and The Sons and Daughters of Italy – Galileo Lodge and was always involved in various fundraising, business and political events in Kelowna.
Onofrio and Cleofe enjoyed many dinners, dances, picnics, and gatherings with family and friends. He always shared the bounties from his garden and fruit trees, and from wild mushroom picking. True to his upbringing, Onofrio had a heart of gold, always giving his time and money to help and support others!
Often referred to as a real “character”, Onofrio was also a man of character who wore his heart on his sleeve. He would stand up for what he believed in and protect those that he loved. He enjoyed golf, cheering on Juventus and the Azzurri on TV, and attending Kelowna Rockets games. Onofrio was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and was their biggest cheerleader at their various activities and events. He was truly blessed by the care and love provided by his wife, Cleofe and cherished his time spent with family and many friends throughout his life.
The family sincerely wishes to thank family physician Dr. Hendriks for his care and support, as well as the doctors, nurses, and various staff at Kelowna General Hospital and Hospice House that provided loving and expert care to Onofrio in ER, GI, 5B, 4A, and DI – especially Dr. Bak & Dr. Agnew in the Gastrointestinal Unit and Hospitalists Dr. Dyck, Dr. Dittaro, and Dr. Wilson on 4A.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Onofrio’s memory can be made to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation at, 250-862-4438, to either the “White Heart Project” supporting local health care workers or to “Hospice House” for patients in palliative care.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of UPDATED – CURATOLO Onofrio “Ono —..
Death notice for the town of: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique