BERLANDO Joseph

BERLANDO, Joseph

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, Joseph Berlando. He left this world suddenly and peacefully on October 28, 2013.  He is pre-deceased by his dear wife, Maria (Wally).  He is survived by his sons Timothy, Robert, Edward and Brian (Kim), and by his beloved grandchildren Michael, Lauren, Corey, Ryan, Danielle and Benjamin.  He was born in Drumheller, the son of hard-working immigrants. His first job was in the coal mines of Rosedale, alongside his father.  He became a teacher and worked in tiny Wayne, Alberta at his first job, where he then became principal of the school.  He subsequently continued his teaching career in Lethbridge, but found his true calling in his career at the Alberta Teacher’s Association in Edmonton, where he worked for over three decades.  He was deeply committed to teaching and the teaching profession, and took immense pride in the bargaining that he did to help give the teachers of this province a better life, working long hours to come to fair agreements time and again.  Even after his retirement, he continued to work for the Alberta Retired Teacher’s Association for several years.  After Wally passed, he spent his final years in Calgary.  Aside from his love for his family and his job, his great passion was music. Almost every weekend after work at the coal mine, he would be found playing his sax or clarinet for dances, sometimes with Wally joining as guest vocalist. He continued to play in bands throughout his career, and well into retirement.  Even when his vision started to fail him, he still would play his clarinet by ear, and even joined a band through the CNIB in Calgary once he moved there. We will dearly miss his sentimental heart, his prowess at cribbage (several of his grandkids learned to be card sharks with his help), his love of good food and drink, and chuckling at his snoozes in his comfie chairs over the years. Special thanks to Rob’s partner, Tracy, and to the staff at the McKenzie Towne Retirement Residence  for the care and concern they provided to Joe while he resided in Calgary. Please join us to celebrate his life at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, the Prayer Vigil to be held Sunday, November 3, at 7 pm and the funeral mass on Monday, November 4 at 10 am. Father James Hagel is the celebrant.  Flowers gratefully declined.  If you wish, donations in memory of Joe may be made to CNIB 15 Colonel Baker Place N.E. Calgary, AB T2E 4Z3