ROCCO ALFONSO CARBONE
March 15, 1925 – November 21, 2017

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rocco Alfonso Carbone. Rocco passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his beloved and caring wife of 66 years Vittoria (nee Lopez); daughter Caterina (Hassan); son Stanislao (Anna); granddaughters Francesca (Richie), Afet Leyla (John Paul); great granddaughter Azra; brother Salvatore (in Italy) and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, Italy, France and Argentina.
He was predeceased by his parents Caterina Urso and Stanislao Carbone, who he lost at an early age, sisters Rosina, Luisa, Assunta, Vittoria, Antonietta and brothers Lenini and Tonino.
Rocco Carbone was born in San Giovanni in Fiore (Calabria) on March 15, 1925. He entered the world shortly after the establishment of the fascist dictatorship, an event which was to be decisive in his political education and cultural formation. He spent some of his childhood in Catanzaro with his father, following the passing of his mother. He would recall with great emotion and enthusiasm his life experiences in Catanzaro. The city was to play a significant role in his personal development.
Following the Second World War he assumed the responsibility of head foreman in Calabria’s reforestation program. It was during this period that he became politically active, promoting the interests of the labour movement which had re-emerged in Italy following the collapse of fascism. His radical political views often found him at odds with the established order. He continued to hold these views in Canada. He had as a role model his father who was one of the founders of the socialist movement in San Giovanni in Fiore.
Rocco immigrated to Winnipeg in 1960 sponsored by his brother Salvatore who had arrived in the city in 1956. Shortly thereafter, he landed a job at Kaplan’s garment factory. As a result he was able to sponsor his spouse and children. As so many immigrants, the process of adjustment and integration was an arduous one often testing his resolve and fortitude.
Over the years Rocco also worked as a security guard, maintenance worker at Flyer Industries and for several years operated Sydney Grocery in East Kildonan.
Rocco was totally committed to the well-being of his family. His love for them knew no bounds and he made every possible effort to ensure that their needs, emotional, educational and economic, were met. This included leaving his beloved Italy to strive for a better life in Canada. In Vittoria, he found the ideal partner in cultivating the proper conditions for his family to thrive.
Rocco was a self-taught individual. His knowledge was extensive and profound. He was able to reflect and speak with great authority on a range of topics such as politics, history, literature, philosophy, religion, science, economics, Italian cinema, and many others.
Rocco was steeped in secular humanist values. He firmly believed in the role of human agency in effecting social change and even in the most difficult of times never lost faith in humanity. He was especially concerned about the disadvantaged, the oppressed and the marginalized.
Although he left his beloved San Giovanni in Fiore in 1960 and was to return only once some fifteen years later, Rocco never lost his affection and love for his hometown. But he never idealized his hometown; he was fully cognizant of its socio-economic and political problems and imperfections. Family conversations abounded with anecdotes and reflections about the people and places of San Giovanni in Fiore. He expressed himself with candor, vitality and a vividness in which fine details (the stuff of everyday life) came out sharply. He was an astute and sensitive observer of human actions with all their strengths and weaknesses, contradictions and contrasts. He had the gift of describing particular circumstances without losing sight of the broader social and historical forces that were at play.
Rocco Carbone was proud of his heritage and passionate about his political views. But ultimately his legacy lies in his ability to conduct himself in an honest and dignified manner. As a result his family and all who knew him are all the better for having been a part of his life.
The Carbone family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the homecare workers, Palliative Care Manitoba’s professionals and staff of Concordia Hospital for making every conceivable effort to make Rocco’s last days as serene and peaceful as possible. In so doing they represent a clear validation that his faith in humanity was not in vain. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
Please join the Carbone family on Sunday, November 26, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM to celebrate Rocco’s life at the Mosaic Event Centre, 1006 Nairn Ave. Winnipeg, MB. A family directed service will occur at 11:00 AM followed by a time of reception and fellowship concluding at 3:00 PM.
For online condolences or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca

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