CALGARY — Marco Abdi, owner of Calgary’s La Brezza, died from lung cancer Sunday. He was 59.
Abdi owned La Brezza Italian restaurant since 1987. “My father’s kind, compassionate, and strong legacy perseveres within the countless lives he touched each day he lived on this Earth. His million-dollar smile and amazing personality will be greatly missed. My family and I could not have imagined a greater father, husband, friend and role model even if we tried,” said his daughter Madina in a statement to the Calgary Herald.
Somalia-born Aldi moved to Calgary in 1981 with only a few dollars in his pocket. He worked as a caretaker in a medical building and lived in a house across the street. Six years later, he opened La Brezza there; his mother-in-law, Angela, is the chef.
The memorial service will be held Feb. 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with reception to follow at Centre Street Church at 3900 2nd St. S.E. in Calgary.
