Romeo Riga

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Romeo RIGA passed away on September 29, 2026, in Burnaby, BC, at the age of 92.

Romeo was born on May 10, 1934, in the small village of Zompicchia to parents Vittorio and Santina. At 18, he entered the military in Rome and after 3 years of service, left Italy on an adventure to search for international work. For the next few years, he lived in Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland, and Brazil before making the voyage to his 7th country of residence, Vancouver, Canada. While there, he took a 4 month opportunity to work at Faro Mine in the Yukon, building homes for the miners. It was there that he fell in love with the nature and beauty of the country and decided to make Canada his permanent home. He returned to Italy to marry his wife, Anna Maria, and brought her to Canada to start a family together. They had 2 children, settled into their home in East Vancouver, and became Canadian citizens. He took great pride in later becoming “Nonno” to his 2 grandchildren.

Romeo was a proud member of the Concrete Masons Union and only stopped working in his 70’s, after being forced to retire due to health reasons. Romeo’s hobbies were fishing, winemaking, and bocce ball, but his true passion was gardening, which he enjoyed daily.

Romeo was a member of the Famee Furlane in Vancouver and attended many banquets and events there over the years.

He regularly attended Italian Sunday picnics at Confederation Park with Anna Maria where he enjoyed food and a few competitive games of bocce with his friends.

He is predeceased by his brother Bruno of Australia and sister Maria of Italy. He leaves behind his wife Anna Maria of 56 years, daughter Debora, son Victor, grandchildren Noah and Hannah, and many nieces and nephews in Italy and Australia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 11:30 am at St. Helen’s Parish at 3860 Triumph Street in Burnaby, BC.

Entombment to follow at Ocean View Burial Park, Grand Mausoleum.