Da MAREN, Emanuele (Berto)

Emanuele (Berto) Da Maren of Guelph Ontario, formerly Casacorba Italy, unexpectedly passed away on January 5th 2022, much too soon at the age of 70. Berto will be enormously missed by his loving wife Flavia Da Maren (nee Gardiman) of almost 48 years. Beloved father of Christopher (Monica), Nicholas (Mairin), and Andrew (Krystle). Cherished Nonno to his adoring grandchildren Massimo, Claudio, Luca, Cora and Francesca. A family man through and through, Berto will not soon be forgotten by many siblings: Bill and Franca Da Maren, the late Maria and the late Joseph Manera, Rosetta and the late Pietro Lago, Adele and the late Pietro Bresolin, Gina and the late Elario Martinello, Clara and John Gazzola, Yole and John Ostetto, the late Reno and Linda Da Maren, Silvano and Rita Da Maren, his twin sister Rina and Giuseppe Foscaro, Fernanda and Mario Gobbi and Daniela and Walter Zadro. Adored Son-in-law of Natalina and the late Aldo Gardiman, brother-in-law to Michelle and Jim English. Predeceased by his loving parents Luigia (Basso) and Attilio Da Maren. The life of the party, Berto loved to joke around with his family and friends. He was a beloved zio to many nieces and nephews who will miss his kindness and charisma dearly.

Berto was born is Casacorba Italy in 1951 just minutes before his twin sister, Rina. Surrounded by loving, hard working parents, nine sisters and three brothers, Berto’s early years were filled with fun, family, and laughter. At the age of nine, Berto and la Famiglia Da Maren immigrated to Guelph ON. He cherished every moment growing up surrounded by his large family and spoke fondly of their first home on Harris St. Berto would tell long tales of the antic’s his siblings would get into (culminating with raucous laughter of course); playing soccer and ice hockey in Lyon’s Park and going to St. James Junior High School. During his tenure at St. James Berto was hit head over heels for another Italian girl named Flavia Gardiman. Little flirtations, sly looks, and giggly banter soon blossomed into a lifelong love for each other, ultimately taking the plunge by getting married and having three boys of their own. Dad was always there for his three sons and was a natural teacher to them. Whether on the racetrack, hockey rink, soccer field, or studies, he instilled commitment and perseverance. Once the boys grew bigger and had children of their own, Berto grew a new sparkle in his eye. Nonno was always there for his grandchildren, especially for fun times in the pool, tobogganing down the front hill, rides on the tractor, BBQ’s and bonfires. The life of the party, he loved meeting people and always managed to find new friends everywhere he went. A passion for music, he always had the radio, audio tape, or CD on in the background. Early in his life he learned to read music by playing the accordion, but it wasn’t until later in life he discovered the Guitar. Self-taught, depending on who you talk to, he quickly became comfortable with the old 5 string. Berto’s outgoing nature led him to find various groups of musicians who liked to Jam, or Hoot-E-Nanny, eventually finding his way to the St. John’s Choir playing guitar. Family was always at the center of his life, but he demonstrated loyalty and dedication through his 52 years of work at Barry Cullen in Guelph. Even staying on after retirement to work as the shuttle driver for the Service Department. A chance meeting in this shuttle led Berto to work for the Village by the Arboretum. There he drove the shuttle bus for the resident community, bringing his good nature and zest for life to all the seniors there.

Through it all Berto is a one-of-a-kind soul who lived life each moment at a time. He lived for family, friends, and always had a “good” joke up his sleeve. We wish for you to remember him in these moments as we honor his request for a private funeral and entombment at Our Lady Immaculate Mausoleum in Marymount Cemetery, Guelph on Tuesday January 11th, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations to Diabetes Canada, or any other charity of your choice, will be greatly appreciated.