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ROBERTO ANTONIO POTENZA
Born: May 12, 1957
Date of Passing: Dec 23, 2019
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
ROBERTO ANTONIO POTENZA
May 12, 1957 - December 23, 2019
Anything that has a birth,
must also have a death.
But because the spirit is given
and has no birth
It will never die
(adapted from Beyond the Ridge
by Paul Goble)
Roberto was born in Ripacandida, Italy to Teodoro Potenza and Giuseppina Guglielmucci. He immigrated to Winnipeg with his parents as a teenager. Rob was funny, opinionated, kind, stubborn, and loud. He loved to tell corny jokes which took ages to get through because he couldn't stop laughing. He loved his family and was very proud of them. He also enjoyed his work as a Master Barber, talking and joking with his many customers whom he considered his friends.
His favourite pastimes included soccer, hunting with his brother Danny, making fabulous homemade wine, cooking, and eating.
He was predeceased by his son Alessandro in 1994, and his parents. He is survived by Donna Petrie, his wife of 42 years, daughter Jennifer, grandchildren, Sierra and Alex, sisters, Lina Santarsieri (Michele) and Rosanna Cialdella (Donato), brothers, Angelo (Giovanna), Donato and Mario (Heather) and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and Italy.
We will miss his off-key singing, practical jokes, and playing tombola with the grandchildren. Roberto had some crazy schemes, once climbing a 30-foot tree in the backyard with the intent of cutting it down from the top.
Roberto loved watching Italian soccer on TV. His support of AC Milan was as unwavering as his disdain for Juventis.
He appreciated the concern of all his friends and clients, even though he was too sick to respond or visit with them.
Funeral services will be January 2, 2020 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 510 River Avenue with Father Sam Argenziano officiating. Condolences from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Mass at 11:00 a.m.
The church has been beautifully decorated for the holidays. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
Goodbye for now Caro Mio, till we meet again
May his memory be a blessing to us all
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 28, 2019
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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It was incredibly sad to see this news. My condolences. Roberto cut my hair from when I was a young child all the way up until middle age. I even roped in other generations for the experience - having my father and son get cuts. Not only did we go for the cut but to be regaled by stories of Italy, Scotland, the latest soccer match and Winnipeg’s road construction. As time passed, and we moved away, it was a guarantee that every time I returned to Winnipeg I would make a visit to his chair for the conversation and camaraderie. It was also my turn to spin some stories. A good man, he will be missed. - Posted by: Marcus (Client and Friend) on: Jun 19, 2021
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Roberto cut my hair many times. I moved away from Wpg and lost track of him. Today I googled his name, and was saddened to learn of his passing. RIP. - Posted by: Darryl M (client) on: Feb 07, 2021
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For 36 years Roberto cut my hair. A nicer guy couldn't be found, and I'll miss him terribly. Thank-you, my friend, for showing me your garden and the many stories we told about the next garden season. I'm sorry you won't be growing any more tomatoes and peppers 😣. Thank-you also for teaching me the joy and efficiency of Amaro Luciano, still my favorite digestive. Love, Erv Neufeld - Posted by: Erv Neufeld (Friend) on: Jan 23, 2020
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Roberto cut Noah's hair for the first time at age 10 mos and said "I don't cut children's hair!" quite abruptly and wasn't too happy about it. 14 years later he was still cutting Noah's hair (and subsequently Josh's (age 9) for all these years, once per month with a huge smile, hugs and laughter when he greeted the boys, and our family. Roberto always remembered what the boys were doing in school, asked about their hockey, and especially their summer soccer which they took great pleasure in telling him all about. This past year, prior to Roberto's departure, he brought in soccer pictures from when he was a youth in Italy to show the boys at their appointment. Thank you Roberto for your years of service and friendship and you will be greatly missed and remembered fondly. Pam, Brian, Noah and Josh CURTIS - Posted by: Brian, Pamela, Noah and Joshua (Clients and friends) on: Jan 08, 2020
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I am so sadden to hear of Roberto’s passing, he was a real friend and will truly be missed. God only takes the very best to be his angels. - Posted by: Mike and Mina Guzzardi. (friend ) on: Jan 02, 2020
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Sending heartfelt condolences to Donna and the extended family in Canada. Cherish the memories. Lots of Love from Fiona and Simon and the extended Petrie family in the United Kingdom - Posted by: Fiona Fraser (Aunt (by his marriage to Donna)) on: Dec 30, 2019
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I Would like to extend my Deepest Condolences to The Potenza Family.Roberto was a Kind and Gentle man. Angelo, Mario, Donato. I'm So Sorry and Love You. We always respected each Other. As I can See Roberto is wearing Our Favourite Team jersey. God Bless! In these Hard Times and Always! - Posted by: Tony Guzzi (friend) on: Dec 30, 2019
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I was a client of Roberto's for many years and as stated in the obituary was one of his many client/friends. My condolences to his wife, daughter and grandchildren about whom he spoke with great love and pride as well as to his siblings and other extended family. We had many laughs over many appointments over the years and I always appreciated his warm wishes. He will be missed by many. Sincerely, Dennis Smith - Posted by: Dennis Smith (Client) on: Dec 30, 2019
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Roberto, thank you for 30 years of friendship and haircuts. Sweet dreams my friend. Doug - Posted by: Doug (Friend and Client) on: Dec 29, 2019
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We are so sorry for your loss. Although Roberto was a smaller man in stature, he had a bigger than life personality. We have great memories of the laugh that you describe and the twinkle he would get in his eyes when he was being funny. An example was when he led us to believe we were eating chicken but when we had finished, told us it was your per rabbit. I never was sure what we had eaten but it was good. We were a witness to his deep love for his family and hope that your memories of him will help you through this difficult time. With our deepest sympathy, Rudy and Sharon Braun - Posted by: Rudy and Sharon (Neighbours and friends) on: Dec 29, 2019
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IT IS SAD WHEN WE LOSE FRIENDS, IT IS NORMAL, SOMETIME LIKE IN THIS CASE WE LOST ROBERTO, AND WITH AN OPEN HEART I CAN SAY HE WAS MUCH MORE THAN A FRIEND, IT WAS ALWAYS IMPOSSIBLE TO NOT TO BE WITH HIM, WHEN HE WAS AROUND, HIS BEHAVIOR WAS CONTAGIOUS. HE WILL BE REMEMBERED, TO BE ONE OF THE NICEST FRIEND WITH A BIG HEART. CIAO ROBERTO. AND OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE ALL FAMILY ETTORE - Posted by: ETTORE PAGANELLI (FRIEND+) on: Dec 28, 2019
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Very sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences are with during this extremely difficult time. - Posted by: Lucio Vena (Friend and fellow Hairstylist) on: Dec 28, 2019
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My wife Janice and I are so sorry to learn of Roberto’s passing. I was a client of Roberto’s for over 30 years, until he became too ill to continue. I have missed his expertise and our chats. We shared stories about our families and trips we took, and he always had a smile and a hug for Janice when he would see her. As the years passed, we would laugh about how our hair became a little thinner and a lot whiter! He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to you and the family. Sincerely, Larry & Janice Readman - Posted by: Larry Readman (Client & friend) on: Dec 28, 2019
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We offer our heartfelt condolences from across the sea. Roberto's kind, funny soul and generous spirit touched so many and he will never be forgotten. May all your wonderful memories and precious family support you, Donna and Jenn, at this time. Rest in peace Roberto, may God take you in his arms to Heaven, to be with those who have gone before you xx - Posted by: Ellie, Aaron, Katie and Daniel (Scottish family) on: Dec 28, 2019
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So sorry to hear of your loss Dan. Having a brother who has serious health issues myself, I truly understand what you must have gone through. If there is anything I can do, just let me know. - Posted by: George Sykes (Co-Worker and friend of Dan Potenza) on: Dec 28, 2019