Ernesto "Ernie" SPADAFORA

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ernesto (Ernie) Spadafora on Friday, December 19, 2025. Ernie, one month shy of 87 years old, died peacefully in his sleep at Fort McMurray’s Northern Lights Regional Care Centre after a nearly two-year battle with cancer.

Ernie was born January 22, 1939, to Teresa and Michele Spadafora just outside of Sant’Ippolito, Cosenza, Italy. He spent his early years growing up on the farm and attending elementary school in Italy. Ernie made the brave decision to immigrate to Canada in July of 1957, following his father and uncles in pursuit of a better life. He worked tirelessly to have his mother and younger siblings join them. Ernie succeeded, and they arrived in July of 1960, residing together in Edmonton, Alberta.

In the spring of 1967, Ernie returned to Italy for a visit and fell in love with Carmelina. The two married that April. The newlyweds chose to build their lives in Canada, returning to Edmonton together in June and quickly starting their family. After having two kids together, Ernie and Carmelina moved to Leduc, Alberta. The family moved from Leduc to Biggar, Saskatchewan, in 1975, where they opened Biggar Bakery. Ernie’s reputation for delicious baked goods travelled far and wide, and he greatly influenced the lives of those who worked with him over the twenty-one-year period. Ernie was an extraordinary mentor and friend.

After selling the Biggar Bakery in 1986, Ernie began leasing Cade’s Family Dining at the Motor Inn in Rosetown, Saskatchewan. He and Carmelina moved to Rosetown a few years later, where they set down roots. Ernie considered Rosetown his home. He purchased another restaurant, the Highway Host, in the early nineties. The restaurant business kept him busy.

While working at the Highway Host, Ernie was touched by the Holy Spirit. In 2002, he and several friends gathered weekly to study the bible. These study sessions brought a sense of joy and peace into Ernie’s life. He spoke of those treasured memories often.

Ernie had a tough time settling into retirement. His final venture was Piccolo Pizza, opening its doors in 2018. Feeding people helped to feed Ernie’s soul.

Ernie spent the final 18 months of his life in Fort McMurray, Alberta. As always, he made friends easily and enjoyed walking the track solo or with his friends from the Golden Years Society, and attended mass every Sunday with Angela. He continued to bake and cook, occasionally sharing his delicious food with the students and staff of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic High School, where he was known to all as Papa Ernie.

Ernesto is survived by Carmelina, his wife of 58 years; his children, Dave (Mary-Ann) and Angela (David); his four grandchildren, Bella, Cole, James and Lucas; his siblings, Vergenia, Rita, Mario (Assunta), Francesco (Patricia), and Eduardo (Lynn); and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Michele and Teresa; his brother, Guiseppi; and his brothers-in-law, Vincenzo and Guerino.

Ernie had the most unique way of filling a room with love. He shared his love in many ways and always, always, always through his food. You could taste the love he put into every dish. One of our favourite ways he shared his love was by pulling us into his circle; he leaned in when he told his stories, and he usually had a pre-laugh and a smack on the knee when he was going to tell you a good joke. But the best way was when he put us to work with him. We love those memories! Ernie shared his craft, taught his skills, and made it all feel like a warm embrace. The amazing thing is that he could even do this magic over the phone. Man!! We miss him already.

The Vigil of Prayer will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Parish, 208 Little Flower Ave, Rosetown, Saskatchewan. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Parish, 208 Little Flower Ave, Rosetown, Saskatchewan. Rite of Committal will follow at Rosetown Cemetery.

A recording of the service can be viewed at - https://boxcast.tv/view/ernie-spadafora-funeral-mass-tmuoeji3mdrykpjuddkc

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ernesto’s name to the Ronald McDonald House so that families can stay together while their loved ones are in the hospital. https://ronaldmcdonaldhousealberta.org/donate/donate-general/

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all family and friends who have shared their beautiful memories and offered their support and love.