Mario Calanna funeral held in Cairns celebrates FNQ leader

Cairns leader, author and businessman Mario Calanna has been remembered for his determination, honesty and compassion by a full house at Saint Monica’s Cathedral.

Cairns pharmacist Mario Calanna was farewelled at Saint Monica's Cathedral on Tuesday.

Determination, honesty, humility, compassion and a courageous personality not afraid to honestly speak up were all endearing hallmarks of departed Cairns leader, author, businessman and community advocate Mario Calanna.

There was not a spare seat in the house at a moving send off for the Cairns healthcare stalwart who died peacefully at his Woree home on November 26, aged 72.

Delivering the eulogy, son Matthew Calanna, spoke dearly of a man who prided himself on service to a Far North community he cared deeply for.

“For Mario there was a need to do for others before anything else,” he said.

“He always believed that if you can do more and look after the people around you and your community, everything else will take care if its self.

Father Nathan McKay blesses the casket of celebrated Cairns businessman Mario Calanna at a funeral service held on Tuesday at Saint Monica's Cathedral. Picture: Peter Carruthers

“Your relationships, finances, your business, your career, your spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing will take care of itself, if you first serve others.”

Mr Calanna said while most shy away from confrontation, his father was not afraid of rocking the boat and upsetting the status quo.

“Dad mastered being confronting,” he said.

“He would tell you what you needed to hear without being apologetic or apathetic, but he always did it first and foremost from a place of love and respect of the person by being humble and showing great compassion patience, forgiveness, honesty and humility.”

A full house was in attendance at Saint Monica's Cathedral for the funeral of Mario Calanna on Tuesday. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Mr Calanna founded Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy in 1976 and grew the business to 10 shops across Queensland before the recent divesting of the group to the TerryWhite Chemmart Network.

For five decades, in an unwavering commitment to the community of Cairns, the business leader achieved a long list of accolades and right up until his death continued to advocate for his community.

Pharmacist Mario Calanna with wife Linda and children Catherine and Matthew in 1992 Picture: Supplied

“It made him an incredible son, husband, father, nonno, brother, uncle friend and mentor,” Mr Calanna said.

“He described his character in a very simple way, as doing the right thing simply because it was the right thing to do, regardless of whether the whole world is watching.”

Mr Calanna’s death followed a 2018 blood cancer diagnosis.

Linda Calanna, with Catherine and Madeline Hackett lay the pall over the casket of Mario Calanna's at a funeral service held on Tuesday at Saint Monica's Cathedral. Picture: Peter Carruthers

In lieu of flowers family requested that mourners donate to COUCH, an organisation dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people living with cancer and the FNQ Hospital Foundation.

After the service Mr Calanna was interred at Forest View Cemetery in Mount Sheridan.

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Originally published as Mario Calanna funeral held in Cairns celebrates FNQ leader