Michele Rossi was born on November 9, 1917, in Terranova, Benevento, Campania, Italy. Beatrice Covino was born February 2, 1921, in Arpaise, Benevento, Campania, Italy.

Growing up in Italy, they both worked hard on their family land growing grapes and olives,  and raising animals.

In 1938, Michele was a twenty year-old sergeant in the Italian army. In 1941, he was among the four thousand Italian troops sent to occupy Albania. On September 17, 1943, the Nazis came to Albania and when the Italian troops refused to co-operate with them, many were shot. The rest were marched off on a trek to Germany as forced workers in a steel factory.

On March 19, 1945 when the Americans liberated the work camp survivors, Michele had dropped to a weight of ninety pounds. When he returned home, he was surprised and joyful that Beatrice had waited patiently for him for seven years.

After being engaged for twelve years, they married on March 3, 1946. Daughter, Elda, was born in 1946 and daughter, Luigina, in 1951.

In the spring of 1952, Michele emigrated to Smithers, BC, to make enough money to send for his family.  This was the situation for many immigrants. In May 1956, his family joined him. A son, Carmine, was born in 1957.

In Smithers, Michele worked as a labourer for the Canadian National Railways while Beatrice worked in the local hospital and hotel.

They moved to Kelowna, BC, in the summer of 1971. Michele continued to work for the C.N.R. and Beatrice worked at the Capri Hotel until their retirement. Like most Italian immigrants, they took advantage of Kelowna's growing season, by growing an annual garden full of tomatoes, peppers, beans and peas. 

Michele passed away December 22, 2001, being the first person to be laid to rest in Kelowna Cemetery's Mausoleum. Beatrice followed him on August 15, 2012.

Contributed by Joey Vecchio, friend.

Born in 1926 in Flaibano, Udine, Italy, Remi immigrated to Canada as a child. His father was stationed in Moyie, BC, in the Crowsnest Pass (East Kootenays). He was a Foreman on the railroad. It was there that Remi received his first accordion; his love of music and this instrument was born.

Remi went to University in Victoria, British Columbia to become a teacher. And, even though he only taught school for a short period of time, it ignited his love of teaching. Many of his music students can attest to the patience, love, and dedication he put into every lesson. 

Remi moved to Vancouver, BC, where he opened a clothing store, Picco's Men's Wear. He also, successfully invested in Real Estate. At the age of 41, this dashing entrepreneur bachelor was swept off his feet by a beautiful, vibrant preschool teacher, Melcha, and with whom he celebrated 52 years of marriage.

In 1976, on a random trip to Kelowna, BC, Remi stumbled upon a piece of property for sale that captured his heart. He bought it on the spot. He sold everything in Vancouver and gave up his business to follow his true passion, music. Remi was a competitor, and eventually a judge at the Kimberly Accordion Music Festival, where he always won in his categories. He also won the Congeniality Award every single year. This makes perfect sense if you have ever had the pleasure of meeting Remi and seeing those sparkly blue eyes, the greatest smile, and heard his corny jokes that cracked him up every time he told them. 

Remi was active in the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club (KCIC), as well as other community organizations. He played his accordion at Folkfest for many years, as he accompanied Italian dancers, of all ages, and the children and men's choirs. He was part of the men's choir at Expo 86 in Vancouver. He was also part of the performance group that attended the Canadian Heritage Festival, in Halifax, in 1979. He was a smiling face at KCIC Christmas parties, on parade floats, and performed at numerous special occasions for many families.
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Remi's other passion was travel, and he truly travelled the world: Europe, Egypt, Australia, Brazil, Japan, and the United States. He loved immersing himself in different cultures and had lasting friendships from every place he visited. He passed away in 2022.

Adapted from Remi’s eulogy by his daughter, Theah Picco-Crockett.

Luigi Pagliaro (Lou/Louis) was born in 1945 in Cleto, Cosenza, Italy, to Giuseppe Pagliaro and Carmela Russo. Growing up, Luigi had three sisters: Annuzza, Ada and Bianca. During his childhood, Luigi bore significant responsibilities at home, alongside his mother, while his father worked away from home in Africa, Sicily, and eventually Canada.

In 1958, Luigi, along with his mother and youngest sister, Bianca, embarked on a passenger ship journey to Canada. They arrived in Halifax and traveled across the country by train, settling and reuniting with their father in Revelstoke, B.C. 

Following his education, Luigi began working in construction with the Trans-Canada Highway department. Later, he transitioned into auto body repair. Luigi eventually formed a partnership,  Phil & Louis Auto-body.   His dedication was particularly evident in the challenging conditions of working in the Rogers Pass. Luigi was an active member of the Knights of Columbus in Revelstoke and also contributed his services as a volunteer auxiliary with the RCMP. 

Elda Mele was a Christmas baby, born in 1949 in Serra Pedace, Cosenza, Italy, to Leonardo Mele and Marietta Oliverio. She was the youngest of five children in the family: Rafelina, Antonio (Tony), Ivanna and Olinda. In 1961, Elda traveled by passenger ship, with her mother and sisters, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. From there, the family traveled by train to Revelstoke B.C., to be reunited with their father and brother, Antonio.  Elda obtained her hairdressing license at the age of 18. Living in such a tight knit Italian community, the Pagliaro and Mele families became very close friends. It didn't take long before the handsome Luigi became enamoured with the beautiful Elda, and they were married in 1967. 

Luigi and Elda moved with their two young children, Joseph (Denise Kurio) and Melina (Shawn Lytton)  to Kelowna, BC in 1975. Their third child, Jennifer, was born in Kelowna. All three children were enveloped by the love and care, of not only their parents, but also their paternal grandparents and a large extended family. 

In 1978, Luigi and his cousin, Eugene Filice, acquired Kelowna Auto Body, which became a thriving business for 27 years. After a brief retirement, Luigi felt a strong calling to return to meaningful work, which led him to Anthony's Subaru, where he worked for his longtime friend, Tony Lunelli. While raising her family, Elda had a successful career as a hairstylist for over 40 years. She dedicated many of those years to Hennie's Hair Studio and also ran her own salon, Elda's Hair by Design. 

Luigi and Elda had a very busy and welcoming household to friends and family. Both Luigi and Elda found great enjoyment in gardening, playing bocce, bowling, foraging for wild mushrooms, and traveling. Luigi and Elda have been blessed with seven grandchildren: Liam, Hannah, Kai, Ava, Maia, Macy, and Makayla.  The Pagliaro family actively participated in numerous activities and events in Kelowna, often engaging with the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club community. From cultural gatherings to recreational outings, they cherished the moments spent together, fostering strong bonds and lasting memories.

Luigi passed away in October 2023, after a battle with pancreatic cancer and is interred at Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Contributed by Melina Pagliaro Lytton, daughter.

Romeo was born in Renazzo, and Ada in Cento, both part of Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. The towns are only 22 kilometres apart and Ada first met Romeo in 1947, while he was working in Cento. In 1951, they married and emigrated to Argentina. In 1958, they welcomed their daughter, Gloria. They returned to Italy in 1962. They found Italy offered limited economic opportunities, so they emigrated to Canada, in 1967, settling in Kelowna, BC, close to Ada’s sister, Luisa Manderioli.

Life in Canada proved challenging for the Orlandis. Romeo had a PhD in Economics from the University of Bologna, Italy, and had extensive experience working as an accountant. But, he was 45 and could not speak English. Romeo tried his hand at orchard work before he made the difficult decision to live alone in Vancouver, for six months, to enrol in formal English classes. He was subsequently hired as comptroller for Sun Rype, working there until his retirement in 1986.

While Romeo was in Vancouver, Ada first found work as a teacher on call with District 23, teaching Spanish and French. After a couple years, she landed full time work as Immaculata High School’s charismatic French teacher. Ada was a gifted linguist. She was fully fluent in Spanish, French, Italian and English. She also spoke Greek, which she learned during her childhood, spent on Rhodes Island, Greece. Ada empathized with young people and was a gifted storyteller. Her students remembered her, lovingly. They were mesmerized by her stories and experiences from other countries. 

Romeo was the perfect social companion. He was a great dancer and fantastic card player, excelling at poker, Canasta and Rummy. He was also an expert at the Argentinian dice game, Generala. Romeo loved philosophical debates and witty stories. He spent much of his time in his garden where he grew “world famous” red green lettuce and sweet strawberries. During breaks from yard work, he watched soccer, boxing, tennis and F1 racing, on TV.

Ada was multi-talented. She had worked as a professional actor when she was a young lady in Italy. She had an uncanny ability to mimic accents. Her great comedic timing made her the hit of any social gathering she attended. Of note, was when she dressed up as “the Befana,” for several families living in an apartment building in Italy. While in Canada, every year she would direct her students, at Immaculata Secondary School, in a one act play, performed totally in French - something unheard of for a high school language class. Ada retired from teaching in 1989.

Ada was also an excellent cook. Romeo and Ada loved to entertain and Ada took it upon herself to master scores of recipes. Her pasta dishes, turkey roast and pork loin medallions were world class, but so were her many desserts: English Trifle, chocolate mousse, bread pudding and brioche.  

Romeo and Ada were generous supporters of the Canadian Italian Club. Ada taught Italian to both children and adults for several decades. She was available whenever a formal Italian translation was required. 

Daughter, Gloria Orlandi, married her high school sweetheart, Geoff Lillos, in 1981. The couple lives in Vancouver, BC. They have a daughter, Sarah (an award-winning interior designer), and son, Stefan (a gifted salesman). Gloria worked in the fashion retail industry in Vancouver for several decades. Gloria and Geoff Lillos recently welcomed their first grandchild.

Romeo died, suddenly, in 1986. Ada passed away in 2016. Romeo and Ada are interred in the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery.

Contributed by Gloria Lillos, daughter.

Max was born November 19, 1938, in Summerland, British Columbia to Carmelo and Mary Ongaro (nee Betuzzi). They and their families were Italian immigrants, happy to be making new lives in Canada. Max has a younger sister, Jo-Ann.

After his schooling in Summerland, Max worked on the construction of the Okanagan Lake Provincial Park Campgrounds, before moving to Toronto, Ontario, to continue his post-secondary education. He was educated in electronics engineering and business administration. He worked at Collins Radio and eventually IBM. 

Joan was born, along with her twin Jean, on January 31, 1943 in Mattawa, Ontario to Sidney & Colette Turcotte. They were the eldest of 11 children. Joan grew up mostly in Mattawa, Ontario, then left for Toronto.

It was in Toronto that Max met Joanie. They were married in 1963 in Mattawa, Ontario, Joan’s hometown and enjoyed a loving 51-year zany and zesty life-long companionship. In 1968, Max and Joan moved to Rutland, BC, where they could be closer to Max’s family. Max began an over 20-year career with Western Star Trucks. Max and Joan raised their three children: Denise (Monty) Scott, Dana (Doug) Howe and Dean (Christine) Ongaro.

In 1997, Max and Joan started a new life in Fort St. John, B.C. They made many good friends and adopted 3 grandchildren. In 2003, Max retired from Peacock Inc. so he and Joan could return to Kelowna, back with their family again. Later, Max came out of retirement, a couple times but, in October 2018, just before his 80th birthday, Max retired for the last time after coordinating the parking at the Landmark Buildings for several years.

Being extroverts, Max and Joan also loved hosting and attending large parties and having guests in their home. Max loved gardening, doing projects with his friends, skiing, fishing, hunting and kayaking. Max was known for his genuine accepting smile and kindness. He was supportive, encouraging and could see past people’s hostility, remaining calm and patient in all kinds of situations.

Joan will be remembered for her love of her family and country, her sense of style, vivacious and adventurous spirit, creativity, sense of humour, contagious laugh and her ability to love generously. Max passed away on May 7, 2020 and Joan on April 20, 2015.

Adapted from Springfield Funeral Home Obituaries.

Emilio was born on May 28, 1935, in Ateleta, Provincia di L’Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy. His parents were Vincenzo Nanci, a contadini, and Olimpia Di Biasi. He has two sisters: Palmerina Visocchi and Giovanna (Joanne) Cellini.

Lina was born on August 13, 1936, in  Acciano, Provincia di L’Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy.  Her parents were Nazareno Accili, a game warden, and Almina Giangregorio. She has three brothers: Ennio, Marcello, and Roberto, and three sisters: Clelia DiGiacomo, Gianna Margadonna and Vera Accili.

Emilio’s father, Vincenzo, sponsored by his sister, Domenica, came to Canada in the early 1940s. Emilio came to Canada in 1956, with his mother and two sisters, to meet up with their father, Vincenzo, who was already in North Vancouver, BC. Lina was sponsored by Emilio, her life long “fidanzato," and made the journey to Canada in 1958, in the dead of winter, by herself!  Both Lina and Emilio landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and took the train across Canada. They were married in North Vancouver, on January 10, 1959.

Emilio and Lina and family took a vacation to Kelowna, BC, in 1970, staying at the Canamara Motel on Lakeshore (now the Manteo resort). They fell in love with the area, as it reminded them of their home province in Italy. In 1974, they decided to move to Kelowna. They purchased some land in the Lower Mission and Emilio began to build homes and work in construction until he retired.  
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Lina, an amazing cook, worked at the old Eldorado Hotel, and various restaurants around town. In 1984, she opened a shoe store, called L’Aquila Foot Fashions. It was located downtown for over twelve years. She sold the business and dedicated her time, helping raise their grandchildren and volunteering at the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club (KCIC). Lina was one of the original “mammas”, whose famous pasta dinners were always sold out.

Emilio dedicated a significant amount of time volunteering at the KCIC, and held various positions, such as: Entertainment Chair, Vice President, and President in 1981, 1984-1986, and 2010-2011. The KCIC was a wonderful place for Emilio and Lina to socialize with their many friends, over the years. They still attend Giuseppe’s Café for a reunion with all the older members. 

They have two children: Rosann and Enzo James (Cheryl). 

Contributed by Rosann Nanci, daughter.

In 1959, Mario Manderioli visited Canada as a tourist and it was then that his dream of having a “casetta in Canada” began to form. At that time, Mario and Luisa Manderioli, and their sons Flavio and Marzio, were living in San Rafael, Argentina. In 1962, the Manderiolis decided to return to Italy, to their hometown of Cento, Ferrara.

In 1965, Mario applied to emigrate to Canada and was accepted. Mario worked at his cousin’s farm at Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. The rest of the family followed in 1966. The Manderiolis traversed the country by train with the goal of settling in Penticton. However, Mario found work as a field man at the Kelowna Growers Exchange (KGE) and the family settled in Kelowna. Mario worked at the KGE until 1986 and then was a consultant with Calona Wines for 3 years. Mario retired from work at age 77.

Mario was a horticulturist with extensive experience managing vineyards and orchards in Kenya, Argentina and Italy. He taught many farmers in the Okanagan how to prune and take care of their orchards. Mario was also passionate about cooking, gardening, wine-making, bocce and cross-country skiing. 

Luisa Manderioli was a home-maker but she also worked part time as an Avon lady. She was loved by her clients. Luisa was a wonderful cook, excelling at making bread and cakes, veal cutlets alla Milanese, rabbit stew and lasagne verdi. All who knew her appreciated her generosity, sharp sense of humour and zest for life.

Mario and Luisa were citizens of the world. Mario lived in Ethiopia and Kenya, and Luisa spent her entire childhood on Rhodes Island, Greece. They lived in Italy, Argentina and Canada, and also visited Hawaii, parts of Central America, South America and the Middle East. 

Without question the highlight of the year for the Manderioli family, was the tortellini luncheon held each Christmas day. Mario and Luisa loved to make tortellini from scratch, following carefully the homemade recipe of their grandparents.

Mario and Luisa Manderioli were very involved with the Canadian Italian community. Mario volunteered with the Italian Consulate and Luisa gave Italian lessons to adults and children. Mario and Luisa were avid dancers. Mario and Luisa participated in “Folk Fest” every Canada Day. In 1979 Luisa and Mario helped represent BC at the Multicultural Heritage Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

Flavio Manderioli married Nereyda Guerrero and the couple resides in Colombia with their daughter Sofia. 

Marzio Manderioli married Anita Dumont and they live in Kelowna. Their son Jordan, lives in Toronto.
Luisa died in 2010 at age 87. Mario passed in 2011, only a couple months from turning 100. Both are interred in the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Contributed by Flavio and Marzio Manderioli, sons.

Victor Henry Ghini was born on February 12, 1919, in Richmond, BC. He had two sisters: Maria Ellen (Luigi Bevilacqua) and Anita Anna (Henry Bo Dickman) and five brothers: Hector (Sophia Clemons), Joseph Angelo, Julius Umberto (Myrtle Erma), Benvenuto Angelo (Rosalie Pictigen) and Enrico Donald (Florence McCooye). Their parents were Dominic Andrea Ghini and Ida Fontanini from Fontanaluccia, Frassinoro, Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. 

Gloria Giorgette Ciancone was born on August 26, 1927, in Kelowna, BC. She had one brother, Mario (Berbie Reiswig), and one sister Vilma (Lou Guidi). Their parents were Alessio (Alex) Ciancone, from San Patito, Caserta, Campania, Italy, and Laura Guidi from Garfagnana, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy.
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Gloria was very involved with the Italian Community in Kelowna, singing and dancing her way in concerts and folkfests. She preformed many solos at weddings and anniversary celebrations. Gloria became a professional opera singer, preforming at the Cave Supper Club and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, BC. Her most notable performance was at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California.

Victor started his career as a carpenter, but soon switched to the concrete business. He worked for the Venetian Terrazzo and Mosaic Company in Los Angeles. They were responsible for the installation of many terrazzo floors in the Los Angeles area, including Disneyland.

Later, Victor, with his brother, Angelo, formed Ghini Brothers Terrazzo in Vancouver. In the 1960s, they installed many of Kelowna’s terrazzo floors, including Shops Capri (Capri Mall), Knox (Glenmore) Medical Clinic, Simpson-Sears (Shoppers Drug Mart) on Bernard and the Immaculata Conception and St Pius X Churches.

Victor met Gloria while picking fruit in Summerland, BC. They were married on July 11, 1946, in Kelowna. They had one child, Gerry (Alice Christoffersen).  Sadly, Gloria passed away on March 8, 1964.  She is laid to rest in the Ocean View Cemetery, Burnaby, BC.

Victor married a second time, to Patricia Pearl Dolman (Galley). Pearl could knit the coziest blankets, cook the best dinners and bake the freshest pies. She always loved to spend time with her grandchildren, always having a story to tell and knowing how to make them smile. After his retirement in 1974, Victor moved to Kelowna. He continued some floor installations, helping many members of the Italian community, placing terrazzo in their homes. Both Victor and Pearl were active members of the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club, each holding board positions.

Victor passed away on December 11, 2011 at the age of 92. Pearl passed away on November 4, 2013, at age 75. She is survived by her children, Gina and Tim (Gena), from a previous marriage. Both Victor and Pearl are laid to rest at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery.

Contributed by D E Rampone, Co-Chair, Kelowna Canadian Italian Club’s Heritage Committee.

​Roy was the fifth, and the youngest child, of Palmizio and Luigia Favali. He was born in Kelowna, BC, on September 2, 1935.  We know he had some elementary education. Roy passed away on November 12, 1948 from a severe infection, possibly tonsillitis.  He is interred in the Immaculate Parish Cemetery on Casorso Road, along with his parents; Palmizio and Luigia Favali.

Marita Domenica Favali was the third child of Luigia and Palmizio.  What a beautiful name for their only daughter. Marita was born in Kelowna, BC, on October 21, 1930.  Her mother, Luigia, and two brothers, Frank and Mike, had been recently reunited with her father, Palmizio. 

We believe that Marita attended school longer than her two older brothers, Frank and Mike, but we are not certain.  She worked at the Kelowna Packing House.  By now, the family had moved out of the house on St. Paul Street and into the house on Richter Street.  While Marita was visiting her brother, Frank, in Kamloops, she met her future husband, Ernesto Comazzetto.  Marita and Ernie were married May 9, 1959 in Kamloops, BC.  They raised two children; Robert born 1960 and Teresa born 1961. 
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After the death of her father, Palmizio, Marita took her mother, Luigia, to live with them in Kamloops.  Marita worked as a cook at Harold’s Family Restaurant and ran the vegetable and fruit stand in the summer.  Ernie worked on the CP Railway and was a vegetable farmer.  

Both were very active in the Italian community in Kamloops; Ernie was a member of the Colombo Lodge Society and Marita was a member of the Royal Purple.  Making sausages and head cheese, as well as wine in the basement of their home, was a yearly occurrence.  Like the example before them, no one ever left the Comazzetto household empty handed.  Marita was a famous cook and everyone enjoyed her hospitality.  

They both lived in their home until their passing.  Ernie passed away July 21, 2001 and Marita passed away on August 24, 2015.  Both Marita and Ernie are interred in the Hillside Cemetery in Kamloops, B.C.

Contributed by Teresa Hanna, daughter.