Giovanni Biagioni and Giulia Tagliasacchi

Giovanni (Johnny) Biagioni was born on June 22, 1933 in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Lucca, Tuscany, Italy.  He was brother to Giuliano, Anna, Andrea, Giuliana, Fernando, Carlo and Pietro.  Their parents were farm workers, Michele Biagioni and Gemma Giannasi.  Giulia Tagliasacchi was born on June 18, 1935 in Antisciana, Lucca, Tuscany,  to Tomasso and Nella Tagliasacchi.  She had one sister, Anna, and brothers, Adelmo and Angelo.

Giulia and Giovanni met and were engaged in Italy. In the early 1950s, Giovanni followed his sister Anna, to Canada, arriving at Pier 21 in Halifax.  He travelled by train to Summerland BC.  They were married in Summerland and had two children: Donatella (Fabio) and Michele (Alessandra).

Upon his arrival, Giovanni worked in several orchards, at the local mill and then the city of Summerland.  Giovanni and Giulia, along with several other Summerland families, were founding members of the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club.  In 1971, the family moved back to Italy to be nearer Giulia’s mother.  Fishing, hunting, gardening and wine making were important activities for Giovanni and Giulia. 
 
Giovanni still resides in Italy with his daughter Donatella and son Michele.  Giulia has recently passed away.

Don Rampone, KCIC Heritage Committee