Giovanni Filice

Giovanni (John) was born October 24, 1926 in Aiello Calabro, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, to parents Eugenio Filice and Anna Cutugno. He was brother to Rosa, Rosario, Francesca, Maria, Settimio (Sam), Antonia and Gennaro.

In the 1950’s, he immigrated to Chambéry, France. He was followed there by several family members.  In the 60’s, he made his way to Kelowna, BC.

Upon his arrival in Kelowna, he lived with his brother, Rosario’s family and then with Pietro Calissi’s family.  Striking out on his own he moved to Pacific Avenue before buying a house on Landie Road.

Giovanni worked on his own as a mason.  In 1966, he became one of the founding members of the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club.  He enjoyed the many social activities of the club as well as visiting and talking to neighbours, family and friends.

He passed away on July 25, 2001 and is interred at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Kelowna.

Don Rampone, KCIC Heritage Committee