We Remember

CACCHIONI, Roland
December 17, 1941 — March 4, 2021
It is with great sadness we announce the unexpected passing of Roland “Rolli” Cacchioni on March 4, 2021, at the age of 79, in his longtime home of Kelowna, BC. Rolli leaves behind his loving wife Mary, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage on May 16, 2020; daughter Angela; sons Michael (Claire), David (Shervin) and Gabriel (Kristin); grandchildren Jackson, Ellie, Domenic, Rocco, Giada, Benny, and Seraphina; along with younger brother Robert (Sheena), and brother-in-law Bill Stefoniuk. He was predeceased by his parents Roland and Caroline and sister Jacqueline “Jackie”.
Born December 17, 1941, in Trail, BC, Rolli grew up in “the Gulch” amongst a large, loving family and close-knit Italian community. Rolli was a larger-than-life man, instilling a lasting impression on everyone he met and making an impact everywhere he went. Rolli was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, strong in his faith and committed in his concern and care for others which expressed itself in extensive community involvement. His strong Catholic faith led to his involvement as a parishioner at two churches and he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. True to his Italian heritage, family was everything to Rolli and his policy was ‘the door is always open’ where food and homemade red wine were on the table for all that visited. His unique and gregarious personality was always shining at home wherein conversation it was not uncommon to hear him call out in typical Rolli fashion a string of names, “Mary, Jackson, Gabriel, Duke, Gina” until someone indulged him with the correct name, all above the soundtrack of Italian music being played at a loud volume that could be heard through the whole house, if not the neighborhood. His grandchildren, who lovingly called him Nonno, brought him great joy. He loved swim races with them in the pool, traveling with them, going on fishing trips, playing cards with them, and was their biggest fan at all their activities. Most importantly, he loved hearing all about their accomplishments and was so proud of them. He had a large extended family, which included sister-in-law Hania (Leo) Gusztak, brother-in-law Vlad (Janice) Kowalyk, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close family friends. Rolli spent many happy times with all of them over the years, and there are a multitude of stories that have been and will continue to be told at family gatherings.
Rolli had an accomplished career that touched so many lives which began after he earned his Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria in 1964 and then later completed his Masters of in Administration and Curriculum at Gonzaga University in 1978. He embarked on a 54-year career in education that included the roles of Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal, Coach, Trustee, and Adjunct Professor. It was at Dr. Knox in his first teaching job that he met his lifelong partner and wife Mary who was also teaching at the school. In addition to his dedication to the school district, Rolli also contributed 38 years of service on the Board of Directors for Interior Savings Credit Union. Rolli was a tireless community volunteer; whether it was ringing bells for the Salvation Army Christmas donations, running the ticket booth at the Rutland Senior Secondary football games, calling bingo at the Rutland May Days, or announcing play by play at the KSS Western Canada Basketball Tournament, he always made time to connect with all that attended while serving his community. He was also an active member of the Kelowna Canadian Italian Club, where he and Mary enjoyed many dinners and dances in the company of good friends. Rolli loved speaking and emceeing events, and could bring laughter to an entire room. The family often heard his one-liners and favorite jokes at home while he was preparing or recounting his speeches.
The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the medical team at Kelowna General Hospital, including the first responders, as well as the ICU ward and 4B ward doctors and nurses. The compassion and care that Rolli received during his time there was unparalleled and brought the family much comfort. Special thank you to Dr. Williams, Dr. Meckling, Dr. Spearing, Dr. Foster, and Dr. van Heerden, as well as ICU nurses Jan and Janel – your kindness and grace will not be forgotten.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Corpus Christi Church, presided over by Father Pat Monette. Only immediate family will be in attendance, but the service will be Livestreamed online in order that those who wish to be there in spirit can do so. Burial and a celebration of Rolli’s life will take place at later dates when the family is able to do so accordingly. Rolli will be lovingly remembered and forever missed. To view the Mass of Christian Burial Livestream on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at 1:00 pm see box below.
In lieu of flowers or gifts to honour Rolli’s memory, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Society or to fund the Rolli Cacchioni Memorial Bursary Award for SD#23 students.
Donations can be made to the bursary award two ways:
By cheque payable to COBSS (Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society) – indicate that it is for the Rolli Cacchioni Award
By e transfer – cobss@shaw.ca with a separate email to say it is for the Rolli Cacchioni Award
To assist with communicating your care, condolences, happy memories, and funny stories, the family asks you to send an email to ROLLICACCHIONILEGACY@GMAIL.COM
Mary & family. I haven’t seen you in quite a few tears, but will always remember yours & Roll’;s friendliness and willingess to help in so many ways. May he Rest in Peace. God bless ALL who grieve his loss, May Peace & Joy fill your hearts with many treasured memories, My sincere prayers are with and for you. Betty Yarrow
Dear Mary & family, Please accept our sincere & heartfelt expressions of sorrow in the untimely passing of you dear Rolli. His bigger than life presence will be sadly missed by many. Our thought & prayers are with you as you journey through the grieving process.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Mary life is truly but a twinkle of an eye. We are saddened by your loss and pray for great peace to be upon you and your wonderful family at the sudden loss of your dear husband dad and granddad.. As we shared our hearts this week at the sad news of Rollie’s sudden passing, I just couldn ‘d stop to realize that it was like yesterday that I met Rollie the love of your life. A visit to your home was always a highlite for us to stop in and see you and Rowllie. May all the wonderful memories you now have carry you all . Family is the strength of our nation and your family is a wonderful example of that unity. We know Rollie has left behind many memories in your community and will be well remembered by all . Much love to you Marika my dear friend and your family Marycia
Mary , Ang, David, Michael, Gabe and spouses and kids, I can’t tell you how shocked I was at the news and I know that you likely were as well. Barbara and I will dearly miss our friend and cousin and we send our wishes and condolences including those from Brenna, Jody, Marissa and Carli. Mary I will phone early next week in the hopes that you would like to chat for a bit. all our love and prayers I’ve attached a photo of the Molina Family for you to have. it is before Rolli was born I think, but that is either Jackie or Jo-Ann in Nonno Molina’s arms. I know Rolli liked this photo
Mary and family, so very very sorry to hear about my cousin Roland. He was one of those very special people who made everyone around him feel better . I loved to hear him sing the Italian songs. He always reminded me of his father who brought so much laughter and joy to everyone. Uncle Roland and “Baby Roland” as he was affectionately called by our family will always have a special memory in our hearts and minds.
Prayers and blessings to you and yours during this most difficult time. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and he leaves a hole that will never be filled. May your memories bring you some comfort in the times ahead..
Sincere condolences to all.
He always reminded me of his father who brought so much joy and life to all
Dear Mary and family we are very sorry for your loss. May God give you strength and peace.
Mary and family.
So sorry to hear of the sad news. It was always a pleasure to talk to Rolli whenever we would meet ,he was always friendly and cheerful. He has left many of us with positive lasting memories. He will be greatly missed by all. Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this difficult time. May the Lord give you Love, Strength and Peace. Our deepest condolences.
Maria and Tony Racano and family.
My deepest condolences to the entire Cacchioni family. Rolli was an amazing man who I always truly looked up to. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with all the family during this difficult time. Rolli will be greatly missed.
All our Love and Prayers, Mary and Family. Heaven will never be the same . . . and all for the better !
Sincere condolences to Mary and family. It was an honor and privilege to know Rollie as a colleague and friend for so many years; a true gentleman. He will be missed by many.
To Mary, Angie, Michael, David and Gabe, I am so sorry for your loss. I, too, like countless others, have benefitted from knowing Rollie. Even in his passing, he is still impacting my life. After listening to Angie, David and Gabe speak of their father’s many qualities, Rollie has inspired me to be a better and more engaged grandfather and husband. Thank you Rollie, for someday sooner than later (post covid), I will remember that when I finally get to hug my grandkids again!
In respectful memory of Mr Cacchioni, our wonderful Principal at George Pringle. God rest his soul in perfect peace. Vichnaya Pam’yat.
Anastasia Sawadsky
Dear Maria we are very sorry to hear about Rolli passing. He was a Great Man may he rest in peace. Condolences 💐 from our family to yours.
Dear Mary and family,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family,. Rolli was the best administrator I ever worked with. His fun loving, caring spirit was his guiding force with any of his decisions regarding students. There are so many times of laughter to hold onto. He will be missed! Mary, I will hold you and your family in my prayers. Prayers for comfort and grace to be your constant companions during this time.
We were very sad to see that Rolli had passed away. Loved seeing him and meeting with him many times during our political time together. He was one with integrity, wit, respect and a real love for the community and especially cared for the students. He loved his family and the church and Kelowna and area have gained in many ways from his commitment. We will miss him but he will not be forgotten.
Dear Mary and Family, I as so deeply sadden to hear of the sudden passing of Rolli. I have known Rolli for 30 years with the school district. (I was the switchboard back in the day!) Rolli was such a funny guy. I enjoyed sharing fishing stories with him. He always brought us an Italian Christmas treat, and he would always talk about Mary. I’m going to the store because Mary is cooking ___ for dinner. Rolli was a wonderful man and the world will not be the same without him. Hugs to you all.
I have just view the video of Rolli,”s Church service and I have been so moved by the wonderful, heartful tributes by his daughter and two sons. Therein lies the essence of his life of love and service. Thank you for the privilege of knowing him and hearing the testimonies of those he loved and who loved him.
My deepest sympathy Mary and family. Rollie was an amazing man; well respected in education, parish and broader community. His dedication and service to and for others is testament to the generous man he was. He will be missed and remembered by many. May he rest in peace in the House of our Lord and may the Lord comfort you at this sad time.