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