DI MARCELLO, Giovanni “John”

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Giovanni, beloved husband, father, and nonno passed away peacefully on October 31, 2020 in Kelowna, B.C. at Village of Mill Creek at the age of 90.

Giovanni was born August 30, 1930 in Teramo, Italy.  On December 1, 1956 he married his wife Annina.  In April 1958, he immigrated to Canada in search of work and to find a better life for his wife and family.  Upon arrival in Calgary, Giovanni was immediately hired to work with the Canadian Pacific Railroad.  He later changed careers to the construction field to earn more money.  Giovanni worked on many buildings such as the University of Calgary, the Calgary Tower, the Foothills Hospital, the Calgary Airport, the Grand Hotel and the Revelstoke Dam to name a few.  Giovanni then went on to start his own Di Marcello & Sons’ concrete business and janitorial business.

After yearly vacations in the Okanagan to pick fresh fruit and  tomatoes Giovanni and Annina finally decided to move the family to Kelowna in September 1979.  Kelowna reminded them of the beautiful country they left behind.  Giovanni and  Annina shared the joys of old traditions with their family and  friends. The fruits of their labour were evident by their abundant fruit trees, tomato plants and homemade pasta dishes. The pasta dishes were always served up with his treasured homemade tomato sauce and a glass or two of his homemade vino.

Giovanni is survived by his 2 children: Nicolina (Carlo) Di Girolamo and  Vittorio (Jacky); his 7 grandchildren:  Dwayne (Laurie) Gadway; Anita (Shaun) Kohut; Christina (Trent) Beaudin; Jonathan (Felicia) & Deanna Di Girolamo; and Oliver & Katelyn Di Marcello; and his 9 great-grandchildren: Olivia & Luca Gadway; Donna, Vincent, Dezarae & Enrico Kohut; Elayna & Paisley Di Girolamo; and Mirella Beaudin.  Giovanni is also survived by his loving sister Iolanda Broccolini of Italy, sisters-in-law both in Italy and Calgary, as well as numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Giovanni was predeceased by his wife Annina, his mother Nicolina Romantini, father Vincenzo, sister Serafina Pepe, and brothers Gabrielle and Flaviano.  Giovanni was also sadly predeceased by his son Enrico “Harry” in 2014, daughter-in-law Mirella in 2018 and great-granddaughter Angela in 2010.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Village at Mill Creek especially in the Oyama Room for the compassionate & loving care provided to Giovanni during his stay there. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

All are welcome to join the Funeral Service online by Livestream on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 10:00 am, it will be available to be replayed afterwards.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.