GRAZIANO, Giuseppe “Joe”

March 14, 1943 — August 3, 2020

It is with sadness that we announce Giuseppe “Joe” Graziano, in his 77th year, passed away on Monday, August 3rd, 2020. Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 46 years, Serafina, and their children: Domenico, Maria (Robert), and Cristina. They are joined in remembering him by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law who reside in Canada, Italy, and Australia: Brenda Graziano, Maria and Peter Valana, Lina and Toto Oppedisano, and Tonino and Silvana Comito. He will be greatly missed by his extended family of aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins who reside around the world in countries including Canada, United States, Italy, and Australia. He was predeceased by both parents and his brother Toni Graziano.

Joe was born to Domenico and Concetta Graziano in Calabria, Italy on March 14th, 1943. In 1959, Joe, together with his mom and brother, immigrated to Canada to join his father who had already settled in Cranbrook, BC. Growing up in Cranbrook he aspired to become an electrician and went on to attend BCIT to earn his diploma. Joe founded and ran Graziano Electric for over 40 years.

In December 1972 Joe travelled to Italy to visit with extended family. While visiting his aunt in Bovalino he met his future wife Serafina. He returned to Canada and spent the following months writing letters to Sera to keep in touch. In September of 1973 he went back to Italy, and the two were married in Ardore Marina. They spent the following eleven years raising their children and running Graziano Electric in Cranbrook, BC. In 1984 Joe and the family moved to Kelowna, BC, where the family purchased an orchard to grow summer fruit. Since the climate was reminiscent of their days in Southern Italy the move was a natural one for the family. In Kelowna he continued to work as an electrician and purchased more orchard land and became known for growing some of the best fruit in the Okanagan. To this day people still talk about Joe’s peaches and remember them as some of the best.

Joe was well known for the love and generosity he had toward his friends. He made hundreds of friends along the way, and always made time for a friendly chat under his favourite pine tree in the front yard. His love for the outdoors and being surrounded by nature resulted in numerous hunting and fishing trips through the years with his family and friends. The family would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Mission Creek Landing care home for their extraordinary care of Joe during his time there.

‘Dad you will be in our hearts forever.’ ‘Papa sarai nel nostro cuore per sempre.’

A Funeral Service will be held to honour Joe. Due to the current pandemic restrictions it will be by invitation only; however, the family would like to invite all who would like to pay their respects to join by Livestream on Saturday, August 8th, 2020, at 10:00 am PDT. To send the family condolences or view the Livestream please visit www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.

THIS SERVICE WILL BE LIVE STREAMED/BROADCAST ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 8TH, 2020, AT 10:00 AM PDT