July 28, 1931 - November 9, 2021
It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved father, Nonno and Bisnonno, Raffaele (Ralph) Caligiuri. He passed away peacefully at the age of 90, at the Kelowna General Hospital on November 9, surrounded by his family.
Born on July 28, 1931 in Bocchigliero Italy, he was the oldest and only son of five children. In 1952 he immigrated to Canada to seek a better life and before long, he and his wife Caterina (Cathy) began to build their family together.
He was a quiet, humble man who loved spending time with his family. One of his greatest pleasures was being the best Nonno to his grandchildren. He took great pride in the homes he built in Glenmerry and Christina Lake. He enjoyed cultivating his garden and making wine, even winning an award for his white wine. His happy place was Christina Lake, where he and Nonna spent much of their time and when the children and grandchildren arrived there would be lots of laughter, food and good fun.
He worked for the City of Trail for 39 years and early in his career was a member of the crews who built the rock walls. He was an exceptional heavy equipment operator and was one of many who worked tirelessly during the floods. Nonno was one of Trail's first transit bus operators, winning two provincial safe driving awards.
He is survived by his three daughters, Debbie Melnyk, Nancy (Jason) Startup, Anna (James) Ferraro, grandchildren Jessica (Ryan) McCreight, Kristina Melnyk, Dean (Amy), Alexandra and Vanessa Ferraro, great grandsons Jacob, Lucas and Owen McCreight, and baby Ferraro arriving in December. He is also survived by his sisters Caterina Esposito, Guiseppina Caligiuri, Teresina (Frank) Lattanzio, Assunta (Guido) Babuin and many nieces, nephews and relatives. He was predeceased by his parents and his wife, who he took great care of throughout her illness.
He will be laid to rest along with his wife in a private graveside service. Alternatives Funeral and Cremation ServicesTM has been entrusted with the arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca.
As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made to either the SPCA or KidSport Greater Trail.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the KBRH emergency room staff and the ICU staff at Kelowna General Hospital for their tremendous care and compassion.
We will miss you greatly Nonno, but we take comfort in knowing you are at peace and you and Nonna are forever watching over us.
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services