Vittorio Pagnotta

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Vittorio Pagnotta, at the age of 96. Vittorio was born on November 25, 1927, in Grimaldi, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy and he passed away peacefully, on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Kamloops B.C., surrounded by his loving family.

Vittorio will be forever remembered by his two children, Rosina (Carmine) Carpino and Peter (Judy) Pagnotta; his treasured grandchildren Robert (Madalina), Cindy (Rolando), Dylan (Brenna), Oriana (Zach), Marc (Erin), and equally treasured great grandchildren, Carmine (Anna), Vittorio, Sunil, Mariarosina, Matias, Santiago, Edmond and Isla.

Also left to cherish his memory are his brother, Ettore (late Rosina), sisters Stella and Fausta, sisters-in-law Rosina Vecchio, Emilia (Domenico) Mercuri, Giovannina (Vittorio) Mercuri, Ada (Egidio Bruno), and Nella (Carmine) Pucci-Daniele and brother-in-law Ottavio (Angela) Caputo. Also survived by sisters-in-law by marriage, Carmela Caputo and Maria Teresa Caputo as well as many nieces and nephews in Canada and in Italy.

Vittorio was predeceased by his devoted wife and loving companion of nearly 70 years, Maria. His parents Pietro and Rosina, brothers Fausto and Emilio Pagnotta (late Teresa), sister Estera, in laws Pietro and Teresa Caputo, brothers-in-law, Francesco Caputo and Paolino Caputo as well as brothers-in-law by marriage, Antonio Vecchio and Francesco Mercuri.

Born and raised in Italy, Vittorio married Maria on January 2, 1949. Shortly after their marriage, he served in the Italian military until November 1949. In 1950, Vittorio and Maria welcomed their first child, Rosina. In 1951 he immigrated to Canada temporarily leaving his wife and daughter in Italy. In 1953, Maria joined her husband in McBride, BC, along with their 2 1/2 year old daughter. Two years later, their son Peter was born. In Canada, Vittorio's first job was working as a cook on an RF Welch rail gang. Shortly after, he found employment with the Canadian National Railway (CNR), where he began working as a section man. In 1970, Vittorio and his family settled in Kamloops, BC. Vittorio eventually retired from the CNR in 1986 as a Track Supervisor (Roadmaster).

Vittorio was always perceived as the family patriarch and he embraced this role in his usual modest manner. Vittorio had many interests and hobbies including gardening, reading, cooking, baking, health and nutrition as well as many others. He was primarily self-taught but became proficient in many different areas. He had an affinity for construction, and built a number of houses over the years. His carpentry skills were exceptional, and he created many woodworking and cabinet making projects. Always willing to learn and expand his knowledge, Vittorio discovered the internet at the age of 80. Not only did this become a favourite pastime, but it also provided an opportunity to display his facility for embracing new knowledge. His uncanny memory for facts and for detail made him legendary with all those who knew him. He had a sharp mind, a quick wit, and could hold his own in friendly debates. Even leading up to his final days, Vittorio was an encyclopedia of knowledge on political current events, historical information and would recite family stories from years gone by. Respected by everyone from immediate and extended family to friends and acquaintances, Vittorio was often sought out for his counsel due to his even-temperament, sensibility and humble wisdom.

He had a keen intellect and was trusted because of his unwavering views of right and wrong. These significant personality traits were balanced by his good sense of humour and lightheartedness which were often exhibited in his willingness to engage in playful behaviour with his young grandchildren and great grandchildren. Vittorio was supportive of others and taught those around him by example. The way he lived his modest life through loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness, and generosity, can serve as a lesson to us all. Son, brother, husband, father, uncle, friend, Godfather, and Nonno, you left us all with a beautiful legacy that shall remain in our hearts forever!

Thank you to the exceptionally caring RIH staff on five south and a special thanks to PCC Lesley and Dr. Casilla for their support and empathy. The family also wants to thank Dr. Alina Cribb for the care she provided to Vittorio.

Prayers will be recited on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at Sacred Heart on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Evergreen Mausoleum, Hillside Cemetery.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com. Service arrangements are entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, telephone 250-374-1454.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a plaque on behalf of Vittorio for the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation’s Memorial Wall. Memorial gifts can be made online at www.rihfoundation.ca then going to "Ways to give" then "Memorials" or call their office at: 250-314-2325.