Genesio (Gene) and son Gary Cioni—Gene owned and operated
"La Villa," one of Calgary's first Italian
restaurants. His son, Gary, is a provincial court judge.
David Colonna—He worked in the tailor shop of the
Hudson's Bay department store even though he had a diploma in
fashion design from the Istituto Salesiano Milano (Salesian
Institute of Milan). Until he could overcome the language barrier,
his credentials meant little. 2
Reno Corradetti—A clarinet player in John Pompilio's
Italian Boy's Band during the 1920s. He became a photographer and
opened a studio on 16th Avenue. This information was taken from
David Bly's column in the Calgary Herald on May 3, 2002.
Gioacchino and Luigia De Marchi—They were married in a
double-wedding ceremony in Calgary in 1957, where they resided. They were childhood sweethearts
in Fonzaso (Veneto), Italy.
Victor Fornara—Owner of the New Hatchwear Uniform
company.
Forzani Family—The Forzani family
is an important Calgary pioneer family originating in Borgomanero in
the Piemonte Region of northern Italy. Mother Audrey Forzani was employed by the Hudson's Bay company at the outbreak of World
War ll. Brothers Joe, John and Tom Forzani played for the Calgary Stampeders
of the Canadian Football League. In 1974, they set up their first
Forzani sporting goods store in Calgary. The Forzani Group
Ltd. (FGL) has grown through strategic acquisitions to become a
billion dollar business. FGL operates more than 200 stores
carrying a variety of labels including Sport Chek, Forzani's, Sport
mart and Coast Mountain Sports catering to mid and high-end
consumers. It also wholesales to more than 160 franchisees.
The firm anticipated the growth in the leisure market and positioned
their enterprises to take advantage of this trend. They have
also moved into the area of web sales through the Sportchek.ca
website. The family supports a range of community activities and set
up the annual Mother's Day Run and Walk to support local charities.
In 2000, they established the Forzani Group Foundation to fund
health, wellness and sports projects. John Forzani, Chairman
and CEO, was named Alberta Venture Business Person of the Year,
2002.
Gallo Family—Known to reside in the area during the
1920s. No other information available.
Bill Galiardi—He grew up along the north bank of the
Bow River during the late 1920s, early 1930s. Bill was born in
Carbon, east of Drumheller, where his father worked in the coal
mines. He decided that coal mining was a tough way to earn a
living, and moved to Calgary, where he was employed with the P.
Burns Meat Company. Bill, an exceptional accordian player,
still performs. He has received a 50 year pin from the musicians
union. This information was taken from David Bly's column in the
Calgary Herald on May 3, 2002.
Giulia and Nick Gallelli—Giulia and Nick Gallelli
started Gallelli Construction. Giulia Gallelli (née Cicconi)
arrived from Antrodoco in 1908 to join her father, who was already
established in the construction industry. Nick Gallelli was from
Albi (Calabria). Their company provided many Italian immigrants
with their first job in Calgary. 3
Domenico Gasbari [Gasberri]—Domenico Gasbari was a
shoemaker in his native Abruzzi and had worked in the stone
quarries of the United States. He arrived in Calgary in 1909 and
later opened Roma Grocery. 4
Bruno and Massimo Geremia—The brothers were
professional athletes who played for the Calgary Stampeders of the
Canadian Football League.