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Surrounded by family on May 10, 2017, Giovanni Cuglietta was called to his heavenly home to join his wife, Carmela. Giovanni was born on October 29, 1926 in Aiello, Calabria, Italy and immigrated to Canada in 1957 where he spent 35 years working for the Canadian National Railway in various provinces across Canada. He was the fifth of six children who eventually all immigrated to Canada. In 1958, he married Carmela through proxy and they both settled in the small, remote northern community of Hazelton, BC where they raised their family, Rita and Lino. In 1981 Giovanni and Carmela moved to Vernon BC where he built his dream home and soon retired to enjoy activities such as gardening, fishing, furniture building and wine making.

Giovanni was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to family. He possessed a brilliant memory and was a handyman who exercised his creative mind in many ways that included impeccable and enviable landscaping, gardening and carpentry skills. He built beautiful unique oak furniture that members of his family will continue to cherish in their homes.

The family wishes to extend much gratitude to the friends and family who supported Giovanni after the loss of his beloved wife, Carmela. In particular we would like to express heartfelt gratitude to his brother Francesco Cuglietta, Sauro and Nella Banducci, as well as Gino and Lucia. We would also like to thank the nurses at VJH, Dr. Naude, Dr. Burke, and Dr. Ansdell for the care that they provided for Giovanni while in hospital. Deepest gratitude is extended to Dr. David Arnold for the many years of excellent care that he provided for both Giovanni and the late Carmela Cuglietta.

Giovanni is survived by daughter Rita (Victor), Lino (Cathy) and grandchildren Christina, Niquita, Diego, Nikko and Danica.

Prayers for Giovanni will be held on Monday May 15, 2017 at St James Church at 5:00 PM. and the funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday May 16, 2017 at 10:00 AM with internment to follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Cancer Foundation or the BC Cancer Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vernon Funeral Home, Phone: 250 542 0155. Condolences may be offered at www.vernonfuneralhome.com



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