Obituaries

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. (See Below for Direct Link)

• Aug 14, 2020
  Sera and family our deepest condolences. May all the good memories help comfort you all in these difficult times. Attilio and Josefina Gemin
• Aug 11, 2020
  Many hours chatting with Joe and my heartfelt condolences to Sera , Dominic Marie Rob Cristina. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bonnie
• Aug 10, 2020
  So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to your family. May you take solace in the many wonderful memories of Joe. Ben Burkard
• Aug 09, 2020
  Heartfelt condolences to the Graziano Family. Whenever I came to Kelowna I would always look forward to visiting Joe and almost always would find him sitting on his chair in front of the tree or working in his cherry orchard. Considered him a friend and will miss his company. Nick Runco, Edmonton, AB.
• Aug 09, 2020
  Dear Sera and family,
  
  Though I only spoke with Joe a few times, he was such a kind and thoughtful man. He spoke in glowing terms and such pride of his wife and children. You will no doubt miss him and grieve but look back on the family adventures and smile.
  
  Thinking of you during this difficult time, Suzanne (Bonin) Schneider
• Aug 09, 2020
  Our sincere sympathy to you Sera and your family. We send you strength and peace while you grieve for your Joe.... sincerely from your neighbours Brian and Jo Meyers.
• Aug 08, 2020
  We are saddened to hear about Joe's passing. He was a good neighbor and a great friend. Condolences to Sara and the entire family.
  
  Jerry and Erica Szulczyk
• Aug 08, 2020
  To the Graziano Family ,
  
  Our deepest condolences to you. We enjoyed doing business for many years with Joe and were proud to have supplied his legedary local peaches and various fresh produce to our customers. With fondest memories From Staff and Management at Lakeview Market .
• Aug 08, 2020
  Letting you know we are thinking of you at such a difficult time.
  
  The Beales Family.
• Aug 06, 2020
  Serafino, Dominic, Maria and Cristina...Sylvia and I are sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Our working relationship with Joe and your family was always fair and honest which was appreciated. Rest In Peace, Joe,,,,,Jim and Sylvia
• Aug 06, 2020
  Condolences to the Graziano family, I know Joe will be deeply missed. Apart with working with Joe at BC Tree Fruits, my job also ventured me into the orchards of East Kelowna where loading Joe's apples onto trucks enroute to the packinghouse got me to serve Joe in that capacity. It was a common sight seeing Joe on his Ford tractor moving bins full of apples along Rose Rd. He was a very kind and very fair person who'll be certainly missed. Jeff Bryde
• Aug 06, 2020
  Maria,Cristina and Serafina. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and thoughts are with you all at this hard time. I hope your memories will comfort you in the times ahead. With love, Denita.
• Aug 06, 2020
  Thanks for the memories Joe and my sympathy goes out to the family.Was a wonderful man and will miss the little chats under his favorite tree.
  
  Wally and Rita Royle
• Aug 06, 2020
  So sorry for your loss, our heartfelt condolences to the family.
  
  The Jaschinsky family.
• Aug 06, 2020
  Joe was a great guy and i always enjoyed chatting with about farming , he was passionate about the tree fruit industry, he was always willing to try new ideas
  
  he will be missed
  
  Our thoughts and prayers are with you
  
  Domenic and LIna Rampone
• Aug 05, 2020
  Our heartfelt sympathy to commare Serafina, Dominic, Maria and Cristina.
  
  That pine tree hods many memories for us too. Thanks compare Joe for all the years of care, love and friendship. Will treasure your friendship forever.
  
  Our deepest sincere respect, from compare Joe and commare Paola Alampi.

• Make Castanet Your Homepage
• News Tips
• Advertising
• Contact Us