Raffaele Antonio Calendino

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Raffaele Calendino, beloved husband, father and grandfather after a lengthy illness.

Raffaele was born on December 8th,1934, in Mangone, Cosenza, Italy and passed away on October 19th, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his only son, Rinaldo Calendino in 1974, he is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Gabriella, his daughters Anna Piccolo (Vincenzo), Eva Calendino, Susanna Calendino, Julie Balenzano (Nick); and his six grandchildren Elisabeth (Shayne), Alessandra (Jackson), Joseph, Gabriel, Jack, and Siena.

Raffaele immigrated to Canada in 1952 with a strong work ethic and a burning desire to make a better life for himself. He was led to believe that in Canada, the streets were paved with gold and they were, if you were willing to work long, gruelling days on the railway for .49 cents an hour in the bitter cold up north. He told his daughters that Canada was the land of opportunity, and they were Canadians first. He used to say everyday in Canada was a holiday after coming from war torn Italy. It was his mother that instilled in him a need for a higher education, so post secondary education was a non-negotiable for his children as he wished for them to be self-reliant. Ralph was a hard-working family man who provided for his family, ensuring they had every opportunity and advantage poverty had not afforded him. Having an education was of the utmost importance to him and he took great pride knowing his daughters held multiple university degrees and his three eldest grandchildren were also university graduates. Sadly, his only regret was not having afforded one himself.

Confident he could learn and do anything, Ralph, as many knew him, taught himself English, was self-employed by age 30 and owned several businesses: a janitorial company, grocery stores, and a butcher shop to name a few. He pursued various entrepreneurial ventures including dairy farming, a trucking company and real estate development. He set his eyes on Gabriella, an employee at one of his grocery stores, and they married in 1968 after a six month courtship. They had five children together. She told him she would “follow him anywhere” and did, moving from Prince Rupert, BC to Vancouver BC so he could pursue his dreams. Gabriella continuously supported him and together they built a wonderful life. He was a shrewd business man, knowing how to make a dollar and turn a profit with his frugal ways and investment acumen.

He befriended people from all walks of life and always rooted for the underdog. He was eager to lend a helping hand to those in need. He loved the outdoors and took great pleasure in working long days on the farm. Though small in stature, he had the heart of a lion and through sheer willpower and stamina, could outwork men twice his size. If it was one thing he truly despised it was laziness. Whether it was putting up fences, building sheds, renovating apartments or making hay, he worked sunrise to sunset. He also loved growing a large vegetable garden, and would share his harvest generously with friends and family.

Ralph afforded himself few luxuries throughout his life, but did have a fondness for horses. When he allowed himself a break, he could be found at Hastings Park or Fraser Downs, program in hand, surrounded by friends. This passion led to owning and breeding race horses and the creation of lifelong friends. Always modest about his successes, his daughters were surprised to find his hidden box of winner’s circle photos and proceeded to put up a wall of cherished wins and beautiful memories.

While life was not always easy and dealt him some hard blows, he possessed a positive, pragmatic perspective on life. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them life skills, sharing hard-won insight and practical knowledge and instilling in them pride for their Italian heritage and traditions. In his later years, he enjoyed catching up with friends through the Fraser Valley Italo-Canadian Society, where he and his family enjoyed many events.

He was an exceptional example of courage, perseverance, resilience, and grit. Ralph was fearless and compared himself to no one. He did not concern himself with the opinions of others and forged his own path. He always looked toward the future with hope and optimism, teaching his children to do the same. We are grateful he was blessed with a long life and for the many lessons he taught us. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and respected him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 
Good Shepherd Church, on November 3rd, 2026 
at 10:30am, located at 2250 150 Street, Surrey, BC. 
Refreshments to follow in the church foyer.

In lieu of flowers, donations to B.C. Children’s Hospital (BCCH) Oncology Ward are appreciated.

Private burial to follow (immediate family only).