Gaetano Pullano

Gaetano Pullano died peacefully at the Rockyview Hospital on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at the age of 91 years. He was born in Taverna, Catanzaro, Italy on July 23, 1926. His family moved from Taverna and worked in the mountains making charcoal as carbonero eventually settling in San Martino di Finita. This is where he met and married Aurora Lanzillotta on December 30, 1950. While at the post office, she saw a poster advertising work in Canada for the CP Railway. She applied and he got accepted. In 1951, when Aurora was pregnant, Gaetano left his family and all that he knew to start a new life. He was the first of all his relatives to come to Canada, and he opened the door for everyone else to follow. Gaetano came by ship and landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in December of 1951 totally unprepared for the severe weather. He then travelled to Pinefalls, Manitoba where he started working for the CP Rail. After only two weeks, he unfortunately froze his feet crossing the frozen river and ended up in the hospital for 45 days. After being discharged from the hospital, he was transferred to Winnipeg with nothing but the clothes he was wearing. He arrived there at 10:00 pm, alone, afraid, not knowing the language and having no money. By God's grace, a fellow Italian worker saw him and brought him to the CP Hotel where he stayed for one week. He worked there from 1952-1954 changing old rails into new. While working, his first son Dominic was born on January 12, 1952 back in Italy. On the advice of a friend, Gaetano moved to Calgary for work. He was a hard worker and could master the skills needed for the different jobs he did. Shortly after, he sponsored his older brother, Antonio. Aurora and his 2 ½ year old son, Dominic finally joined him in 1954. On May 2th, 1955 his second Joe was born. Later, Giuseppina, Aurora's niece, came and married Antonio. His sister, Marietta and her family came in 1956. Over the years, many of the other relatives came to Calgary. He opened the door to others.The two brothers and their families lived together for many years, helping each other out. The first home they owned together was located near the Stampede grounds. This is where many other relatives, friends and immigrants were helped by them and made this their first home. His daughter Paula was born here on September 17th, 1962. In 1968, they then bought a duplex together in Winsor Park. Nine years later, they both purchased their own homes in Oakridge. At each home, Gaetano and Aurora enjoyed many things including gardening, making bread, wine, sausages and pasta sauce. His main jobs were with Canadian Bronze for 9 years and Reggin Industries for almost 30 years. Life changed dramatically in June 1988 after his loving wife Aurora passed away. He decided to retire after this at the age of 63. His children married and blessed him with 9 beautiful grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He lived in his home up until he was 90, continuing the hobbies that he and his wife loved.Gaetano was a strong, independent and humble man who loved conversation. He enjoyed being surrounded by nature and his family. Working hard, eating healthy, exercising and surrounding himself with the people he loved helped him live so long. We are very proud of his accomplishments and will truly miss him. Gaetano, predeceased by his wife Aurora, is survived by their three children and their families; Dominic (Susan), Lindsay, Bobby and Hayden, Dominique, and Dillon; Joe (Laurie), Joseph, Tanisha, Tatiyanna, and Bianca; Paula (Brad), Kayla (Glen), Scott; his sister Marietta Tassone (Bruno-deceased); brother Tony deceased (Giuseppina); along with numerous nieces and nephews. Gaetano is predeceased by his parents Domenico and Clementina.

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