Paolo Pasqualini

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Paolo Pasqualini, aged 79, on December 14th in Calgary Alberta. Paolo was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother, “compare” and friend, whose kindness, warmth, and spirit touched all who knew them.

Paolo is survived by his loving wife, Rosa Pasqualini, of 55 years. Together, Paolo and Rosa created a beautiful life centered on family, love, culture, and tradition. Their greatest legacy remains through their three cherished children: Francesco (DaraLee) Pasqualini, Agata (Eddy) Verzi, and Biagio (Tasha) Pasqualini. Paolo was also blessed, loved and survived by his brothers, Giuseppe (Isabella) Pasqualini, Maria (Luigi) Belcastro. Giacomo (Giovanna) Pasqualini, Teresa (Salvatore predeceased) Barile, alongside many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends, residing in Europe and Canada. Paolo was blessed with six grandchildren and two bonus ones who immeasurably loved, admired, respected, and adored him. Rosie, Neda, Paolo, Luke, Eva, and Sofia, alongside, Evan and Cassidy. They each hold a special place in their hearts, sharing some wonderful, and special distinctive memories with their Nonno.

Paolo started his career in the construction industry upon arriving in Canada in the late 60’s. He began working as a labourer with Borger WRD Construction, and then many years later, worked up the ladder to cement sidewalk finisher with Calgary Concrete, Asty Concrete, Marmot concrete and Alsa, working in various locations around Alberta. In the late 1980s, while employed, Paolo was unfortunately injured and hospitalized for almost two weeks owing to the irresponsibility of a reckless truck driver. As a result, in addition to his lasting impairments, he was unable to work owing to restricted mobility and continuous therapy. He thereafter redirected his attention towards recuperation, relationships, and engaging in activities to maintain productivity.

As the years swiftly progressed, Paolo remained vivacious, concealing his discomforting pains and suffering from several operations, including a heart transplant fourteen years before, consistently donning a resilient grin while sharing captivating and humorous anecdotes with his audience. He would narrate remarkable tales of his youth in San Giovanni in Fiore and Switzerland with his siblings and friends. Paolo genuinely loved everyone he encountered and enjoyed their company thoroughly. He enthusiastically enjoyed playing cards with his friends, “compares” and family members for countless hours on end. His favorite game was scalla quaranta, and if he were not Italian, we would assume he was Irish, as he was very lucky, ALWAYS winning. In addition to his love for cards, Paolo enjoyed his daily, two-time-a-day Italian espresso; he would not go a day without it, and always asked for it, even his final days.

Further, his unparalleled and sporadic dancing skills and moves would be made evident when his favorite songs would come on. Almost any song with a good beat and rhythm would have him up on the dance floor. He was a marvel when he danced; he danced like no one was watching with the people’s eyebrow and straight smoldering face, simultaneously shuffling, letting out kicks, and throwing his arms up wildly in the air, and waiving them like he just did not care. Paolo will be remembered for his unwavering love, infectious laughter, wisdom, sporadic dance moves, and the warmth he brought to every gathering. He instilled deep values in his family, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, strong work ethic, resilience, and kindness. Though he has left this world, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have met him.

A Funeral Celebration will be held at St. Luke's Catholic Church, located at 1566 Northmount Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, on Monday, December 22, 2025. Visitation at 10:00 am, Funeral Mass at 11:00 am, followed by a burial service at Queens Park Cemetery located at 3219 4th St. N.W. Calgary Alberta. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Forever in our hearts, Paolo will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

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