Corradetti, Annibale and Angeladea

A pioneer of Bridgeland, Annibale Corradetti helped build Calgary through hard work, resilience, and devotion to family.

Annibale Corradetti (1867–1952) arrived in Calgary in February 1903, following his brother who had immigrated in 1899. His brother eventually returned to Italy in 1902, complaining that Canada’s winters were too cold, the flowers had no scent, and the women were not as beautiful as those back home. Annibale famously replied, “I think I can do better,” and soon departed for Calgary with his wife.

The couple raised five children born in Calgary: Rusty, Nick, Sylvia, Mary, and Johnny. About ten years later, after the passing of his wife, Annibale wrote back to his hometown of Antrodoco asking for help raising his children. A widow, Mrs. Cioni, agreed to come to Calgary with her two sons. Her younger son, Genesio “Gene” Cioni, later settled permanently in Calgary, where he married and raised two children: Maria Cioni, who became a respected historian, and Gary Cioni, who later served as a judge in Calgary.

Annibale settled in the Bridgeland neighbourhood and worked for the City of Calgary removing railway ties to make way for the city’s new electric tram system. He also salvaged logs from the Bow River, milling them into lumber that he used to build nine rental homes by 1929.

In 1912, he constructed a commercial building that still stands today. Though many mistakenly read the inscription as “Cannibale,” it actually reads “C. Annibale.”

After the death of his second wife in 1926, Annibale once again wrote to Antrodoco asking whether a woman might be willing to marry him and help care for his family. Angeladea (1887–1958), a widow whose husband had died of typhoid fever, accepted. She arrived in Calgary in March 1927, followed later that year by her daughter Olanda.

Olanda attended St. Angela School and later worked at Holy Cross Hospital. She enjoyed attending dances at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, where she met Attilio Miotti. They married in 1937 and raised two sons, Alexander and Luigi.

In 1931, Angela’s second daughter, Olinda, arrived in Canada. Three years later, she married Luigi Fabbi of Trail, British Columbia, and together they raised three children.

Annibale retired in 1940 and passed away in 1952 at the age of 84. He left behind a legacy built on determination, hard work, and devotion to family. His children included Caesareno, a plumber and later photographer; Angelino “Jerry,” a real estate broker; Nick, a successful contractor; Mary; Sylvia; and Johnny, a longtime City of Calgary employee. The family home stood at 622 – 2nd Avenue N.E., and the family is laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Calgary.

Louie (Luigi) Miotti, who was four years old when Annibale passed away, later recalled many stories about him. During the Great Depression, Annibale was known for feeding those who came to his door hungry, although he refused to give money. If tenants failed to pay rent, he would famously remove the front door of the house until payment was made. While he was not considered particularly community-oriented, he remained fiercely dedicated to providing for and protecting his immediate family.