Cozzubbo, Agatino (Joe) and Bertha (Fortems)
Updated: Oct 6
Agatino was born in 1894 Gaggi, Messina Italy, travelling by boat with his father Salvatore and his brother Marino. They arrived at Ellis Island in 1906. After a stay in New York, their father found work with the CPR working his way across Canada and settling the family in Calgary 1908. Agatino (Joe) along with his brother Marino joined Tuxedo Coffee and Spice Mill in 1916, where Joe dedicated 40 years of service to the company.
Joe met his future wife, Bertha Fortems, (born in Rochester, New York in 1906) who was also employed at Tuxedo Coffee and Spice Mills. In 1920, Joe and Bertha were married at St. Mary’s Cathedral and made their home at 315 10A Street NW. They were deeply involved in parish life at St. John’s Church. Joe was also active in the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Woodsmen. Along with his brother Marino, their team Woodsmen, earned many awards in the city’s horseshoe league.
As the years passed, their home became lively and full with the arrival of their children: Margaret (1924), Hazel (1926), Donald (1929), Yvonne (1936), and Allan (1939). There was always someone playing the piano or heading off to dance lessons. Joe could often be heard whistling his favourite themes from Madame Butterfly and Rigoletto Bertha worked part‑time at Alberta Laundry to help support the family. As a family they enjoyed many social and family gatherings throughout their lives.
Joe passed away in 1955 at the age of 61. Bertha passed away in 1992 at the age of 86.
Written by: Theresa Taverna
Sources: Family recollections and photographs, .
Editorial Review: Reviewed and formatted by the Calgary Italian Historical Project for web publication.