Dipalo, Giovanni and Rosaria (Ciffarelli)

Giovanni Dipalo was born in 1865 and Rosaria Ciffarelli was born in 1869. They were married in 1889 and were from Altamura, Bari, Italy. Arriving in Calgary in 1908, they settled at 229 3 Ave E with their 2 sons, James (age 11) and Victor. Giovanni worked in construction, and one of the jobs he had was installing the iconic stone at the Banff Springs Hotel. After returning to Calgary from Banff, he went to work for the City at the streetcar barns, where he remained until his retirement in 1935. Son Victor immigrated to Maracaibo, Venezuela, in the 1920’s.

As a family they were active parishioners of St. Mary’s Cathedral, and attended Italian picnics and functions. Giovanni was a member of the Giovanni Caboto Loggia and Rosaria was active in the women’s organizations.

After the death of Rosaria in 1930, Giovanni went back to Altamura Bari, Italy and in 1935 married Ostuna (Katarina) Giordano and returned back to Calgary. Giovanni died in 1940 and is buried in St. Mary’s cemetery in Calgary. Katarina returned to Italy in 1948 and died in 1956.

Son James with his daughter Rose and Rosaria

Written by: Theresa Taverna

Source: Dipalo family recollections and photos

Editorial Review: Reviewed by the Calgary Italian History Project for web publication