Dipalo, James and Consetta (Cozzubbo)

James was born in Altamura Bari, Italy. He came over with his father Giovanni and mother Rosaria in 1908. Attending school and settling into life in Calgary, he enlisted in the Canadian Army with the 1st Regimental Battalion of Alberta, and was discharged as a private in May 1918. After learning the plumbing and heating business, he started his own company: J. Dipalo & Company (Plumbing, Gas Fitters & Tinsmith) in 1919.

James married Concetta (Edith) Cozzubbo in 1921. They resided at 229 3 Ave E where they raised their 8 children: Rose, John, Fred (deceased at 11 months in 1926), Irene, Raymond, Victor, Evelyn, and Alfred.

James and Concetta (Edith) on their wedding day in 1921

Family life was deeply rooted in community involvement, centered around the Loggia Giovanni Caboto, St. Mary’s and St. Francis Churches, where they were active parishioners, as well as family gatherings and summer picnics. James and Edith were devoted to their family, faith, and community, contributing their time and energy to many local activities.

James was one of the founding members of the Italo-Canadian Society, helping to strengthen cultural ties and community spirit. He organized its annual Christmas celebrations and helped build the Society’s float for the 1932 Calgary Stampede Parade, where the family proudly marched alongside the float. James also liked to build boats, and fished on the Ghost Dam, where his last boat was lost to the bottom of the dam due to a severe storm in 1930.

Dipalo children: Rose, John, Irene, Raymond, Victor, and Evelyn

Together, James and Edith helped preserve their Italian heritage, foster a strong sense of family and community, and create lasting traditions that brought generations together. Their legacy lives on through the values of faith, hard work, generosity, and family unity.

Unfortunately James passed away at the early age of 44 of a heart attack in May,1948, and is buried at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Calgary.

Written by: Theresa Taverna

Source: Dipalo Family recollections and photographs

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