Serani, Serafino and Palma (Fabi)

From Antrodoco to Calgary, the Serani family built a quiet life centered on faith, family, and community.

Guerrero (Peter) Serafino Yolanda Palma Joseph (Pep) circa 1926

Serafino and Palma (Fabi) Serani were among some of the first Italian families to emigrate to Calgary in the early part of the 20th century. They were both born in the central Italian town of Antrodoco in the province of Rieti, in the region of Lazio.

Serafino arrived in Calgary in April of 1911, sponsored by his brother-in-law and sister who were already residing in Calgary. Palma arrived a few months later in September of the same year.

They lived in the east end of downtown Calgary for the first year and then moved to Riverside in about 1912. The family home was at 412 - 2nd Ave. N.E. This is where the children were born. The eldest was Joseph (Pep) in 1913, Guerrino (Peter) in 1914, and then Yolanda in 1916.

Serafino was employed with the City of Calgary, Waterworks Dept., where he worked until his retirement in the 1950’s.

In 1916, Serafino signed a document enlisting him into the “Canadian Over-seas Expeditionary Force” (The Canadian Army). However, as far as we know, he was not called to serve. That may have been because, at the time, he already had 3 small children.

The family lived a simple life — never owning a car or having a telephone. They were members of the Italian Lodge known as the “Caboto Lodge” at that time. The Lodge was the “original” Calgary Italian Club.

We heard stories of Nonna Palma’s favorite meal — polenta, which was served on a large wooden board in the middle of the table. Like many other Italian families, they kept a garden every summer providing them with their favorite vegetables.

The kids attended St. Angela’s Separate School on 2nd Avenue and 6th Street. St. Angela’s Church and later Our Lady of Perpetual Help was the local Catholic Parish which took care of the spiritual needs of the many immigrants that moved into the growing community of Bridgeland/Riverside.

The Serani children were sent to music lessons taught by Professor Pompilio. Joseph (Pep) made it a life-long hobby, playing the trumpet in local dance bands in Calgary.

In about 1928, the family moved to 215 6th St. N.E., which became the new family home for the next several years. The last family home, which was a new build in 1945, was at 652 Marsh Rd. N.E. The lot was unique as it bordered both Marsh Rd. and First Avenue — a convenient place to reside as 1st Ave. was the bus route (or streetcar) in those days.

After his retirement in the 1950’s, Serafino worked at Bowness Park in the summer months under the guidance of his son-in-law and Superintendent of the park, Jimmy Barbaro, husband of Yolanda Barbaro (Serani). Also, during this same period, Guerrino (Peter) Serani worked at Bowness Park running a shooting gallery (with live ammunition), and his young nephews Jim and Peter Barbaro helped out as they spent their summers at the park.

Palma passed away in 1958, followed by Serafino in 1966. They are buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Calgary.