November 2, 1940 - May 16, 2024
In loving memory ~
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Gino Pietro Spataro on May 16, 2024, at the age of 83 years old.
Gino was born Nov 2, 1940, in Celico, Cosenza, Italy. He was the 6th child of what would become 8 to parents Pasquale and Theresa Spataro. In a house full of kids, Gino was especially close with his 2 younger sisters Maria and Tonina. He took his job as a big brother very seriously and always put their needs above his own.
In 1965, at 25 years old Gino joined his sister Tonina and husband David in Canada in search of a better life. After a little looking around, they settled in Revelstoke and his sister Maria and husband Italo also came.
On a trip back home, Gino met the love of his life, Maria. They were married February 14, 1971, and she joined him in Revelstoke. Their family quickly grew, first with their son Massimo then soon after with daughter Paola. Maria and Gino juggled life with 2 little kids and Gino working away in Mica during the week. A few years later, Sergio was born and completed their family.
Gino valued hard work and was dedicated to doing his best in any task he took on. He spent 14 years working for BC Hydro working on the dams in Mica first then Revelstoke. He later hired on with Parks Canada and worked there as a maintenance worker until his retirement in 2002.
But of all his jobs, his favourite by far was when the Spataro family bought Emo's Restaurant in 1998. Gino eased into his retirement by taking on the endless tasks of running a successful restaurant, and he loved every minute of it! Emo's brought Gino so much joy; whether he was cleaning the parking lot, working in the kitchen or having coffee in the solarium, if he was there, he was happy.
The greatest accomplishment of Gino's life was having his family close and being involved in all of their lives. He was so proud of his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews and he would go to the end of the earth to make sure they were taken care of. When his grandkids came along this was the role Gino was born to play, Nonno. He had a special and unique relationship with each of his grandkids and he cherished these connections most of all.
Gino is survived his loving wife of 53 years, Maria; his 3 children Massimo (April), Paola (Sam) and Sergio (Cassie); his 6 grandkids Alyssa, Stefan, Liam, Deken, Isla and Enzo; as well sisters Maria (Italo) of Lappano, Italy and Tonina (David) of Kelowna; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews and close friends.
The family wishes to thank Dr. McLeod for his gentle and dedicated care, the doctors and nurses at QVH for their kindness and compassion and Dave at Family Pharmacy for always going above and beyond.
Funeral Mass was held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Revelstoke on Thursday morning, May 23rd, 2024 with Father Jim McHugh celebrant. Interment followed in the family plot of Mountain View Cemetery, Revelstoke.
Online condolences can be left for Gino's family at bowersfuneralservice.com.