Carlo Grespan
July 5th, 2023
With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Carlo Grespan on July 5, 2023, at the age of 85. Carlo, our husband, father, nonno, uncle, cousin, and friend, fought a valiant battle with cancer.
Carlo was born in Selva del Montello, Treviso, Italy, the third child of six to parents Carlotina and Carlo Grespan. He immigrated to Vancouver at the age of 18. Unable to speak English, he put his entrepreneurial spirit into action and created his own employment by doing odd jobs. Carlo quickly settled into house painting, eventually establishing his own successful business Velvet Painting Contractors and an entirely different venture for a time, Valentino's Fresh Pasta.
It wasn't long after Carlo settled into Canada that he asked the love of his life, Mirella, to leave Italy and become his bride. Their marriage was a happy union that lasted 62 years. Carlo was an exceptional husband, father and grandfather who loved his family and worked very hard to provide for them.
Carlo's personal ethos was one of generosity, always willing to help his community. As a member of the Selva del Montello Society, Carlo was instrumental as one of the elders in building the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver. Later in his retirement, he volunteered at Meals on Wheels in Tsawwassen.
Carlo cherished time socializing with his family and friends, gatherings where he enveloped his loved ones in laughter from his great sense of humour and affection. His hobbies included playing (and coaching) soccer, bocce with friends, lawn bowling with his wife, and games of dominoes with his neighbours. Carlo also enjoyed working on his hobby farm and making homemade wine and salami with his brothers.
Survived by his beloved wife, Mirella; children Mariuccia (Brad), Mauro, Lisa (Charles), and Tony (Lisa); grandchildren Angela (Emmet), Stefano (Sophie), Carlo (Aunjali), Gianluca, Dante; sisters Carla, Luigina and brother Luigino; sisters-in-law Christina, Giulianna and Mariuccia; brothers-in-law Ugo and Beppi; many nieces and nephews; and friends and family in Italy, Canada and the USA. Predeceased by parents Carlotina and Carlo Grespan; brothers Carlo and Franco; brothers-in-law Mario, Benito and Luigi; and sisters-in-law Anna and Clara.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Martin and Dr. Poon, the staff at Delta Hospital, and especially the nurses and support staff at Irene Thomas Hospice Centre for their kind and loving care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Cancer Society or JDRF Canada.
Carlo will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will be lovingly cherished by his family. May he rest in peace. The funeral service will be held on July 28, Sacred Heart Parish, 3900 Arthur Dr., Delta at 10:00 am.
Carlo had a presence that made you pay attention to him when he was in a conversational setting with family & friends. I enjoyed many conversations with him throughout the years. I am especially grateful for the love & affection he had towards my sister, Annn. Rest in Jesus’ embrace, Carlo & give Ann a hug for me. I will miss you.