Obituary of Giuseppe "Joe" Spataro

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Giuseppe "Joe" Spataro, a longtime resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the age of 92 years.

Joe Spataro was born on February 2, 1931, to Gerlando Spataro and Angela Cacciatore in Joppolo Giancaxio, Italy. He was the fourth of six children and spent his childhood in a small Sicilian mountain village until he joined the army in his late teens. After serving his time in the army, he returned to Joppolo for a short period of time. He then embarked on his next adventure. He travelled by boat for two weeks and arrived in Halifax, Canada. He eventually made his way to Montreal in search of better opportunities. As a single man, he had the freedom to travel in search of work. Those travels took him all across the country from Quebec to British Columbia. 

In the late 1960’s, Joe returned to Joppolo where he married Carmela on March 28, 1968. Once married, he returned to Canada with his bride and started his married life in Montreal. The family of two soon became a family of three as they welcomed their one and only child Angelo, who was the centre of Joe’s world. Joe’s top priority was his family and he dedicated his life to them.

In 1972, they travelled by train across Canada to Dawson Creek, British Columbia which soon became their home. Joe bought a house where he raised his family and lived for the remainder of his life. 

Joe was a very hard worker and played a role in the construction of famous Northern landmarks including the village of Tumbler Ridge and the Peace Canyon Dam. He spent the majority of his working life as a long-term employee of BC Rail, which allowed him to form lifelong friendships. 

In the summer of 1976, Joe, with cash in hand, walked into a car dealership and purchased his legendary 1976 red Chevrolet Impala. Joe proudly drove his classic Impala for the rest of his life which included passing his driving road exam at ninety years of age. 

Joe is survived by his wife Carmela Spataro; son Angelo Spataro (Dione); granddaughters Amanda Spataro and Amy Spataro; brother Salvatore Spataro; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joe is predeceased by his parents Gerlando Spataro and Angela Cacciatore; siblings Calogero Spataro, Francesca Russo, Carmela Spataro and Maria Spataro.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 1:00pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Pauline Haycock will officiate. Interment to follow in Dawson Creek City Cemetery.

For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Joe to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Suite #200-885 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver BC, V6C 1N5 or Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation, 11100 - 13 Street, Dawson Creek, BC, V1G 3W8

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium