Giovanni and Elizabeth Pagani - 1944

Let’s go back to May 21, 1944, in Carpineto, Rome, Italy. The Germans are beginning to retreat, with American planes buzzing them from the skies.

But none of this is important today. It is Elizabeth (nee Calvano) and Giovanni Pagani’s wedding day! Seventeen-year old Elizabeth dresses in her bridal gown complete with long, flowing veil, then proceeds, with her family, to the village church.

Giovanni Pagani waits patiently for his bride. He knows patience. He and Elizabeth have been engaged for five years. Finally the ceremony begins. It is 11:00 am!

Then, the bombs begin to drop. The noise is deafening. The church shakes, groans and rumbles. Smoke and dust are everywhere. The entire wedding party is forced to flee into the mountains, where, for two weeks they hide in the surrounding Vineyards. Thus begins the married life of Giovanni and Elizabeth Pagani.

Shortly after the couple returned from the Vineyards, Giovanni learned that his brother had died, tending his sheep during the bombing. A group tried to steal the sheep and the young shepherd lost his life defending his flock.

About the same time, the Germans captured Giovanni, forcing him to go with them to the next village, approximately 12 miles away. He was released within three hours but he still had to find his way back home.

Life was difficult in Italy after the Second World War. Food was scarce, jobs were difficult to find, and the country was in turmoil after years of conflict and devastation.

Fortunately, Giovanni had a good job buying, selling, and trading lambs. The couple started their family but they wanted more for their three children. With that in mind, Giovanni booked passage to Canada on The Saturnia with two other male family members. They arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax on April 9, 1952. In Halifax the young men were each given $12.00 spending money, then were directed to the station, where they boarded a train to Montreal. It was a coal-fed train, - very hot on board. After nearly two days traveling, Giovanni was blackened from head to foot with coal dust. Giovanni’s brother, Armando Pagani, was waiting when they arrived in Montreal. From there they drove to Ottawa.

Giovanni found a job with the City of Ottawa. In the beginning, there were so many new things to get used to, with one of the biggest being the bread…white, thinly-sliced, almost-raw tasting bread. The new language was a big hurdle too, as he worked and saved his money to bring the rest of his family to their new home.

A year later, on April 28, 1953, Elizabeth, Francesco, Paul, and John set sail for Halifax on SS Conte Biancamano, arriving on May 10, 1953.

Giovanni had purchased a large home at 93 Fentiman Avenue in Old Ottawa South. Several years later the arrival of Ricky completed the Pagani family. They sponsored over one hundred Italians as they chose to leave Italy, and sail to a new life in Canada. The new arrivals were welcomed into their home with open arms while they aided them to assimilate into their new city. While their lives were full and busy, Giovanni was always a business entrepreneur. When he retired from the City of Ottawa, he had built several businesses, including real estate that he invested in, and sold, as well as free-lance paving contract business. He contracted to CPM Paving where he was an extremely well-respected business owner. All his business ventures grew throughout the years, and the family prospered.

On October 11, 2003, 59-year old Francesco died from the ravages of leukemia. He had only been recently diagnosed, and his death left a huge hole in the heart of the entire family. They were devastated. Francesco left behind his beloved wife Anne, and their two beautiful, young children, Giovanni Jr. and Angelica. Francesco is greatly missed by everyone, and the tragedy of his death lingers to this day. No parent should ever have to bury their child .

Moving to Villa Marconi in 2007 was the newest phase in the couple’s lives. They say they are very content, and are looked after very well. The staff was pleasant and upbeat. Everywhere I looked someone was smiling….always a good sign.

Armando Calvano, Elizabeth’s brother, a renowned and greatly sought-after cabinet maker, passed away last year. He was a wonderful musician who played accordion, and was responsible for the incredibly detailed cabinetry work at the Parliamentary Building’s Library. He co-founded C and A Woodworking, a company in demand throughout Ottawa and the surrounding area. Armando continues to be in the family’s thoughts and prayers.

In the morning humidity, as a nurse came to fetch Elizabeth, I hugged Giovanni and wished him heartiest congratulations. I thanked him too, not only for being a wonderful example of how to live a happy married life after 65 years, but for the Pagani family’s contribution to The City of Ottawa, Because of their kindness in opening up their home to so many, Ottawa became a richer city as this couple lived their lives with a strong work ethic, infinite family love, respect, and loyalty.