ROTELLA:
With loved ones at his bedside, Pietro “Pete” Rotella passed away at the Rocky Mountain Village on Tuesday, May 27th at the age of 84 years.
Pete was born February 1, 1930 in Marcedusa Catanzaro, Italy to parents Gaetano and Anna Rotella. He served in the Italian Military, and following his discharge, immigrated to Canada in 1959 with his wife Rosina and their son Gaetano (Dan). Pete worked in the Sparwood coal mines, surviving several mining disasters throughout his lifetime. In 1992 he retired, busying himself with making delicious wines and sausages, camping, and playing cards with family and friends.
Pete was in love with life itself and truly lived each day to the fullest. Always a smile upon his face, Pete genuinely appreciated life’s simple pleasures. Family was first and foremost in Pete’s life, and his precious grandchildren and great grandchildren were the center of his world.
A thoughtful and generous man, Pete was willing and ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was also known to be quite the jokester and was the life of any party. Pete touched many lives and will always be remembered for his kind, gentle heart, his sparkling eyes, and his warm smile.
Pete is lovingly survived by his son Dan with his wife Christine, granddaughters Melissa Rotella (Simon Barker) of New Zealand and Michelle (Daigen) Wilson of Elko, and great grandchildren Hunter and Emmadeia Wilson. Also left to mourn his passing is his brother Gennaro Rotella of Montreal, and sisters Gabriella Commisso, Antonietta (Dominic) Prestia, and Aurelia (Vince) Polcino of Fernie and Caterina (Joe) Scrocco and Mirella (Frank) Deluca of Montreal as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife Rosina in 2001.
Memorial tributes may be made to S.T.A.R.S. Air Rescue, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary AB T2E 8M7. Messages of condolence may be made at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.