Santo Chiaravalloti

Santo Chiaravalloti

1937-2022

It is with profound sadness that the family of Santo Chiaravalloti announces his passing on May 2, 2022, at the Bulkley Valley District Hospital in Smithers. He was the youngest of eight children born to Vincenzo and Francesca Chiaravalloti; Santo was born November 1, 1937, in Satriano, Catanzaro, Italy.

Santo spent his childhood and adolescent years in the small town where his passion for soccer began. When he wasn't in school or assisting his parents and siblings with the chores, he could be found on the dusty fields kicking a soccer ball with his buddies.

He and his brother Ernesto had a special bond so when his brother, who was a few years older, decided to seek employment in Germany and later in Switzerland, Santo decided to follow suit. He was a hard-working young man, so he had no issues finding employment. He tended bar and worked in the kitchen at several restaurants, and it was there he developed his culinary skills - his specialty was making pizzas.

On January 6, 1963, Santo married Teresa Barbuto and the following year on September the 12th they welcomed their first child Francesca. At the beginning of 1966 they made the mutual decision to immigrate to Canada as Teresa's parents and 2 of her siblings were already residing in Smithers. They landed at the very small "airport" in Smithers on August 22, 1966. Shortly after their arrival, on September 14th, they welcomed Rachele into their

family. On November 7, 1967, they welcomed another addition, their son Enzo. Sadly, on July 12, 1971, Santo and Teresa suffered the loss of their fourth child Antonio.

After only a week of his arrival in Smithers, Santo began his career as a millworker which he continued with until his retirement. His longest tenure was with West Fraser Mills (PIR) beginning with the company in 1975 and ending with his retirement in September of 1997.

Santo was a certified soccer referee and affiliated with the Canadian Soccer Association. He, with a few dedicated volunteers were instrumental in forming the BV Men's Soccer League. He dedicated countless hours over the years refereeing soccer games and tournaments from the Hazeltons through to the Houston area. Even in his retirement he assisted with the BV Youth Soccer League, ensuring that the game he was so passionate about would be carried on with the youth of the valley.

Time spent with each of his grandchildren was very special to him. He also loved family get-togethers especially Christmas dinners; although he allowed his wife to play the role of hostess, he was never afraid to roll up his sleeves when she needed help in the kitchen. He loved the outdoors, fishing many of the lakes and rivers in the area, mushroom picking, going for firewood, gardening, playing bocce, playing cards, and taking long scenic walks in the valley. Together with his wife, he took numerous trips to Italy, France, and Switzerland to visit and reconnect with family and friends.

He was loved and will be greatly missed by Teresa, his wife of 59 years, his daughters Francesca Kurulak, Rachele (Bruce) Robinson, his son Enzo (Karin) Chiaravalloti and grandchildren Kyle (Crystal), Justin (Linda), Bruce Jr. (Leticia), Gerrit (Baylee), Giullana, Lucas & Keira as well as 3 sister-in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.

Santo was predeceased by his parents, his son Antonio, all 7 of his siblings, his grandson Braden Robinson and most recently his son-in-law Clyde Kurulak.

A Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, May 10th, 2022, at the St. Josephs Parish, Smithers, B.C. 

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