Rosario Cassano

Rosario Cassano lived a healthy and active life for all of his 96 years. He was one of 8 children who grew up on a farm in Calabria, a region in southern Italy. He served in the army for 7 years in WWII stationed throughout southern Italy. In 1950 he married Emma and then immigrated to Canada to make a better life for them. 

His first job in Canada began with CN Railroad working his way westward repairing the track until he reached Moose Jaw. It was here he was lured to a job with Pool Construction who was building the Buffalo Pound water treatment plant paying 22 cents per hour more. Rosario went on to work on the construction of the Queens Building in Wascana Park, several schools in Regina, and the Inland Cement plant. After working to construct the plant, Rosario became the second employee to be hired on there. He ended up staying there for the next 33 years working his way up to the lofty position of Overhead Crane Operator. As a Crane Operator he would climb up 150 stairs at least 8 times each day, helping to contribute we believe to his strength and longevity. During this same period Rosario and Emma built 7 houses in Regina from scratch while raising their two children Mike and Maria.

Rosario had a large circle of Italian friends and no weekend went by without someone coming to visit. Preserving the Italian way of life was important to him so when the opportunity of forming the G. Marconi Canadian Italian Club arose, he became a founding member. You would find Rosario at most events hosted by the club. 

His summers were spent in his huge garden.  His bountiful crop was shared with family, neighbours, and friends. His peach tree was always a focus as he grew it from a seed.  He enjoyed spending time outdoors and activities like fishing and picking Saskatoon’s. The winter would always find him building a roaring fire in his fireplace so he could enjoy the heat and beauty of it. Rosario would still travel 2 to 3 times a year near and far, with his last trip to Cuba just over three weeks ago in December. There he loved to walk on the beach, feel the ocean breeze, and befriend the local people.

Rosario’s children, grandchildren and great grandchild were very close to his heart.  He never missed a birthday, family event or holiday gathering. He began cooking after Emma passed away and often hosted family suppers. We looked forward to spending time with Nonno whenever we could and he would share stories and laughter with us all. He was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved.

On January 8, 2018, Rosario Cassano passed away peacefully at the age of 96 years surrounded by his loving family.  Left to cherish his memory are his children Michael J Cassano and Maria (Erin) Canham; grandchildren Brett (Shawn) Seidler, Kelly (Brody) Waddell, Chad Canham; and great grandchild Emma Seidler.  He was predeceased by his wife Emma in 2008.  Rosario’s long, full life was highlighted by his genuine respect for others. He was a hardworking man who generously gave his time, labour, assistance or whatever was needed to help his family, friends and strangers alike.  In honour of Rosario’s memory, simply lend a helping hand to someone or make a donation to a charity of your choice.