Calogero "Charlie" Graci

Calogero (Charlie) Graci

Charlie was born in the small town of Delia, Sicily in 1940 during the Second World War. He was the eldest of three children born to Leonardo and Salvatrice Graci. Charlie, his sister Crocifissa, along with his brother Angelo were raised during a very impoverished time. At the young age of 16 years, with little hope of a future in Delia, Charlie left Sicily for Canada. When he arrived in Toronto, Charlie lived with his Uncle Stefano until he was settled. He began as a welder and earned extra income in the evening by learning to do plumbing and electrical work.

Charlie always strived to improve himself and at the age of 18, he secured a job as a salesman for Carling Breweries. Although he was too young to sell beer, he worked on commission for the first year in this position. He worked evenings and weekends going to people’s homes selling them beer and assisting them in acquiring the proper permits for all their social functions. His work ethic combined with his genuine desire to help people, made him very successful and he celebrated being a top salesman throughout his entire career at Carling. When Charlie was able, he began to sponsor his family to come to Canada. He worked hard to settle and support his family in their new land.

At the of age 23, Charlie married the love of his life and best friend Graziella, who was his partner throughout the rest of his life. Together, they raised three children Leo, Sylvia and Grace. With Graziella’s and his family’s love and support, Charlie was able to initiate many endeavours. Through his hard work and fearless dedication, he successfully started and operated Oakville Italian Gardens. He would take on many projects throughout his life, be it building his own home, buying vacation property with his brother in law Vince, or starting new investments on his own or with friends. He always committed himself to the task and was never afraid to throw himself into anything he did. If that was not enough, Charlie was always one of the first to offer help to family, friends or within the community. Charlie was always prepared to help in any way possible, doing all of the electrical work in his nephew Joe’s home, plumbing and electrical work in his children’s homes or just lending a hand to whomever needed it. He was one of the original founders of the Delia Social Club and the president of the club for a period of time. For many years, he was committed to studying and acting in the Easter Passion Play, where he was very proud to assume the role of St. Peter, a most beloved Apostle. He belonged to the Serra Club and was an active parishioner at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Woodbridge. Charlie had a profound faith and deep devotion to our Holy Mother.

Charlie was most proud of his family. He truly lived for and was committed to his wife and his three children. He worked hard to ensure that he was there to advise them when they needed his guidance and would support them when they pursued their own dreams and challenges. He ensured that they learned to balance a hard work ethic with a devotion to family and a zest for life. Later, he welcomed his daughter and sons-in-law Angie, Fabio and Peter into the family and always loved them as his own. Charlie was always very kind and generous with both his time and affection. Charlie’s joy and pride could not be contained with the birth of his grandchildren Sofia, Chase, Ava, Téa, Nicolas, Faith and Violet. He savoured in making many memories with his grandchildren, playing with them and watching them grow with great admiration and devotion. The joy and happiness he felt for them was obvious even throughout his illness.

For the past 17 years, Charlie has lived with Alzheimer’s disease. When he learned of his diagnosis, he accepted it with grace, courage and dignity. Charlie was a man of great faith and he shared that God would guide him through whatever was to come. He often reflected on a poem that spoke to him, entitled Footprints. His smile and inner strength touched the hearts of many, including his devoted wife, his family and his caregivers Alma and Alicia. The family would like to thank his caregivers for their enduring attentiveness and love. The family holds many memories of Charlie laughing, smiling, singing and dancing, and living life truly to the fullest.

Charlie lived his life with sincerity and integrity. He did not need or look for any recognition, but rather he was happy to be able to contribute whenever he could. He accomplished great things and will be forever missed by many. His honour and integrity will continue to live on in his family.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the team at Villa Leonardo Gambin. The commitment and compassion of the nurses, PSWs and administrators who supported Charlie will always be a source of relief in their hearts.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of York Region or Villa Leonardo Gambin (villagambin.com)



A memorial mass will be held at a future date to honour and pray for Charlie Graci.


Eternal rest grant unto Charlie, O Lord; And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Amen.