Nicola Matteo Ciavarella

Nick was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1998, and he was able to continue a full and satisfying life over the following 15 years with stoic courage and optimism. Nick was born in San Marco in Lamis, province of Foggia, Italy and lived there until the age of seven when his family immigrated to Toronto. Nick learned, played, worked and matured in a Canadian world cloaked by dominant Italian undertones. Nick was very proud of his academic studies from elementary school at St. Peter’s, secondary school at St. Michael’s College, and his undergrad and graduate studies at the University of Windsor and the University of British Columbia. From his birth, Nick spoke his native dialect, San Marchese, but his love of languages inspired him to learn Italian, and often he could be seen reading and underlining two books at a time, one in Italian and its translation in English. Nick moved from Toronto to Vancouver in the late 60’s where he took up employment as an instructor with the newly created Langara College in the psychology department.

Nick lectured as an instructor for his job, but he had a passion for other subjects and activities: singing in the Italian Choir; giving public lectures on grand Italian leaders; supporting and contributing to the work of the Italian Cultural Centre of Vancouver; and writing prose and poetry in his leisure time. He enjoyed classical music and became a proficient musician learning to play the recorder and classical guitar as an adult.

Survived by his wife Gail, son Giulio, sister Anne Mauro (Peter, deceased), brother John Ciavarella (Elisabeth) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins all of whom were dear to Nick, including his absent adoptive son, Matteo Ciavarella.

A viewing will be held at Hamilton Harron Funeral Home, 5390 Fraser Street on Tuesday, January 7 from 4:00-6:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at St. Andrew’s Church, 480 East 47th Avenue on Wednesday, January 8 at 11:00 am.

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the doctors, nurses, care aides and companions at Parkview Unit for the wonderful care they gave to Nick over the past two years. His family will miss him dearly. In lieu of flowers, kind donations may be offered to the Parkinson’s Society British Columbia (https://www.parkinson.bc.ca/) or the Italian Cultural Centre of Vancouver (https://italianculturalcentre.ca/).