Cosmo Tassoni

Cosmo Tassoni, 86, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2019 with his loving family by his side. Cosmo was born November 22, 1932 to Luigi and Carmela in Serra San Bruno Italy, the second youngest of five children.

To say Cosmo had a full life with stories that he could only tell, would be an understatement. His childhood years were during the war. He worked at a very young age with his brothers and sisters to provide food and shelter for the Family. This was a way of life for dad and his family as his father passed away when he was only 3 years old. Some would say "what a life," dad would say, "God, health, family, we be ok".​

Cosmo met his beautiful wife Raffela in 1955. Dad said he believed in love at first sight. So much so that once he saw her, he went to her home, waited till dark and was able to serenade her outside the house with his accordion in hand. He played and sang his favorite song "O sole Mio" till she came and met him. They married on December 28, 1957. They spent 58 loving years together and raised 5 children.

In 1962, Cosmo and Raffela, Bruno(son) and Carmelina (still in mom’s tummy) embarked on their journey to Canada. It literally took planes, trains, boats, automobiles to finally arrive in Jasper on dad’s birthday. Some would say "crazy", but dad would say "better life for my family". He had a "never give up attitude", Sometimes working 3 and 4 jobs to provide for his family. Some of the highlights of dad’s jobs include the building of highway 93A south, chef at the Astoria and Athabasca hotel, Cleaning of the Post office and Super A foods. These were the 3 and 4 jobs he had at one time. Dad had two Careers he was most proud of. His time at the Jasper fish Hatchery where he worked overnights feeding and taking care of the fish. During his time there, he was even held at gunpoint with 2 criminals and was able to "smooth talk" his way to a phone to say he as calling his wife to say goodbye. He called the police instead and was able to have the 2 criminals arrested. That was dad, fight till the end.....​

Dads favorite career was at the Jasper Fire hall. He spent over 30 years working there and as he would call all it, "Running the show". He loved polishing and driving the firetrucks, filling the fire extinguishers for the town, maintaining all the equipment for the firemen and for those that knew him, the list went on and on...Dad had no "stop" button. Dad was most proud to serve the community of Jasper which he loved. He also was on the volunteer fire brigade and volunteered as an Ambulance driver. Most say dad retired from the fire department in 1994, but if you ask dad, his time with the firemen came to an end when his wife passed away and he did not want to attend the annual Christmas party. He quoted "no mom, no party, I done if I can no dance the Tarantella with my wife Raffela"​

Cosmo was a pillar in the Jasper community. He loved his "little town" and all the people in it. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved to go fishing (with his Italian buddies), travel to some of his favorite destination, (Italy, Hawaii, Vegas) to name a few.. He loved to play the accordion for all of us including all his grandchildren. Dad loved to walk, so much that even though he was" legally blind", he ventured out daily to say hi to anyone who said hi back. He would say, it’s called "respect in Jasper". He would meet his coffee buddies at Tim Hortons everyday at 2pm and then go Visit and play cards with his sister Maria at 4pm, all within calling his children daily to ensure we were "all ok" and this also included his brother Luigi in Edson. Family is what dad prided himself on​.

Cosmo is survived by his daughter; Carmelina (Hudson), and her husband Shane, and his three Sons; Ornesto and his wife Shannon, Biageno and his wife Gaetanne, Davine and his wife Sarah. Also left to mourn is his Daughter in law Katherine, his Sister Maria (Zaffino) and Brother Luigi. Cosmo also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunt and uncles, cousins and in-laws to cherish his memories.

Cosmo was preceded in death by his parents Carmela and Luigi, his loving wife Raffela, and his Oldest son Bruno. Also predeceased are his brother Frank, his sister Marie-Grazia and relatives near and afar.

Private Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 25 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Jasper Cemetery.  Our Fathers wishes was to have a private service with his children(spouses) grandchildren(spouses). He always said: "never say goodbye" its "see you later and till we meet again" We honour those wishes and let him rest in peace with his Son Bruno and his wife Raffela​.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jasper Volunteer fire brigade, or any charity of choice as dad always said "give something to everyone"

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