Carlo Sgaetti

In loving memory of Carlo Sgaetti:

Known as Er Gallina to his Roman friends, Carlo was an old school Roman to his core. He grew up in the Rione Monte neighborhood of Roma - which was forever close to his heart. Growing up the Roman Forum, the Colosseum ,the Trevi fountain and piazza di Spagna were his playgrounds.

Carlo started working in film in Italy but after a few years decided to travel around Europe and then to North America. He ended up in Canada - visiting a friend - a job opportunity at BCTV came his way and he jumped on it.

While in Toronto he met his future wife, Clementina Ciamarra, and together they drove across the country with a cat, half empty
U-Haul and an adventurous spirit.

Carlo ended up working at BCTV for over 40 years, as a Camera Assistant, Cameraman, Editor and Chief Editor. His ability to watch film and tape in rewind was legendary. Carlo’s speed and storytelling abilities were unmatched. He was revered for his blunt, unapologetic, honesty - not to mention his ‘unusually interesting’ language.

Carlo loved walking his dogs Sunnyboy, Benson and Sam. He would take them to Riverview - which held a special place in his heart after working on a series at BCTV about the closure of the facility.

Carlo volunteered at Riverview, for years, every weekend hanging out in Penn Hall playing pool or board games and chatting with patients, keeping them company as most were discarded by their families once entering the hospital. Even after Riverview shutdown, some people remained, and Carlo would bring his dogs to the grounds to comfort patients.

Carlo loved cooking - always making the best pasta dishes and other recipes from a 1916 cook book handed down from his grandmother . Written in Roman slang - it was his cooking bible.

Carlo always put family first and loved them fiercely. But nothing could top his joy of spending time with his grandson Matteo. The countless hours they spent building and playing Lego, and teaching him magic tricks, priceless.

After a year long struggle with Cancer, Carlo passed away August 31st at home, like he wanted with his family.

Carlo was husband to Clementina, Father to Alessandro and GianLuca and grandfather to Matteo.

His energy and thoughtful conversation will be missed. Losing Carlo, can be likened to burning down a library. So many stories, wisdom, a legacy of blunt and compassionate lessons. Carlo must be forever celebrated - never mourned.

In lieu of flowers the please make a donation to the SPCA on Carlo's behalf.
Thank you