Charlie was born Sep 2, 1949 in Grimaldi, Italy. Sadly passed away Jan 3, 2026, unexpectedly, at Victoria General Hospital.
May 1957, age seven, Charlie boarded ocean liner Vulcania in Port of Naples sailing to Canada with his mother Rosaria and two older siblings. Arrived in Halifax May 16, then travelled by train across Canada to Vancouver where they were reunited with Charlie’s father, Gaetano. Gaetano immigrated to BC, when Charlie was an infant, to find work, establish a home and prepare for his family’s arrival. Charlie’s parents (who have since passed) later welcomed two more
children in BC.
Charlie is deeply missed by his partner of 47 years, Leilani, his beloved son
Giancarlo, and her extended family; his sisters Marlene, Rose(Lance/nephews); brothers John(Shannon/niece), Alex(Gaynol-both have since passed) and survived by only son Guy(Robyn). Also left behind his close friends of 50 plus years: Bob(Judy), Peter(Cheryl), Lake(Neisa)- grateful they were all able to connect with Charlie shortly before his passing.
A quick learner, Charlie mastered English early on upon arriving in Canada. His maternal Aunt Gemma, a teacher in Grimaldi, was instrumental in instilling the value of books and learning. Like his parents/siblings, Charlie was gifted in culinary skills and gardening plus an avid collector of books, art, antiques, carpets.
Charlie had a lengthy career as a BC Transit Operator and was passionate when it came to Labour Relations as he was a strong advocate for improving working conditions for drivers.
An extrovert who embraced life fully, Charlie met people from all walks of life. From being blessed by the Pope as a baby in Rome, to sharing moments with music legends such as Jimi Hendrix backstage, taking a swig of whiskey with Janis Joplin, and sharing stories with Frank Zappa about growing up in an Italian family. Charlie spent many happy evenings playing cards and pool at home with friends.
A heartfelt thank you to all the healthcare professionals who provided care to Charlie. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date
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14 Comments To "Pasquale (Charlie) Maria Giuliano"
#1 Comment By Catherine Lang On February 21, 2026 @ 10:04 am
Heartfelt condolences to all Charlie’s family. To Leilani and Giancarlo, cherish all the fond memories now and into the future.
Charlie was a quite the character and a big thinker, bound by his physical disabilities towards the end but still keenly interested in the world around him. May he rest in peace, Love Catherine and Sam
#2 Comment By Giancarlo On March 3, 2026 @ 3:03 pm
❤️
#3 Comment By Giancar On February 21, 2026 @ 2:06 pm
Love you and miss you. Thank you for all you taught me. Especially golf, fishing, driving, appreciation for classic cars, calmness, and all the other things I will keep as my own memories. See you when I see you.
#4 Comment By Peter Lowrey On February 23, 2026 @ 1:11 am
If Charlie had lived in Old Testament times, he would have been one of the prophets. He had profound insight into human nature and could always say something wise. He had presence. He had plenty of street smarts too! We had fun together. Cheryl and I are very sad he’s gone. Our condolences go out to Lani and Giancarlo and Charlie’s family. love, Peter
#5 Comment By Karla Decker On February 23, 2026 @ 3:23 pm
I first met Charlie through his partner, Lani, who was my work colleague and friend, in the early 1990s, after they moved with their young son Giancarlo to Victoria from Vancouver. I visited their lovely, hospitable home countless times in the following 35-plus years and was always warmly welcomed by Charlie and, of course, Lani.
He was a kind-hearted, very intelligent person and we enjoyed many conversations about politics, world affairs, and life in general. He was an excellent cook and an ace with a barbecue, and also a skilled gardener. I remember watching him preparing his own soil mix and growing spectacular tomatoes, garlic, chili peppers and more.
I will always miss Charlie and am grateful to have been his friend. My deepest condolences to Lani, Giancarlo, and all of Charlie’s family and friends.
Karla xo
#6 Comment By Audrey On February 23, 2026 @ 5:20 pm
Dear Lani and family
I was so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing.
He was a dear friend for years in Vancouver. Always ready for a good conversation and laughter.
He will be missed. My thoughts are with you Lani.
#7 Comment By Lani On May 13, 2026 @ 3:07 pm
Hi Audrey! Apologies for delay in thanking you for kind words. Charlie and I were very sad to hear of your loss as well. Best wishes xx Lani
#8 Comment By Jeremy Dann On February 25, 2026 @ 7:46 am
Please accept our condolences from all the transit operators in Vancouver and Victoria. I worked with him for 30 years in both communities and can attest to his tremendous work towards improving our working conditions. His efforts were truly appreciated.
#9 Comment By Anna Funaro On February 25, 2026 @ 6:40 pm
We are sad to hear about Charlie’s passing. He always had such a warm smile and kind spirit—something that we will never forget. Our thoughts are with you.
From Anna Funaro and Family.
#10 Comment By Jay Jarman On February 28, 2026 @ 7:16 am
My deepest condolences to Lani and Giancarlo. Remembering Charlie brings goodness to the fore. Of the many conversations Charlie and I had, I always appreciated his world view in taking a stand for the betterment of humanity.
An insightful man with a warm heart.
RIP Charlie
#11 Comment By Lani On May 13, 2026 @ 3:09 pm
Hi Jay, Apologies for delay in thanking you for kind words, your card and plant! Much appreciated! Thank you! Best wishes to you and Vida! xx Lani & Giancarlo
#12 Comment By Jim Houlahan On February 28, 2026 @ 11:26 am
Such sad news this morning about Charlie’s passing in an email from Jay. I began driving buses at then BC Hydro in early 1975 one month after Charlie started. Both in our early 20’s we became close friends from the late 70’s until Charlie transferred to Victoria in the early 90’s. It was Charlie who got me involved in our Union. In the 80’s he was the head Rep at the Vancouver Depot and we spent many hours and days together plotting and scheming at Union meetings and Conventions and battling with the employer. Charlie was a rare breed of contradictory natures. He was a bright and gentle soul who cared deeply about his fellow workers and the state of local and international politics while full of passion and fire for what he believed in. He was the only Rep I ever saw in 30 years be so relentless on an issue that the manager of scheduling physically came across the table at us. I remember the afternoons we spent talking shop while eating hazel nuts in his driveway at the great old house he and Lani had on Sexsmith in Richmond. Then we would go inside and check on his barrels of olives brining in the basement and his prosciutto aging hanging from the rafters. We had great times at their house on Clarendon tokin and talkin, drinking espresso, and playing rousing games of cribbage. I am forever indebted to him for teaching me Skopa and Briscola which resulted in hours of loud, competitive and fun games. And my wife and I recall terrific dinners of Charlie’s curried shrimp with he and Lani.
My sincere condolences to Lani and Giancarlo. He was a dear friend and I have missed not seeing him as often since he transferred to the Island. I am thankful to have known him and will cherish the memories of the great times we shared. He was a wonderful man. The world needs more Charlies.
Rest in Peace Brother Giuliano
Give Em hell up there.
Jim Houlahan
#13 Comment By Marie On March 15, 2026 @ 12:20 pm
I miss you dearly Charlie. In many ways, you were the rock in our family. Staying, acknowledging, giving freely from your heart and mind. You carried a resonance that stayed for a long time after visiting with you. I could see and feel that love, even when you struggled to find your own peace at times. Charlie, you are deeply loved by all that knew your truth behind the veil, a giving gift of sharing a life that is true and meaningful. With love and grace. Om Namah Shivaya Charlie.
#14 Comment By Lake & Neisa On March 26, 2026 @ 3:52 pm
Dear Lani and Giancarlo, our sincere condolences for your loss. Soul, truly transcends time and space. So glad you were just a phone call away for so long. It is so lovely to read all the heartfelt remembrances. Our own memories resonate. We will miss your spark Charlie. Rest in peace dear one. I will continue to remember you every time I make your oven roasted blackened sweet peppers. With Love…🙌🏼🕊️