Fredi Magazine Spring 2016 / Volume 2 Issue 1 | Page 56

» dream the impossible dream
GAETANO GAGLIANO 1917-2016 R . I . P .

A LIFE well lived .

A LIFE WELL LIVED IS A LIFE FULFILLED . GAETANO GAGLIANO , DEVOUT FOUNDER OF ST . JOSEPH COMMUNICATIONS , PASSED LAST MONTH AT THE AGE OF 98 . I WOULD SAY , INDEED AN ACCOMPLISHED LIFE WORTH CELEBRATING . HIS LIFE IS AN INSPIRATION .
BY FILOMENA ROSATI
As a devoted father of 10 children , 35 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren , Mr . Gagliano led a life dedicated to work and family . As our printer of record since the inception of Whatever Publishing in 2005 , we entrusted our magazine to St . Joseph Printing for the invaluable relationships we had formed over the years , for their leadership in the industry , and for the dedicated customer service they have always provided . �e thought it most fitting to honour him in this small way as a sign of our utmost respect , a piece of his story in our pages , the medium he chose as his passion ; print . Mr . Gagliano ’ s story is one that exemplifies that anything is possible at any age , and under any life circumstances .
A BRIEF LOOK BACK From humble beginnings and much hard work , success didn ’ t come without sacrifice . Two years after emigrating from Italy , Mr . Gagliano started his printing business in the basement of the first small Gagliano home . He had no resources to speak of , and at the beginning also continued to work 12 hours a day for CP Rail . He bought a small letterpress and began printing wedding invitations , business cards and letterhead . He named his business “ St . Joseph Printing ” after Canada ’ s patron saint and the patron saint of workers to honour the company ’ s associates .
Mr . Gagliano grew the company from a one-person , part-time print operation into a mid-si�ed offset print organi�ation . During the late 70s and early 80s , inspired by their father ’ s lifelong passion and dedication , his children began joining the business . St . Joseph expanded into a successful commercial printer with large advertising contracts . Over the next decade , Mr . Gagliano and his children expanded the company by acquiring a photo studio , the Queen ’ s Printer ( including printing facilities in every province ) and two magazine publishers .
In his 86th year , Mr . Gagliano realized his life ’ s work was not done . He experienced a compelling call to harness the power of modern media to spread good works with people from all walks of life and cultural communities . In this spirit , shortly after World Youth Day ���� in Toronto , �r . Gagliano founded
Salt + Light Catholic Media Foundation and Salt � �ight Television , �anada ’ s first Catholic television network . Salt + Light is now available to more than 2.5 million viewers across Canada .
A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT Recognizing his lifelong achievements and dedication to helping others , Mr . Gagliano was named a Knight of the Order of St . Sylvester in 1992 and a Member of the Order of Canada in 1998 . He has received two honorary doctorates from Canadian universities and was given the title of Commendatore , one of Italy ’ s highest honorary rankings .
His life ’ s work , his passion and dedication to work and family have inspired many during his lifetime . This is one of my favourite quotes of Mr . Gagliano ' s and I believe it will resonate for many . “ Never forget that money is useful , but it also dangerous . You have worked and received your reward . Many others cannot work or have not succeeded as we have . Do not be arrogant and selfish . �ever close the door to those who ask for help .”
56 • fredi spring 2016 HEALTH & FITNESS //