Pasqualina (Pat) Adamo
Lifetime Contribution
A tireless advocate, generous philanthropist, and cultural ambassador, Pasqualina (Pat) Adamo’s influence has shaped countless lives and institutions. She has dedicated her life to serving the Ottawa community, particularly through her longstanding leadership within the Italian Canadian community. Her legacy continues to resonate across generations and organizations.
Born into one of Ottawa’s earliest Italian families, Pat’s roots trace back to 1897 when her grandparents emigrated from Calabria and settled in Lowertown. Her father, Pasquale Adamo, later co-founded Ottawa’s first Italian grocery store, Guzzo and Adamo, on Preston Street. As a young girl, Pat worked at the store, developing lasting connections with both pioneering families and new immigrants, helping to ease their transition—just as her grandmother had done decades earlier.
Pat devoted 35 years to public service in the federal Department of Agriculture while simultaneously contributing to the cultural, social, and educational life of Ottawa. Her leadership spanned numerous organizations, including St. Anthony’s Church, where she helped establish an Italian language school that later evolved into the still-thriving Centro Formativo. She co-founded the Ottawa chapter of the Dante Alighieri Society in 1965 and played a key role in Italian Week Ottawa from 1977 to 2012, where she created and funded beloved programming such as Opera in the Piazza and Parolissima, an arts competition for children.
Her commitment to promoting Italian heritage also extended to broadcast media. As Chair of Tele-30, an Italian-language TV program, Pat became a familiar on-air host, building bridges with Ottawa’s growing Italian population through interviews and cultural storytelling. Her partnership with Executive Producer Cavaliere Giovanna Panico helped shape a dynamic platform for Italian Canadian voices.
In retirement Pat expanded her volunteer efforts in housing advocacy and social services. She served on the City of Ottawa Housing Committee, supported regional soup kitchens, and was never hesitant to contact key decision-makers when urgent social needs required attention. Her contributions to the arts included serving on the board of the National Arts Centre Orchestra and the National Capital Opera Society and funding the “Piccolo Prize” to support young musicians.
Pat also made lasting contributions to Villa Marconi, a cherished long-term care home for the Italian community, and donated historical items such as the original Guzzo and Adamo cash register and artwork to the Italian Canadian Historical Centre.
Her exceptional dedication has earned her several honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002), the Italian Order of Merit – Cavaliere della Repubblica (2002), the Italian Women’s Filo Award (2006), and the City of Ottawa’s City Builder Award.
