Clement Priolo was born on Oct. 6, 1904, in Santo Stefano d’Aspromonte in Reggio Calabria. In 1921 at the young age of 17, Clement made the decision to immigrate to North America with the aid of his sponsor Stefano Zimbalatti. He embarked on a long journey from Naples to New York City. From there, he took the train to Toronto and eventually to North Bay where a job awaited him at the Canadian Pacific Railway.

In 1931 Clement returned to Italy to marry Rose. Together, they returned to North Bay where they took up residence. In addition to starting their family, they also sponsored siblings, nieces and nephews who all settled in North Bay.

Clement and Rose were the proud parents of 3 sons, Raffaele (Ralph), Stefano (Stan) and Ferdinando (Fred) and 1 daughter, Elena (Helen). Education was a priority for the family with Ralph, Stan and Fred graduating in engineering and Helen as a registered nurse.

Clement was an entrepreneur: he owned and operated several businesses including Union Taxi (at the corner of Oak and Ferguson across from the CPR and Belmont Hotel). He also constructed many homes, apartments and motels. In 1959, along with George Buscemi and Pat Adduno, Clement formed GAP Construction. Clement was the President and his eldest son; Ralph was the lead engineer. Originally the business consisted of mainly sewer and road construction. Eventually, Clement’s three sons expanded the business and ran it successfully for many years.

Clement was a very kind and generous man who deeply loved his family, relatives and fellow “paesani”. From the 1920s and into the 60’s, Clement sponsored his brothers, sister and their families as well as numerous “paesani” who eventually settled in North Bay. He was instrumental in finding jobs for many Italian (Stefaniti) residents of North Bay and he never failed to help anyone in need, regardless of their background.

Clement was a proud member of the Davedi Club since its inception. His wife Rose was also a member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Together, they formed several friendships over the years and opened their home to numerous “paesani” until the untimely death of Rose in 1961 at the young age of 52 years. Clement carried on with his business and helping his fellow citizens until his passing in 1969.

His legacy lives on in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.