Francesco Strangio
| Town/City | Melbourne |
|---|---|
| First name | Francesco |
| Last name | Strangio |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Date of Birth | 10/2/1952 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1955 |
| Submitted by | Christine Strangio |
Story
Francesco Strangio
Born in Natile Vecchio Reggio Italy 10/02/1052. Francesco is the eldest son of Giovanni and Maria Strangio.
Francesco migrated to Australia with Maria on the 27/07/55; they were following Giovanni who had migrated in 1952.
Francesco, the son of a self-educated Shepherd did not have the choice of migrating but his parents, in search of a better life made the decision for him. Giovanni and Maria left everything that they had ever known to make a start in a land that they knew nothing about. Arriving in Melbourne, Australia, Giovanni moved around looking for work. During this time they cut timber in Gippsland, worked on the Snowy River Scheme, working for Vic Rail and finally settling in Sunraysia where his wife and son would join him. Whilst in Sunraysia Giovanni worked in the Ice works factory before settling in the town of Red Cliffs and purchasing a vineyard where Francesco would grow up with his siblings Giuseppe, Angela and Pasqualina.
Though life was extremely demanding on the land the fruits of Giovanni and Maria’s labour would be realised not only through the success of the vineyard but also through the education of Francesco. Francesco not only went on to Secondary College but also was the first in his family to enter tertiary education at Monash University via a scholarship and graduated in 1974. This standard of education would be followed by the next generations. Francesco married Teresa Marciano on 08/05/76 and went on to have 3 children, John, David and Christine. Francesco continues to be a role model to young immigrants within the Sunraysia district by working in education and various community involvements.
Giovanni and Maria longed to provide for their children; they wanted their children to have opportunity, knowledge and hope. All of that was provided through their migration on 27/07/55 along with hard work, determination and the vision of a successful future measured in the happiness of the future generation\’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.