Giuseppe Taranto

Story

I wish to record the story of my father, Giuseppe Taranto, because, in my opinion he merits being remembered as one of the many immigrants who contributed to the advancements in our society by their hard work, sacrifices, and the introduction of new ideas. He became a loyal citizen of this Great Nation and the forebearer of generations to come.

Giuseppe (or Joe as he preferred to be called) was one of 3 children, the only male, of Felice Taranto and Maria Taranto (born Rando). He emigrated from the Aeolian Island of Filicudi arriving in Melbourne, aged 16 years all alone. His only contact was his school-mate and sponsor Giuseppe Puglisi.

At the time, work was difficult to find and initially, due to financial difficulties, he was forced to accept a job in a fruit shop where he was treated unjustly and was obliged to sleep on the floor because he did not have the money to pay for a bed!

He soon remedied the situation by searching and finding work with a true gentleman – a certain Mr Megna, in a fruit emporium where, by dint of hard work and cooperation, my father merited the respect of his employer and was treated as one of his family.

At age 20 and with the approval of Mr Megna, my father purchased a business – (combined fruit shop and milk bar), at Blackrock, a seaside suburb of Melbourne where he employed five assistants, all older than he. The business was very successful.

Through commitment and hard work, he was able, 3 years later, to return to Filicudi to marry Angelina Taranto (same surname but not related) – his childhood sweetheart.

Almost a year later, in 1932, the young newly married couple returned to Australia and after settling their affairs in Melbourne, moved to Sydney at the request of Angelina (my mother) as she wanted to be near her four brothers, namely Antonino, Gaetano, Stefano, and Bartolo Taranto, each already established in Sydney.

My father built up a successful fruit business in Chatswood working long and stressful hours for some 12 years. The lifestyle took its toll and he was forced to retire due to ill health. Reassessing the situation, he first moved to the seaside suburb of Manly where the views and smell of the sea reminded him of his native Filicudi. Here he was able to relax, regain health and start a new career – dealing in Real Estate.

By now his four children were well into their teens. Eventually the older two girls graduated in music (Maria in violin, Josephine in piano), Felice – the only son – graduated in Aeronautical Engineering (University of Sydney, (1959) whilst the youngest daughter, Helen, worked for a decade or more in the central office of the ANZ Bank in Sydney.

One by one the four children married producing in total 16 grandchildren of whom my parents were very proud.

On his retirement from the business activities, my father continued doing what he liked best – fishing, gardening and spending happy times with his extended family and many friends.

He died peacefully on 3rd July 1993 at Manly.

He will be long and affectionately remembered by all who knew him.

May he rest in peace.

< Back to the Stories