By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
JOE of Tooradin spent the last seven days celebrating the past 100 years.
Giuseppe Giovanni Gaiardo – or ‘Joe’ as he’s known – turned 100 years old on 18 November and three days later got to walk his grand-daughter down the aisle.
A member of the Cranbourne Seniors, Joe spends his days playing bowls, taking “Nonno naps” as his children call it, and keeping Italian traditions alive.
“He has been an inspiration to us all and will be to his generations to follow,” his son Lou Gaiardo said.
Born in northern Italy, Joe has been through both World Wars and lost his father in WWI.
“Life was pretty hard back then – you had to make the most of what you had,” Lou said.
“My father did his apprenticeship as a carpenter when you had to pay the employer to teach you.”
Surviving the tough times Joe met the love of his life, Rosa, from the neighbouring town and was soon married with two sons Luigi and Angelo.
Eventually ending up in Australia to find work, Joe sent money back to his family for two years before they made the big move to Australia.
Joe and Rosa were married for 53 years when Rosa passed away 16 years ago.
Enjoying each day of his birthday week with family and friends, Lou said the century milestone was a great time to reflect on his father.
“It was a week full of joyous celebrations reflecting on all the memories that have been shared, the wisdoms that he has passed on and the amazing life that he has lived,” he said.
