Vatalaro

Giovanni and Bettina Vatalaro were born in the southern region of Italy, in the small town of Centrache. Proud and hard working, Giovanni walked miles to get to the limited education available to him and toiled long hours working the family-owned fields to help support his family. At 18, a mandatory enlistment found him in the army, where he served his country proudly. He took up the trade of a Mason, taking him away from his hometown, to Switzerland. Despite having political aspirations, and being on track to becoming the town mayor, Giovanni forfeited this for his family.
Looking for a brighter future, he left his wife and two young children, and arrived in Canada, at Pier 21, in May of 1963. He then made his way to Toronto to join his brother-in-law, by whom he was sponsored. He worked through language barriers, embraced his new country, and worked hard to bring Bettina and his kids to Canada in October. He’d bus and walk for over 2 hours, in the harsh winters, to ensure he got to work on time. They became Canadian Citizens and welcomed a third child.

Giovanni was also able to start a Masonry company, while Bettina built a stable and loving home. Both were able to forge a new life, always humble and proud of their Italian heritage and how far they’d come, against all the challenges they faced.

They never forgot their roots, and welcomed paesani that followed them, to make this new land their home. Warm hearted and generous, they were always ready to help.

Giovanni and Bettina’s legacy will live on through their children, grandchildren and generations to come.