By Roman Kulkewycz
Well known Bunyip couple Tony and Carmelina Arrigo celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary on the Saturday 7 April.
Tony and Carmelina were married at St. Fiacre Catholic Church in Leichhardt, NSW, in 1968.
The day organised by their children was spent celebrating with a long lunch at an Italian restaurant in Lygon street, Carlton, followed by a relaxing sightseeing tour of Melbourne by tram.
“It was great to have all of our family celebrating together, “ Mr Arrigo said.
It was a chance meeting at a soccer game in Sicily where the couple exchanged greetings and parted company. Unbeknown to each other, both emigrated to Australia.
Tony settled with his parents in Bunyip and began work at the Berwick Potteries. Carmelina lived in Sydney.
Travelling to Sydney to attend a family Baptism, Tony could hardly believe his eyes when he saw that Carmelina was at the Christening too.
“It was meant to be,” Mrs Arrigo said.
The romance blossomed and the couple became engaged in November 1967 and married six months later.
Tony and Carmelina have 3 children; Francesco, Vittoria and Domenica, and 5 grandchildren; Olivia, Thomas, Marisa, Sophie and Chloe.
The couple are heavily involved in the Bunyip community; both are foundation members of the Bunyip Soccer Club and the Bunyip Community Market, Carmelina is an active member of the Bunyip Community Shop and Tony is on many Bunyip committees including the Bunyip Community Market President, Bunyip Newsletter President, Bunyip Reserve and on the Board of Hillview Bunyip Aged Care. Just to name a few.
When asked the secret of their successfully happy marriage, both Tony and Carmelina unanimously agree it’s love and respect and each wanting to please the other that keeps their marriage going strong.
