Grandpa Guiseppe Paiano, or nonno Joe as he is affectionally known, is an admired member of his local community. He lives a simple, humble life, migrating from the European-rich cultural shores of Italy. He left his young family in Italy to pursue a better life in Australia – a very difficult and brave decision that would later bring nonno Joe happiness and success. Nonno Joe describes himself as “a prisoner of war,” as he, like many families, were simple farmers and lived in poverty, and he served as an Italian soldier during World War II.
Armed with courage and willpower, the young almost 28-year-old delved into his soldier’s strength to establish a better life abroad for his family. Coming from a life of farming, nonno Joe brought his skills into Australia where purchased farmlands and executed his gardening and farming skills. Upon arrival in 1951, nonno Joe lived alone in Revesby for ten years before he sent for his wife and four young daughters to live with him, where they eventually found their roots in Chipping Norton in the early 1960’s.
This soldier’s fighting character is evident in his determination to establish a life for his wife and children in the local suburbs of Sydney. From humble beginnings, nonno Joe started his Australian life in Revesby, where he worked from one factory to another until he could financially have the means to purchase farmland and cultivate a market garden. Remaining as a local, his farming history inaugurated in Milperra, but was taken for development. He sourced another large block in Chipping Norton to continue his modest livelihood, but his years of toiling, heavy labour and diligence were yet again taken from him, and his land was used for development a second time. Sourcing yet another alternative farming area, nonno Joe eventually settled in Moorebank, where he later retired.
Nonno Joe is a shining example of bravery, humility and love. He has made an incredible life for himself and his family, and has established a legacy for his family to thrive and learn from. Being a close-knit family, nonno Joe’s children, and young grandchildren at the time, helped him farm to maintain his livelihood and learn the trade.
It is evident nonno Joe’s decision to migrate to Australia was the best decision of his life. Nonno Joe says, “[my family and the community in Italy] would say, ‘you are crazy for coming on your own!’ and ‘you are only 27 years old, you’ll come back to Italy.’” He proved them wrong. His grit and stamina created a life for himself, and he was able to provide for his family and start their life in a land that provided many opportunities for hard-working people like nonno Joe. “Everybody would doubt me [and I was ridiculed]. They would comment, ‘why did you stay for ten years without your family? You’re not making any money, come back to Italy. Why would you continue to stay [in this foreign country]?’ But I stayed, things changed, and the 10 years became 20 years, and I’m very happy.”
Nonno Joe is a man of wisdom and appreciable experience. He says, “be thankful of your destiny and make the most of what’s given to you.” To mark his momentous 100-year-old birthday, nonno Joe received the famed letter from the king and queen; he was gobsmacked. Celebrating his 100-year-old birthday surrounded by his four children, 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, nonno Joe says, “it’s surreal! I never ever believed that I would reach 100 years old. I’ve never told anyone this, but I had a phobia that I would reach 100, because I thought I would never live to that age, [it’s such a frightening thought]. And now, 100 has come and my phobia has disappeared, and I feel settled.” His birthday was a special occasion for his family and friends to acknowledge and celebrate nonno Joe: his integrity, strength, honour and charisma.
Although he lives in simplicity, his life is blessed with the richness of a long life surrounded by his beautiful family and community. Nonno Joe lost his sweetheart, Concetta, of almost 68 years in 2013. Concetta lived to 89 years-old, so it seems she too knew the secret to a long and happy life.
When we asked nonno Joe what is the secret to living a long and happy life, he smiled and said, “having a good family and being close with your family. Always be there for other people and don’t expect anything back. Being a good person goes a long way. In my lifetime, I believe that I have helped a lot of people, and God has rewarded me for being a good person, and that payment has come in kindness. That’s my secret.”