By Charlene Gatt
IT started off as a friendship and has blossomed into a lifetime of love and happiness.
Kingsville couple Irene and Frank Portelli celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last Thursday in the same way they’ve done everything for the past 60 years: together.
The pair had been long-time family friends when Irene began working for Frank at his fruit and vegetable shop, which is now Seddon Deadly Sins.
It didn’t take long for romance to bloom, and Irene fondly remembers how Frank used to buy her gardenias every Saturday when they were courting.
Eighteen months later, the couple tied the knot at St Augustine’s Parish Hall in Yarraville, with their reception at Footscray’s Federation Hall followed by a month-long honeymoon in Sydney.
Irene made her own wedding dress.
“It was different in those days; you met, and a friendship developed and other things developed, and you got married,” she said.
The couple lived upstairs from the fruit and vegetable shop before buying their Kingsville home 50 years ago.
Sixty years on, the Portelli’s now boast five children – Tom, Deannè, Janine, Francine and John – and 10 grandchildren.
Their long marital bliss is turning into something of a family tradition, with three of their kids married for more than 20 years.
The Portelli’s are both keen golfers and members of the YMCA Garden Club, but still enjoy their separate interests.
They have also travelled around the world, including Hawaii, Norfolk Island, two trips to Europe, and regular holidays to Perth and Sydney, where their daughters live.
“It’s all about give and take. You’ve got to be understanding, and consideration is most important, that’s what’s got us through,” Irene said.
“We’ve never had any big arguments. It’s not meant to go smooth, but everything fits in.”
Mr Portelli added: “We do everything together. We’ve been away together, and we’ve been in business together, and we’ve been involved in schools together.
“Everything we’ve done has been together. I think that’s part of the secret.”
