Mario Moretto (11 Dec 1925 - 23 Jun 2018)

In loving memory of Mario Moretto who sadly passed away on 23rd June 2018.

Dad was born in a hospital in Naples, Italy 11th December 1925, but his home town is Montemarano (AV), 50 miles east of Naples. He had a younger disabled brother who died at the age of 12 years old. He spent most of is childhood looking after his brother whilst his parents worked the fields.

Dad married Lauretta in December 1950 and his first son Michele (me) was born 1952. Life was hard back in the 50's in Southern Italy and a struggle for survival. In 1954 he reluctantly emigrated to Uruguay having to sell off half of his land to pay for passage.

Suddenly Dad's Father Michele died in 1960 and dad wanted his wife, son and mother, Rosina to join him in Uruguay, but his mother refused and dad had no option but to return to Italy as he was unable to leave his mother alone at the age of 67. Dad sailed back with little money in May 1960.
That is when I saw my dad for the first time at the age of 8.

Mario's second son, Gino was born 1961. Life was no better in the village of Montemarano so Dad decided to again emigrate and try his luck in England.

By now already 36 the next chapter started.

At the time you needed to be accepted by an employer before you could come over to England and dad was given a 4 year contract with the proviso that if he was sacked or left he would be deported. Dad's job was shovelling clay at a brick factory in Cannock .

We joined him 1n 1962 and lived with cousins in Birmingham. His wages could not support the family so with much anguish, Gino was sent back to Italy to be looked after by grandma Rosina. We then moved to Smethwick and mum worked at Raleigh. I hardly saw my parents as they both worked over 12 hours per day, seven days a week.

I married in 1973 and moved to Nottingham, mum after a couple of years persuaded dad to move to Nottingham. Now in their 50's they began yet another new life . Dad worked 12 hour shifts 6 days a week at Pork Farms and then 4 months from retirement, his back gave way and he had to be taken home ill. From then on he struggled with disability and was unable to enjoy any quality of life.

All his life had been work and more work, to save for his old age & family, for which he never had the chance to enjoy. It was a very hard life and very sad right to the very end.

Dad - it is a shame that we never got to know you better & spent more time together. We never found the time, it was just about work & making sure we were looked after and have a better live .

DAD
Rest in Peace & I hope you will be in a better place now without pain.

From your two sons Michele and Gino, love you always. xxx

It is the families wishes that there will be no reception after the burial.