FOR Tony Aiello, the road home was a long one.
He left his birthplace in Italy in 1956 as a 25 year-old chasing love in Australia.
Life was hard in Australia for Tony who did not speak English and worked a variety of labour jobs, including farming and concreting.
Health reasons prevented him ever returning to his hometown of Sorrento, near Naples.
But after having four near death experiences since 2003, he was finally given the all clear to travel from doctors in April this year.
Despite his age, 86-year-old Mr Aiello jumped at the opportunity to return to Italy when his wife Lainie suggested a Mediterranean cruise that included a one day stop in Sorrento.
“It was a lifelong dream come true,” Mrs Aiello said.
“Tony is the eldest of five remaining siblings, three of whom he had not seen in 60 years.”
Tony’s parents had both died before he got to see them again and two of his brothers had passed away, so it was another reason why the couple decided to travel while he was still able.
A sister and a brother had visited Australia a couple of years ago but returning back to his beloved hometown was something that Tony thought would never happen.
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