04/05/2026
Sadly, we announce the passing of Pietro Buratto. Beloved husband of Bruna (dec), adored father of Margaret and Julie-Ann, respected father-in-law of Arch, and proud grandfather of Zachary and Eliza.
Place of birth Crocetta Del Montello, Veneto, Italy
April 18, 1928 — April 27, 2026
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., in the Boyd Chapel at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, 600 Princes Highway, Springvale. The funeral procession will then proceed to the All Souls Mausoleum at the same cemetery.
Pietro was a member and committee member of the Trevisani Nel Mondo Melbourne for many years and even after he left the committee, he continued to be committed to the group and attended many functions over the years. He is fondly remembered by so many. A true gentleman.
Back in 2023 we published a story about Pietro in our Convegno Souvenir book and we would like to share this with you now.
PIETRO BURATTO
A story of strength, determination, and curiosity: Pietro Buratto left behind a life of hardship in Ciano del Montello to build a successful business and a loving family in Melbourne.
Born in 1928, Pietro Buratto was forced to grow up quickly. At the young age of 17, following the untimely passing of his father Fernando and mother Maria Giulia, he became the head of the family, il capofamiglia, responsible for the well-being of his two older sisters and four younger brothers.
This was no easy task in post-war Italy. In Ciano del Montello, work was scarce, and the family's land yielded just enough to survive. Intrigued by the stories coming from Australia about a better life, Pietro set off for Melbourne in 1952, accompanied by some friends from his village. He spent a month at the Bonegilla Migrant Camp, a tough experience made even more challenging by the Australia’s economic crisis.
Over the next two years, Pietro moved around the country in search of seasonal employment. He worked in the sugar cane plantations of North Queensland, both as a cane cutter and a cook, and in the vineyards of Mildura.
The turning point in Pietro's life came when he was hired by Morgan Drainage, a demanding but well-paying job that allowed him to return to Italy in 1956. During his stay, he met Bruna and they got married in January 1957. In April, the couple embarked on a ship bound for Melbourne, bringing along their Vespa and the intention to spend only a few years away from home.
Their new life in Australia began to bear fruit: they purchased their first home in Coburg, their two daughters Julie-Ann and Margaret were born, and Pietro started a business with his brother and a partner. Eventually, Pietro and his brothers founded a new company, Buratto Constructing Company, which secured increasingly significant contracts and expanded over time to employ over a hundred workers.
Meanwhile, the family had moved to Clayton, and during Sunday Mass at the parish church, Pietro met Father Giuliano Cavarzan, with whom he formed a lasting friendship. Through acquaintances from the province of Treviso, Pietro became aware of the establishment of the Associazione Trevisani nel Mondo and for years he served on the committee.
Pietro has always regarded the association as an extended group of friends and he enjoyed spending time with them, attending social events, going on outings, and traveling within Australia and around the world. Social life and hobbies have played an important role for Pietro, who has always managed to maintain a good balance between work and personal life.
After retiring from his business at the age of 57, Pietro dedicated his time to volunteering with AITM, traveling, managing his stud farm in Gippsland, and participating in sports such as bocce, tennis, and golf, which he played until a few months ago, at the age of 94.
Pietro claims to have no regrets and is proud of the achievements he has accomplished through his determination and abilities.
Rest In Eternal Peace 🌹
