IT WAS under the watchful eye of his beloved’s three older brothers that John Duffy fell in love with Dora.
Dora, a 17-year-old Italian immigrant, had asked John to dance after spying him sitting quietly as the fun swirled around.
The two were chaperoned for a year on dates before John decided to show he was serious, selling his boat to buy Dora an engagement ring.
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But eight children, 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren later, John’s strategic swap has proven its worth.
The couple celebrated 60 years together on Thursday, December 28.
The two were married in 1957, three years after first meeting and moved to Australia from New Zealand three decades later to be with their children.
Their son Robert Duffy said his parents were much-loved, with their diamond anniversary a cause for celebration.
“We’re all so proud of their achievements and wish them all the best in 60 years of love, marriage and family,” he said.
Mr Duffy junior said his father had served with the New Zealand army when at age 19 he met Dora, who had once been imprisoned in Italian camps with her family during WWII.
“Dora had only been in New Zealand for three years, having come with her family on the ship Goye from Italy,” he said.
“(John and Dora) went on to build their own home and have a family of eight children.”
