Domenic and Lealdina Gutta both came to Canada in 1960, as children – he from Italy, she from Portugal.
Both families settled in Bradford, a small town with a population of only 500. “We knew everybody at one time by first name and last name,” said Domenic.
They were in the same class in elementary school, but when Domenic reached the age of 16, he left school to go to work, with the rest of the family. By then, his eye had already been caught by the “beautiful lady” in his class.
“The rest was history,” said Domenic.
The young couple married in 1969, and built a successful life in Bradford. “Canada did an amazing thing for us,” said Domenic. “We contributed in many ways, and Bradford had done so much for us.”
On Oct. 12, Domenic and Dina Gutta celebrated their 50th Anniversary, surrounded by family and friends, at a private dinner at Brick ‘N Fire Restaurant in Bradford.
BWG Mayor Rob Keffer and Coun. Peter Dykie Jr. dropped in to present a certificate of congratulations from the town.
“What a special occasion,” said Dykie of the 50th anniversary. “You don’t see that too often.”
“The Gutta name – they are community builders in Bradford,” said Mayor Rob Keffer, speaking of the family's contributions to the community, and to development in the municipality.
The Guttas have two children and five grandchildren.
