Many people wrongfully (IMO) say Milton is the town that Mattamy built. But no business or family has had a greater positive impact to our town than Mario has had.
Mario moved to Milton in 1953, sponsored by his brother who arrived 2 years earlier. From the early days Mario always worked hard, from working on the quarry by Kelso, to then working at the iconic P.L. Robertson factory with his brother. To starting Durante’s Service Station in 1963 with a snack bar attached that served truckers from Dufferin Aggregates. Many successful family businesses have followed since then, too numerous to list.
When winning the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Milton Chamber of Commerce in 2019 Mario summed it up by saying “My life was work and family”. This shows in both the many Milton businesses now operated and managed by his children and the love that his family has for each other and the community.
Over the years, Mario and his family have bought, sold and developed much of modern Milton. While at the same time always being a strong contributor to the Town, our Hospital, Milton Community Groups and local charities. “Mario has always been there for us, supporting ICCM over the years whenever we needed help” said Rosanna Conteduca Italian Cultural Centre of Milton President at today’s celebration.
Stories about Mario are often shared by Mayor Krantz who grew up in Milton Heights and has memories of playing cards with Mario and others in the “rough and tumble” Milton Heights neighbourhood. “I couldn’t speak Italian well. Mario couldn’t speak good English. So we got along very well!” described Mayor Krantz.
Mario Durante and his family has been integral in shaping our town and the integrity and hard-work ethic of his children are shown by their multiple businesses and contributions.
The wine bottles in the pics have a story, or so I’m told, when Michelle and her friends were “young adults” they would sneak some of the home made family wine from the house. So now decades later they came back during his 90th birthday to return the wine they’ve borrowed over the years. Thank you Mario for being role model of what hard work, perseverance and family’s working together can achieve.
Thank you as well for always giving back to local groups in Milton.
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