Michael travelled by boat from Benevento, Italy in February 1949 and arrived in Adelaide, South Australia on 15 March 1949. He travelled with his twin brother Mario as well as Uncle and Aunty. Michael was almost 15 years of age. Michael initially worked in a cotton mill factory and then later worked in a family business, Tivoli Café and Donato Catering. He later worked for Adelaide Railways and Mutual Community. Maria travelled by boat from Naples, Italy in December 1950 and arrived in Adelaide in January 1951. She was 11 years old and was travelling with her mother and younger brother.. They met up with Maria's father Antonio Picariello who had left Italy a year earlier and was working on his brother-in-law's orchard in Waikerie, South Australia. Maria went to school at Muirden Business College and worked at SA Housing Trust and Mutual Community.

Maria met Michael at a wedding reception (Michael was the caterer and Maria guest). Maria and Michael married on 16 February 1957 and had two children Phillip (born 27/7/61) and Anthony (born 15/2/64). They have resided in Magill, Hectorville and for the last 31 years in the foothills of Rostrevor, South Australia. Michael is now retired and is involved in Maria di Montevergine Committee and Maria is working for Radio Italiana. They enjoy the company of friends and their four grandchildren Michael (10/6/84), Crystina (8/8/85), Elise (14/9/97) and Nicholas (2/5/01).