By LIAM DURKIN
JACK of all trades, master of one.
Armando Petrucci did a bit of everything during his time, yet one profession stood out during his career.
The Morwell local was a master tailor, curating fine suits for many locals across the Latrobe Valley.
Through his business The House of Petrucci, he built an empire that left a footprint in most towns throughout Gippsland.
At their peak, Mr Petrucci’s stores were in Morwell, Traralgon, Philip Island and Melbourne.
He specialised in master tailor wear for ladies and gentleman.
He also ran a travel agency at a time, as well as a video hire, giftware and toy shop.
He still frequents his home country, Italy, where he is set to visit again soon.
Hailing from near Venice, he was recognised by Italian dignitaries with the San Marco in Lamis Award for his dedication to not only his craft, but in welcoming San Marco residents and Italian emigrants.
Mr Petrucci, part of the Masters Tailors Association of Victoria, jokes that he began tailoring at eight-years-of-age.
Now 87, that’s a lot of suits.
And he’s still making them.
Mr Petrucci estimates he pieces together three to four new suits a year for himself.
“It’s a very hard job, all by hand, no shortcuts, no machine,” he said.
Over the years, Mr Petrucci became involved in many local organisations, most notably the Italian Australian Club.
He formed a strong partnership with his wife, Giovannina, and together they forged a dynamic duo.
“She’s been gone for three years, but she’s always in my heart,” he said.
When he was making suits, Mr Petrucci would supply uniforms for police and local sporting clubs.
“You name it (we did it),” he said.
When asked about today’s fashion, Mr Petrucci, in classic Italian fashion, was straight to the point.
“No good – shocking!” he said.
“Today, (it’s) all made by computers. There’s no tailors.”
Mr Petrucci could certainly be one of the few of his kind left.
