Town of North Hempstead Notebook: Love Is in the Pair as Seniors Renew Vows

Love everlasting reigned supreme this Valentine's Day weekend as North Hempstead married five decades or more renewed their marriage vows.

The  hosted this memorable event in the ballroom of the in Port Washington. The mass renewel ceremony was attended by 64 couples who say they have been in love for more than an astounding combined 3,200 years of marriage. Two couples have each been married for 68 years and the oldest groom was 99 years young.

Town Clerk Leslie Gross presided over the recommitment ceremony.

"We hope to shine a spotlight on those couples who have figured out the secret to a long and healthy marriage," Gross said.

North Hempstead Council members Angelo Ferrara, Maria-Christina Poons and Viviana Russell all played a role in the celebration as they greeted each of the couples and participated in the candle lighting ceremony and champagne toast.

Ferrara wished everyone 50 more years of happiness and asked the celebrants, "What is your secret for a successful and joyful marriage?"

The brides and grooms called out their advice which included: cooperation, making each other laugh, smiling through the good and bad times, prayer and keeping God in your life, never going to bed angry, patience and trust. One bold Groom even roared out "Sex!" which was followed by laughter and giggles from the entire gathering. 

George Pellechias, of Garden City Park, said that the 52 years of marriage to his wife Valerie has taught him the formula for nuptial longevity.

"Marriage is a 50-50 arrangement – she tells me what to do and I do it," he said. "The best part of our marriage is her bank account!" His sense of humor seemed to help keep their flame burning strong.

Many of the couples were childhood sweethearts. Michael Ragusa of Port Washington spoke of first meeting Santa, his wife of 56 years,  when she was 11 years old and roller skated by him on a New York City street corner.

Each set of long time lovers had a special memory to share and many brought along their formal wedding portraits. One bride even put on the lace veil that she wore walking down the aisle more than 50 years ago.  

All assembled raised their champagne glasses and joined in a toast followed by a sumptuous buffet luncheon  and an exchange of their love stories and how they first met.