rockpile Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 My wife's grandparents came over from Italy in the 20's. They met when he was 22 and she was 16. After a few dates, he proposed marriage and she accepted. They were married in 1934 and raised four children through hard times and world wars. Dominic and Stella were hard workers. They learned our language and always worked one or two jobs. They kept food on the table without any special government programs. Stella worked for 30 years as manager for Central Bargain - a dry goods store. It started as an Italian neighborhood but every decade it changed depending on the "wave" of immigrants that arrived. Dom worked 35 years at Ritter Company, doing anything and everything - he worked his way up by watching and learning from others. Mostly he built small motors, like the ones used to power dental equipment. Now Dom lives in a home for folks who need a little extra help. Stell lives home but spends every day there, with her best friend. On their 65th anniversary, I asked Grandma and Grandpa how they were able to keep it together for so many years. Grandma quickly answered "Because he does what I tell him!" Grandpa looked at me, smiled and said with a wink, "That's what I let her think!" I later asked them when they 1st knew it was love. Grandma just smiled and said nothing, looking away as if it stirred a memory. Grandpa looked at me and said with certainty "After the first night I slept with her!" As of today they have 4 children, 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren (a 5th is on the way). We try to have them over for dinner or picnics at least once or twice a month. More than once we have had all 5 generations over for a party or dinner. Family is everything to this clan. Tomorrow I will be taping the Raven/Bills for delayed viewing. During the game I will be celebrating their 70 years together with them and as many family members as can make it. When interviewed for the Irondequoit Post for an article about their 70th anniversay, Grandpa said he still thinks she is cute, Grandma just said "He's a good man." We should all be so blessed in life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paco Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 We should all be so blessed in life. smile.gif Amen. Great post. My regards to your grandparents. I miss these types of stories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_BiB_ Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 My congrats and kudos. They understand what it's all about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thailog80 Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 Seventy years .....impressive. That's three plus life sentences.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njsue Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 God Bless them both! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramius Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 My wife's grandparents came over from Italy in the 20's. They met when he was 22 and she was 16. After a few dates, he proposed marriage and she accepted. They were married in 1934 and raised four children through hard times and world wars. Dominic and Stella were hard workers. They learned our language and always worked one or two jobs. They kept food on the table without any special government programs. Stella worked for 30 years as manager for Central Bargain - a dry goods store. It started as an Italian neighborhood but every decade it changed depending on the "wave" of immigrants that arrived. Dom worked 35 years at Ritter Company, doing anything and everything - he worked his way up by watching and learning from others. Mostly he built small motors, like the ones used to power dental equipment. Now Dom lives in a home for folks who need a little extra help. Stell lives home but spends every day there, with her best friend. On their 65th anniversary, I asked Grandma and Grandpa how they were able to keep it together for so many years. Grandma quickly answered "Because he does what I tell him!" Grandpa looked at me, smiled and said with a wink, "That's what I let her think!" I later asked them when they 1st knew it was love. Grandma just smiled and said nothing, looking away as if it stirred a memory. Grandpa looked at me and said with certainty "After the first night I slept with her!" As of today they have 4 children, 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren (a 5th is on the way). We try to have them over for dinner or picnics at least once or twice a month. More than once we have had all 5 generations over for a party or dinner. Family is everything to this clan. Tomorrow I will be taping the Raven/Bills for delayed viewing. During the game I will be celebrating their 70 years together with them and as many family members as can make it. When interviewed for the Irondequoit Post for an article about their 70th anniversay, Grandpa said he still thinks she is cute, Grandma just said "He's a good man." We should all be so blessed in life. 81522[/snapback] Now theres something we shoudl all shoot for...cause thats all that really matters in life...well that and the Bills winning Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cåblelady Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 TOTALLY coolest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffalo Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 Very awesome! I just hope to LIVE to be 70! I can't imagine being maried for 70. Congrats to the clan!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanker Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 Congrats Rockpile. My parents were married 60 years last Christmas day. That will be their last, as dad died this February. Make sure you let them know how special they are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fezmid Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 Very nice story! Have a great time tomorrow! CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverNRed Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 Now that is awesome. I can't imagine being married for 70 years. Though I can imagine being rejected by girls for 70 consecutive years. I'm off to a good start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRC Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 Send my congrats to your wife's grandparents!! 70 years. Very impressive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMadCap Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 Wonderful story Rock, thanks for sharing with us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jan Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 Great story Rock! Would that we all could be so lucky to find our one true love. Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 THAT IS SIMPLY "SUPER"!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerball Posted October 23, 2004 Share Posted October 23, 2004 Wonderful story Rock. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILLS4LIFE Posted October 24, 2004 Share Posted October 24, 2004 WOW! Congrats to them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Darin Posted October 24, 2004 Share Posted October 24, 2004 That's awesome Tom. Thanks for sharing. Those are the people who built this country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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