Center: Mayor Mike Spano, City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy and Councilwoman Deana Norman, with Left to Right: Paul & Amber Mazzacane, Hal & Sheila Greenwald (52 years), Stephen & Alice Tuers (55 years), James & Marianna Antonucci (57 years), Harold & Evelyn Bolling (53 years), Leroy & Leona Adams (61 years), George & Susan McAnanama (51 years)
Every year, under Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, the City celebrates Yonkers couples who have been married for 50 years at Yonkers City Hall. This year’s Valentine’s Day vow renewal ceremony was held on February 10 in the ceremonial courtroom.
“True love conquers all, and that’s what it’s all about. Good relationships never stop growing. And like fine wine, they get better with age,” said Mayor Spano.
Mrs. Evelyn Bolling said, “I was tired of being alone. I prayed about it, and it’s like, it told me to go to church. And so I went to church. And then I looked up in the choir, and he was there.” She added when asked how they made it to 53 years of marriage, she said, “Be forgiving, and remember how it was when you met.”
Mr. Jim Antonucci said, “There were a lot of dance places in Yonkers at the time. So we would up, first we started at the upstairs room, called the enchanted room. Back then, they used to have dances, and we matched up over there. She is really compassionate. She has a heart for people. She’s just naturally built for people. I mean, we could be anywhere, and the next thing you know, she’s having a conversation with someone as if she knew them for 100 years. I don’t care where we are, she just has that natural ability to hang with people.”
And it’s not always a bed of roses. “It’s really survival sometimes. It’s a survival thing sometimes because you have very distinct personalities. We started off cockeyed, and then you are always trying to chase it to keep it together,” said Antonucci.
Mr. Harold Bolling said, “Don’t give up. Just be patient and be trusting. Trust in God; ask him to lead you to the path you should be taking.”
Mayor Spano officiated over a vow renewal ceremony for the seven couple, sealed with a kiss.
The three “magic words” for a successful marriage, frequently cited from Pope Francis, are “Please,” “Thank you,” and “Sorry.”
God bless these couples.
