Years go by in a flash. It’s been almost 63 years of marriage for Port Washington couple Rose and Charlie Cipolla. Their faces were ablaze with excitement as they eagerly awaited the Valentine’s Day Marriage Vow Renewal Ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 11, in North Hempstead. The town has hosted the event for seven years.
“Every year I look at the happy couples who attend our marriage vow renewal ceremony and I see that love truly endures here in North Hempstead. It is always a pleasure to recognize these couples and the longevity of their relationships,” said Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “The renewal ceremony is one of my favorite events of the year—it is a warm spot in the chilly month of February.”
While growing up, Charlie was friends with Rose’s brother. As years passed, Charlie met Rose through his close relationship with her brother. Not too long after, they clicked. As time rolled on, they fell in love and became sweethearts.
They got married on June 20, 1953, at St. Brigid’s Church in Ridgewood, Queens. Charlie was 25 years old when he got married and Rose was 22.
Charlie served in the Army during the Korean War. He wasn’t in combat. When they were married, he still had two years left before he finished his service. Rose said it was difficult without her husband. She added that they kept in close contact with each other, though.
“He did a lot of flying,” said Rose. “He was in the Marine Air Wing. At one point, I would meet him at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina.”
Upon completing his role in the Army, he came back home and they bought an apartment in Sunnyside, near Highland Park.
Following his return home, Rose suffered two miscarriages between 1953 and 1964.
“Her eyes rolled. She fell to the ground. Then, I called an ambulance and she was rushed to the hospital. After a couple of days she was released. I was very concerned for her,” said Charlie.
Despite her previous miscarriages, Rose eventually delivered two sons, followed by two daughters. Now, they have nine grandchildren.
Rose’s youngest daughter lives in California, and her eldest daughter resides in Bayville.
“My daughter in Bayville is an attorney just like my husband. When I retired, I would take care of her children. It was a very close feeling that we had among our children and grandchildren,” said Rose. “We understood them and they understood us.”
Then, she spoke about her grandchildren in California. She mentioned they like to play games, read books and one of her grandchildren would send them letters.
Rose and Charlie go to Mass regularly every week to pray with each other. According to them, religion plays an essential role in their marriage. Rose feels its part of their upbringing and part of who they are to attend church. They are active members of the church. Rose was the CCD principal at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church in Rosedale.
She said, “We grew up going to church, it’s a very quieting thing for both of us. It was always part of my family and his family, so we just continued on that way.”
Charlie, 87, is a retired attorney; Rose, 85, was a private secretary for the DA’s office in Queens.
When asked what the secret was to a long and successful marriage, Rose said respect, consideration, tolerance and love.
Charlie and Rose spent their “romantic day” at Harbor Links in Port Washington with their friends. Charlie took Rose to Hendricks in Roslyn and a movie for a private celebration.
When looking back on their life together, Charlie thought of his favorite memory with his wife. It was his wedding reception day. He said, “We had a lot of friends, guests, relatives and we had a wonderful time. We had a ball.”
One of the best times that he remembers was when Rose had her full recovery after she had her miscarriages.
When asked about her best memory of her life with her husband, Rose said, “I loved the trips that we have taken. We go away and it’s almost like a honeymoon all over again. These trips are very special to us. It’s just us, without thinking about anyone or anything else and enjoying our time and places that we go.”
