The day before Valentine’s Day, 35 couples gathered at Blessed Trinity and St. Patrick’s Parish in Owego to celebrate a remarkable milestone, and that being married for 50 or more years.
The couples, from four churches within Blessed Trinity, including St. Margaret Mary-Apalachin, St. John’s-Newark Valley and St. James-Waverly, along with St. Patrick’s-Owego, were honored at an Anniversary Mass at St. Patrick’s Church, and where they renewed their vows.
Father Mitchell Zygadlo, with assistance by Deacon Michael Donovan, performed the marriage vow ceremony. A Sweetheart Luncheon followed in the Parish Hall.
Inside the Valentine-themed Parish Hall, the couples were seated for a special meal prepared by upwards of ten volunteers from the Blessed Trinity churches and served by the Joyful Journey Homeschool group.
Dick and Pat Franz of Owego celebrated 65 years of marriage in November and were married at St. Patrick’s Church in 1953. They enjoyed fellowship with fellow “Flat Rats” Don and Linda Johnson.
The Johnson’s were married at the former St. Francis Church in Catatonk. A few other 50-plus couples also had to say goodbye to their original home church when doors closed years ago, yet the connection and memories remain strong.
Dick Franz, a long-time St. Patrick’s parishioner, mentioned a notable memory of his own, “I was baptized here, too, 86 years ago.”
Bernie and Bonnie Kochis of Campville met each other by chance in New York City. Bonnie, originally from Ohio, met Bernie, a Tioga County native, while visiting St. John’s Church in the City. Call it meant-to-be, they then visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral together.
“We kept in touch after that,” Bernie said. Countless handwritten letters followed, and then the couple married two years later.
Bernie and Bonnie will celebrate 58 years of marriage in May. Their family of four children has grown to include 18 grandchildren.
John and Ruth Sandusky of Van Etten have renewed their vows for many years at the Anniversary Mass. The Sandusky’s had to bid farewell to St. Pius X in Van Etten nearly ten years ago; a church in which John was a founding member. Now married 60 years, they have two sons, three living grandchildren, one grandchild who passed away, and two great-grandchildren.
Jerry and Marge Barrett of Candor first met in 1959 at a gas station where Jerry worked. Jerry attended St. Patrick’s School and the couple married at St. Pat’s Church. They have five children, one nephew and 13 grandchildren, and are excited to meet their first great-grandchild, expected to arrive within the next few weeks.
High School sweethearts Vince and Mary Hawley of Apalachin met while attending Binghamton Central High School. Now married for 62 years, they have four children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Ron and Brenda Dougherty of Owego were recognized as the couple being married the longest. The couple celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in December and have ten living children, one child who passed away, 29 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Regarding the Anniversary Mass, Brenda Dougherty commented, “It makes you kind of teary-eyed, but it’s amazing,” and about the many years of marriage, shared, “I have most loved seeing my family grow.”
Regarding the longevity of their marriage, Ron Dougherty remarked that resilience is important, and added, “Overcoming any kind of adversity makes us all stronger.”
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