50 Years And Still Going Strong

Mike and Santa Ragusa's story is one of love at first sight. The long time Port Washington residents have known each other since they were kids and, now over 50 years later, revewed their vows to cement their long-lasting love for one another.

They were one of more than 10 couples that kicked off Valentine's Day weekend by renewing their vows at a special ceremony sponsored by the Town of North Hempstead at the Harbor Links Golf Club in Port Washington.

All of these local couples have been married more than 50 years and each has its own unique story.

"I met her when she was 11 years old and she skated by me on a street corner underneath the lamp post on an autumn evening." Mike said. "I called her over and I said, 'What is your name little girl?' because I was four years older than her. And from that day on we went together and everything."

Mike explained that not even the war could keep him and his future wife apart. "I went into the Navy and when I came out, we got married," he said. "But we've been together all our lives." Santa added, "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Married for 55 years, the Ragusas thought it was finally time do this. "We always wanted to renew our vows," Mike said. "This is the first time, just to reaffirm our love and our commitment to our marriage."

Anne and Frank Vendinello's story is a little different. The two met at a dance in New York City. "I had my eye on her but I was very shy," said Frank while describing the first time he saw Anne. "I noticed there was a blind guy that was there and he was asking some of the girls to dance. And they all said no. But Anne danced with him, so I said, 'I'm going ask her to dance; I'm sure she'll go to the dance with me.' And she did."

Anne said that she was with her friends at the time and made Frank not only take her out, but her friends as well. "She said, 'I'm with my friends,'" Frank explained. "So I took them all out. We just had coffee and strawberries. One of her friends was making a play for me but I was only interested in Anne."

Then, in unison, the couple said "And that's how we met."

The couple decided to renew their vows for the second time in their 52-year marriage. "We said, 'Why not?'" Anne explained. "We did it when we were married 50 years, so we figured we'd do it again."

Frank added with a laugh, "We figured we'll stay together."

Of all the couples renewing their vows, Daniel and Marie Rubbo have been married for the shortest amount of time — just 48 years. But since they have been together for 50 years, the couple which met on a double date, took part in the 50-plus years ceremony.

"In your marriage, put God first," said Daniel, while admiring his wife. "And God will bless you in all your ways. He will direct your paths, open up doors and close doors he doesn't want you to go into."

After another glance into his wife's eyes he added, "And we're here today."