How many couples do you know in today's society that can boast 65 years of marriage?
In my experience, they are few and far between.
At ManorCare Health Services-South, we are proud to say that we are the home of one such couple. On April 16, Matthew and Gloria Cendoma, both residents at ManorCare South, celebrated 65 years of marital bliss.
Matthew states he met Gloria after his discharge from the Army. Matthew had just returned home after serving three years in Europe during World War II as a demolition specialist when he "literally bumped into her" on Pine Street near the Casale Hotel.
"After I bumped into her, I just knew she was the girl I was going to marry. I immediately asked her to the movies," Matthew stated.
They both chuckled as they recalled going to that first movie at the Rialto, which was considered a "more expensive" theatre since it was 15 cents a person to attend the movie. Neither Matt nor Gloria recalls what movie it was.
Gloria states they were both too nervous and Matt says he was too busy looking at Gloria to pay attention to the film.
Matt recalls that they dated for "just a few months" when he announced to Gloria's mother that he was going to marry her daughter.
"Her mother laughed - and I will never forget that laugh," Matt recalled.
Soon after, the couple was married at Mater Dolorosa Church in Williamsport and the rest was history.
Their relationship has resulted in four children - Cynthia, Patricia, Antoinette and Matthew - four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Matt states that after all these years, "Gloria is still the best thing that has ever happened to me - she's always been there for me."
Matt and Gloria were treated to a special dinner by the ManorCare staff to celebrate their joyful occasion.
The couple requested a meal of ravioli, fresh salad and a cake that could be shared with their family and friends.
