Anniversaries - Page 5 - Welcome to the Catholic Sun

Anniversaries

Written by Catholic SUN Wednesday, 16 June 2010 13:21

donovan Francis and Helen Donovan celebrated their 70th anniversary on May 24, 2010, at the Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Center in Syracuse, with family, friends and staff from the 5th floor of the Cunningham skilled nursing building. Loretto therapeutic recreation specialist, Laura Stevenson, baked the couple a sheet cake decorated with red roses, while Harriet “Digger” Deiter, also a Loretto therapeutic recreation specialist, serenaded the couple with loves songs accompanied on the ukulele.

Natives of Syracuse, the Donovans first met at Syracuse Central High School. Francis asked Helen a question about a homework assignment, and together they say, “The rest is history.” Francis served in the Army and Helen worked as a waitress.

They spent their years together raising their sons, John Donovan, of Cazenovia, and the late Robert Donovan, traveling to Washington, D.C., and visiting their son’s camp in West Virginia. They now enjoy watching the news, visiting with family, sharing meals and going to church.
The Donovans say their secret to 70 years of marital happiness is, “giving a little, taking a little, and keeping the love strong.”

Written by Catholic SUN Wednesday, 16 June 2010 13:20

Carl R. and Georgette K. (Johnson) Phillips

Carl R. and Georgette K. (Johnson) Phillips, of Lakeland recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary.

Carl and Georgette, childhood sweethearts growing up at Sylvan Beach, were married June 2, 1956, in North Bay. The wedding party consisted of Georgette’s sister, Anne Campbell, nieces Jacqueline Clark and Sharon Campbell; Carl’s brother Peter Phillips; and Dean Money. The family includes daughter Susan Phillips, of Baldwinsville; son and daughter-in-law Paul and Theresa (Carroll) Phillips, of Baldwinsville; and three grandchildren, Shannon, Andrew and John Phillips.

Carl retired from General Electric after 38 years of service and Georgette worked at Auto Gear Company for 30 years as the office manager. They take great pride in volunteering at Community General Hospital.

The couple continue to be active in Our Lady of Peace Church, volunteering at fundraising dinners and bake sales, and are life-long members of the Altar Rosary and Holy Name Society. They also belong to the Lakeland Seniors group and enjoy many social events and trips.

Written by Catholic SUN Wednesday, 16 June 2010 13:13

Anthony Sr. and Stephanie (Valentine) Rivizzigno

Anthony Sr. and Stephanie (Valentine) Rivizzigno of the Town of Salina will celebrate their 60th anniversary July 1, 2010. They were married on July 1,1950 at St. John the Baptist Church in Syracuse by Father Richard Culkin. Anthony and Stephanie had five children: son Anthony I and daughter-in-law Irene of Clay, and their son Anthony II; daughter Diane Morelli and son-in-law Peter Morelli of Endwell and their sons Peter of Boston and David of New York City; son David who passed away at age 21 of non-Hodgkins lymphoma; son Steven of Syracuse, and son Dennis and daughter-in-law Joan and their son Zachary of Palm Desert, Ca.
Anthony served in the US Army as Tech Sergeant at Schofield Barracks, Hi. He retired from General Electric 1989 after 43 years of service. Stephanie retired from Onbank after 15 years. She was an administrative assistant in the Investments and Funds Management Group. They are long-time parishoners of St. Daniel Church in Lyncourt. Stephanie served as Eucharistic Minister for many years and Anthony serves as an usher. Both Stephanie and Anthony have attended Bible Class for several years. The family is celebrating their anniversary at Steak & Sunday Restaurant in Syracuse.

Written by Catholic SUN Tuesday, 18 May 2010 14:34

Mr. & Mrs. Karl M. Koch

Mr. & Mrs. Karl M. Koch of Endwell are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on June 14, 2010. They were married in Butler, Pa. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. The former Carol Ann Watts is from Baltimore, Md. They raised nine children — five daughters and four sons, all now married. They are blessed with 25 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, with another on the way. They took a week’s cruise to Bermuda to celebrate their anniversary. The family is having a celebration brunch at Traditions at the Glen, with extended family members coming from several states. They are members of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Endicott.

Written by Catholic SUN Tuesday, 18 May 2010 14:33

Robert and Joan Leahy

Robert and Joan Leahy of Floyd, N.Y., (formerly of Richmond Hill, N.Y. and South Ozone Park, N.Y.) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sat., April 24. The couple renewed their vows at St. Mary/St. Peter Church in Rome, N.Y. and was followed by a celebration at the Delta Lake Inn. Robert and Joan were married April 24, 1960, at St. Benedict Joseph Labre Church in Richmond Hill.
Robert retired form the U.S. Air Force at Griffiss Air Force Base in 1978 and from US Airways in 1991. Joan retired from the Catholic Diocese of Syracuse Religious Education Office in May 2003. They have three children — Donna Leahy Ridenour of Woodstock, Ill., Timothy and his wife Sherri from Warner Robins, Ga. and Coleen and her husband John Firsching of Rome, N.Y. The couple has five grandchildren — Jami, Kasey, Mackenzie, Nate and Elizabeth.