Old Bridge couple’s marriage reaches 70 years because of ‘family’

BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer

OLD BRIDGE — When Ralph Garguilo came back home after serving in the United States Navy, he asked a girl named Jena out on a date.

The two had gone to school together and lived down the block from each other in Mariners Harbor, Staten Island, New York. Garguilo had entered the military with Jena’s brother.

On May 17, the couple, who are in their 90s, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary with family and friends by their side including Jena’s sister Santina Sonuc and Ralph’s sister Joan Newhart and her family.

The couple moved to Old Bridge in 1957 and they still live in the same house.

As for advice to long-lasting relationships, they said family is the most important thing.

They have three children, Neil Garguilo, Patrick Garguilo and Ralph Garguilo; four grandchildren, Anthony Garguilo, Neil W. Garguilo, Justin Garguilo and Santina Garguilo; and one great grandchild, Anthony Garguilo Jr.

The Garguilos are active members of St. Thomas Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Old Bridge.