Vestal couple celebrates 70 years of marriage

VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A local couple in a nursing home received a surprise party to celebrate 70 years together.

Joe and Marion Liberto got married in October of 1954, and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary together at Elderwood Village in Vestal.

The couple lived in Endicott, where Joe worked at IBM for 35 years and eventually Wegmans for an additional 31 years. Marion was an orthodontist assistant.

The Liberto’s have three children, Shari Ellen, Joseph, and Yvonne. And now, the family has grown to include 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

“You know, It’s not all peaches and cream. I mean, let’s be honest. 70 years, that’s a long time. And I was right most of the time though. No, I’m only kidding,” said Joe Liberto.

Their love story began when Marion stepped inside Michelangelo’s to get out of the rain, when she met Joe, who was hanging out with his buddies. Once they introduced themselves, the conversation never stopped.

Other Elderwood residents joined them for the celebration, which featured singing of some of their favorite oldie’s music, and a collage of dozens of photos from their time together.

Happy anniversary Joe and Marion!

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