Couple Celebrates 70 Years Of Wedded Bliss

Marriages come and marriages go, but it takes true love and the utmost respect between two people to stand the test of time.

Leo and Lillian Shargel, residents of the Bristal Assisted Living Community in North Woodmere, indeed epitomize this sentiment. The two celebrated an amazing milestone in their lives together recently — their 70th wedding anniversary — while surrounded by family, friends, and fellow Bristal residents.

Leo, 95, and Lillian, 91, first met on a blind date on April 5, 1942, in their hometown of Middle Village, Queens. Leo recalled knowing right away that this young lady was something special; within three months, they were married.

“I just knew instantly that we were going to spend the rest of our lives together,” he said. “To this day, when I look at her, I don’t see a 91 year-old woman — I see that beautiful girl I first met back in 1942.”

Lillian reflected upon her union with Leo with fondness and deep affection.

“It’s a wonderful, wonderful feeling,” she said. “Whoever thought that we’d be here today, celebrating 70 years of marriage? But we’ve lasted because of the respect and support that we’ve given each other over the years.”

The Shargels have two children, five grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. Their son, 67-year-old Jerry Shargel, said that his parents’ tale is easily classified as one of star-crossed lovers.

“Seventy years — it’s hard to imagine. I just celebrated my 45th wedding anniversary and I thought that was a big deal,” he said. “They love each other. They loved each other when they met. I’ve heard the stories throughout my life, the marriage has just been simply terrific. They were made for each other.”

Jerry Shargel said that shortly after his parents were married, his father was shipped off by the U.S. Army to fight in World War II while his mother was still pregnant.

“I actually didn’t meet my father until I was nearly two years old,” he said. “But when he returned, we were very happy.”

Melane Scharfenberger, executive director of the North Woodmere Bristal, said the assisted living community was honored to be sharing this special day with the Shargels.

“We’re very excited to have them here,” she said. “We’re having a great time helping them celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. Not many people get to do that, so we’re very lucky to be a part of it.”

Jerry said the secret of his parents’ marriage is that they don’t sweat the small stuff.

“Do they argue? They do, but every argument is forgotten at the end of the day,” he said.  “Love prevails. They’ve worked very hard together, and they have a wonderful marriage because of it.”