Community Corner

Endless Love: Couple Celebrates 68th Valentine's Day

After nearly 70 years together, Westwood residents Peter and Mary Vitale are ready to enjoy another Valentine's Day.

When asked what helps keep a 68-year marriage going strong, Peter Vitale said the answer is simple: Don't stay mad at one another. 

"When you do have a spiff with your other half, don't stay angry," said Vitale on a recent afternoon in his kitchen with wife Mary by his side. "Make up the same day, the same night, whatever. Because if it continues to the next day, that will continue to the following day, and it'll never be solved. Make up as soon as you can. Do not wait a day. You can be mad for a few hours, but cool off."

Vitale knows what he's talking about. The advice is something that's helped keep his marriage happy and thriving for nearly 70 years. 

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The Vitales, who have lived at Highland Glen in Westwood for nearly 13 years, are ready to enjoy another Valentine's Day together. While they don't anticipate big plans, they hope to enjoy a quiet dinner at the Chateau in Norwood or Luciano's in Wrentham.

The couple met in July 1943 and were married sixth months later, on Nov. 21.  

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"It was the week of July 4," Mary said. "I worked in a shoe factory and the place was closed for the whole week. It was too cold to go to the beach, so we went to Suffolk Downs to see the horse racing." 

It was there that Peter spotted her and made sure to make her acquaintance.

"Then he wanted my phone number, and the rest is history, as they say," Mary said. 

The couple were married at Blessed Sacrament Church in Jamaica Plain, and for their honeymoon spent a night at the Statler Hotel in Boston, now the Boston Park Plaza Hotel

At the time of their marriage, Mary had worked for a shoe company in Jamaica Plain, while Peter served in the U.S. Army before moving on to working for Sears Roebuck, and later, as a teller at the old Foxboro Raceway for 30 years. 

"Money was very tight," said Peter. 

But that didn't stop the couple from enjoying life. The two frequently ventured to various performances by such crooners as Tony Bennett.

Meanwhile, Peter had made several friendships with a number of local politicians, from such Westwood officials as Town Clerk Dottie Powers, Veterans Services Agent Chris McKeown and Town Moderator Tony Antonellis, to state officials like Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Congressman Stephen Lynch. 

While Vitale never ran for office or a board seat himself, he was always willing to lend a hand of support to his colleagues and friends. 

Over the years, the couple formed their own family, raising two daughters and two sons. 

"We raised four children, and we helped them as much as we could," Mary said.

Going back to his earlier advice, Peter Vitale said simplicity is key when looking to live a long and happy life as a couple together.  

"It's only common sense," he said. "If you use your head, there should be no problems in this whole world."


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