Couple Renews Bond On Golden Anniversary

When Patrick and Lee Servillo got married nearly 50 years ago, divorce was still taboo and nobody had even heard of a pre-nuptual agreement.
"Its all different now," said Patrick. "The secret of our 50 years of wedded bliss is that we never go to bed angry at each other. We kiss and make up."
"Thats why our marriage has lasted this long," Lee chimed in, noting that none of their friends are divorced. "Unlike couples today we have a sense of responsibility."
As their golden wedding anniversary nears, the Servillos, both 74 and residents of Queens Village, reminisced about their lives together. They are one of 25 couples who were scheduled to renew their marriage vows on Valentines Day at an annual event officiated by Assemblyman Mark Weprin.
The Servillos romance flourished after they met at Mt. Carmel Church in The Bronx. They were both active in the church and attended dances and meetings there.
I saw her first with a group of girlfriends. It was love at first sight," said Patrick. "I loved her bearing, her demeanor. She was gentle and kind."
Lee, meanwhile, said she didnt fall in love with Patrick at first sight, but not because he wasnt attractive. "When I met him I though he was going to be a priest. He was going to a seminary school," she recalled. "But then he asked me out and I realized that he probably wasnt going to be a priest."
The only thing the Servillos regret is that they were denied a large wedding because of a death in the family at their marriage on April 19, 1952. But that may soon be forgotten, when their three daughters, Mary, Anne and Patricia throw them a 50th anniversary bash at a restaurant in New Hyde Park.
Once a principal of a Jamaica high school, Patrick continues his active life, involved in activities of the seniors group, Services Now For Adult Persons Inc. (SNAP). He is currently president of the SNAP advisory board and teaches a creative writing course that draws on his long background as a teacher and principal in the Queens school system.
"We had financial problems in the beginning like most young couples," said Patrick. "My first teaching job only paid $3,000 a year." But the couple never lost faith in each other and worked together to improve their lot. That joint effort they say is one of the keys to a successful marriage.
As they approach their golden anniversary, the Servillos were asked what their first memories are of each other, what they did on their first date, and what each was wearing that night.
"We saw a movie that night but I dont remember what it was," said Patrick. His bride doesnt remember either and neither remembers much about their early courtship."
But they are agreed on one thing: romantic details arent whats important.
"Its character thats important. Thats what you are looking for in a partner."