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Sen. Moore honors couple wed for 75 years November 30, 2009 ... Marriages lasting as long as sixty, or even fifty years are relatively rare these days. Even though the life span of Americans has gradually lengthened to around 80 years of age over the last century, the institution of marriage, on average, lasts about 24 years today.
However, one local couple observing their 75th Wedding Anniversary this month defied those statistics. John (age 99) and Blanche (age 95) Ghiringhelli, long-time Hopedale residents, who are currently residing at Blaire House in Milford, have been married three times longer than the current national average length of marriage. The Ghiringhelli's were married in the old Sacred Heart Church, the former Hopedale High School, on November 29, 1934. They are the parents of two sons, have four grandchildren and several great grandchildren. The significance of this milestone impressed Sen. Richard T. Moore so much that he arranged for citations honoring the couple from Governor Deval Patrick and Lt. Governor Timothy Murray as well as from the Massachusetts State Senate. Sen. Moore, who is a high school classmate of the Ghringhellis's oldest son, Jack, learned about the anniversary when his old classmate recently sent him an email. "John and Blanche Ghiringhelli are an inspiration to all the married couples who work to keep their marriages together, especially in these tough economic times," Sen. Moore explained. "The Ghirighelli's were married during the Great Depression, and I've known them and their sons, Jack and Charlie, most of my life. I am happy to be able to honor them for achieving this special milestone," he added. At the time the Ghiringhelli's were married, Franklin D. Roosevelt was President of the United States and the legendary James Michael Curley had just been elected Governor of Massachusetts that month. A public works program was initiated to ease unemployment from the Great Depression, gas sold for 10 cents a gallon, a loaf of bread cost 8 cents, and the average annual income was $1,600. |
