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Bill and Connie Cleary Sr.

April 18, 1964, St. Mary's Church, Gloucester City

To my Precious Connie,

Today, we are celebrating our 58th wedding anniversary. Thinking back I remember how happy and proud I was to walk down the aisle with you on my arm.  The prettiest girl in Gloucester City in 1964 is still the prettiest girl in Gloucester City today. 

APRIL 18, 1964

From left to right, Marion Blome, Ginny Sarlo Tavener, Dolores Cleary Raube, Joanne D'Ambra. Standing, Gary Gross, John Hindsley, Tom Sarlo, father of the bride, Connie, Bill, George Cleary Jr., Warren Tavener

We were two kids still wet behind the ears. I was 19 and you 20. They said it wouldn’t last, that we were too young to be truly in love. I think we proved those naysayers wrong decades ago; don’t you?

Billy Jr., Kelly Ann, Connie Lynn

Our family quickly grew from just the two of us to three, from three to four, and four to five. Each one was a blessing from GOD.

Three fat little blue eye blonde hair babies grew into two beautiful women and a handsome man.

They have blessed us with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Yes, over the years God has truly smiled on us. 

Thinking back I remember so many good times. Our trips to the mountains with our friends and our kids,  our travels visiting all the states from Maine to Florida.  Flying over Philadelphia in the blimp, soaring through the air in the glider, the hot air balloon ride. Our stays at Anna Maria Island, Fl.,  Hilton Head Island, S.C., seeing the Grand Canyon, Golden Gate Bridge, our visit to Fairbanks, Alaska,  Yellowstone Park, and South Dakota to mention a few.

THE PUB 2012

Taking the kids to Disney, and the memories we made at our house in Wildwood Crest. So many good times filled with laughter, and, yes, there has been much sadness. Our parents dying, along with so many members of our family. I have lost count of all the friends and acquaintances that have passed.  We made it through those times because we had each other.

Vitales  2019
LANCASTER 2019
Disney 2014

2018 Thanksgiving

Disney 2021Thanksgiving 2017

The poem below caught my attention some time ago. The man is thinking about himself and his wife and how he would feel if she  “Should Go First and He Remains”. The words could also be what the woman would say if the situation was reversed.   Below too is a video that I wanted to share with you.

Fifty-eight years have come and gone yet I love you more now than ever. If the next 58 years are anything like the first we are in for a hell of a ride. So, hold on tight here we go...

Love You Always, Billy

Should you go first and I remain
to walk the road alone,
I'll live in the memories garden dear,
with happy days we've known.

In spring I'll wait for roses red,
when faded, the lilacs blue.
In early fall when brown leaves fall,
I'll catch a glimpse of you.

Should you go first and I remain,
for battles to be fought.
Each thing you've touched along the way
will be a hallowed spot.

I'll hear your voice, I'll see your smile,
though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain,
one thing I'll have you do:
Walk slowly down that long long path,
for soon I'll follow you.

I want to know each step you take,
so I may take the same.
For someday down that lonely road
you'll hear me call your name.

~by Albert Kennedy "Rosey" Rowsell~