STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — He serenaded her with the magic of “You Made Me Love You,” the timeless classic he played on horn when he caught the eye of a beautiful young lovely at a social dance in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
It was kismet. And two hearts became one.
Joseph and Anna DeSimone are shown during their younger years at Times Square just after World War II ended. (Courtesy of the DeSimone family) Staten Island Advance
If you believe there’s truth to the old adage that destiny is scripted in the stars and fate and true love go hand in hand, you’ll want to read Anna and Joseph DeSimone’s story. It’ll warm your heart.
Ever since that memorable day some 77 years ago, the loving couple, who would eventually become man and wife, have never left one another’s side.
Joseph and Anna DeSimone are shown on their honeymoon in Niagara Falls. (Courtesy of the DeSimone family) Staten Island Advance
HERE’S THEIR STORY
The two were each born to Italian immigrant parents and both resided, at the time, in the Carroll Gardens section of Brooklyn.
The time frame? The war years — 1944, to be exact — when WW II was still raging throughout Europe.
It was a time when every town and village boasted a hall where dancing was featured — and always eagerly anticipated.
The bigger dance halls had orchestras.The smaller ones had a three-piece band, records or sometimes even only a piano.
Entertainment was a high priority during that time — serving to keep everyone’s morale up during the war years.
Joseph and Anna DeSimone smile during their younger years. (Courtesy of the DeSimone family) Staten Island Advance
After a two-year courtship, the couple married on Aug. 24, 1946, in the historic Sacred Heart-St. Stephen’s R.C. Church in their beloved borough of Brooklyn.
A football wedding reception followed at the Livingston Manor in downtown Brooklyn, a venue that’s still in existence, although somewhat altered.
FYI: Football weddings were so named because the bride and groom — and family members — tossed wrapped hero sandwiches to the guests at the reception.
The DeSimone children, Deborah, Andrew and Joann, visit Santa Claus. (Courtesy of the DeSimone family) Staten Island Advance
Joseph DiSimone, now 95, drove a yellow taxi cab for 35 years before opting to retire, and Anna DiSimone, 94, a bookkeeper for Katz Parking Systems, left the workforce to become a homemaker.
Joseph and Anna DeSimone celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. (Courtesy of the DeSimone family) Staten Island Advance
The DeSimones resided for a time in their native borough, but have called New Springville home since 1981.
Anna and Joseph DeSimone Staten Island Advance
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF
Deborah Marchak, the couple’s daughter, said the coronavirus pandemic has upset her parents. And, like so many other families, DeSimone family members were isolated.
“My father’s father almost died during the pandemic of 1917,” she said. “My dad tells us that his grandmother prayed for her son and nursed him back to health. My grandfather taught his children the importance of sanitizing your hands and home. And my dad passed that on to his children.”
Marchak adds that, to this day, her dad is amazingly proficient when it comes to the computer and smart phone, and is excellent at texting.
Anna and Joseph DeSimone sit with their family on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. (Courtesy of the DeSimone family) Staten Island Advance
“He’s a great pool player — and none of the other seniors want to play with him,’’ she said. “What’s more, he’s a wealth of information. And they are the greatest parents, grandparents and great-grandparents anyone could hope for. We are all very lucky to have them with us. Both are very independent.”
THEY LIVED THROUGH HARROWING TIMES
The DeSimones lived through some of the worst times in history: The bombing of Pearl Harbor, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center — and so many more, Marchak continued.
Joseph and Anna DeSimone are shown on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary at LaFontana Restaurant, Oakwood. (Courtesy of the DeSimone family) Staten Island Advance
“However, the coronavirus is the one that stopped them in their tracks,” she said. “They found comfort in each other’s arms. They were among the first to receive the vaccine when it became available. Luckily, they did not have any adverse reactions. Pop always said to us ‘we sacrifice now to be together later.’ They do continue to wear their masks. They never leave each other’s side. When Pop was hospitalized, my mom slept on a chair in the hospital. And one of Pop’s favorite expressions is ‘happy wife, happy life.”’
Oftentimes during the evening, they slow dance to their wedding songs for exercise, and they also enjoy playing cards, Marchak said.
Her mom loves the New York Mets and is a dedicated fan. In fact, she never misses a game, Marchak said. “She should be the manager,’’ she mused. “She could teach them a thing or two about baseball.”
Joseph and Anna DeSimone pose in the Japanese Tea Garden of the Hilton Garden Inn on the occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. (Courtesy of the DeSimone family) Staten Island Advance
The DeSimones are the parents of three, Joann Christopher, of Middletown, N.J.; the above-mentioned Deborah Marchak of Holmdel, N.J.; and Andrew DeSimone of Massapequa, Long Island.
They also also are the proud grandparents of six, and great-grandparents to 10.
When queried as to the recipe for a happy marriage, the bride says its patience — with her groom echoing her sentiments.
Joseph and Anna DeSimone are shown during Christmas of 2020 at the New Jersey home of their daughter, Deborah Marchak.(Courtesy of the DeSimone family) Staten Island Advance
And as the DeSimones mark their diamond wedding anniversary, they continue to serve as exemplary role models many say, and they are a true testament to everlasting love.
To commemorate their 75th diamond wedding anniversary, a family celebration is being planned for September.
Their daughter gushes proudly: “All who know them love them and those who meet them for the first time fall in love!”
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