Couple marks seven decades together
Dancing a big part of their lives
NORTHGREENBUDH, N.Y. »
Longtime local couple Tom and Teresa Sunkes recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, marking yet another milestone in their loving relationship.
On July 18, 1948 Tom and Teresa wed at St. Mary’s Church in Troy and since then, the Sunkes family has been part of the community.
Last week, family members and friends all wished Tom and Teresa well on their seventh decade together, a celebration not many married couples get to experience.
At the time of their marriage, Cohoes native Tom was a 22-year- old recently returned home from serving in World War II. Te- resa, of Troy, was 20.
They first met on a blind date arranged by friends, at a place called Corky’s in Cohoes, and dated for about a year before Tom popped the question and gave her a ring - along with asking Teresa’s father’s blessing of course.
Today, at 92 and 90, their bond is still just as strong, and they are surrounded by even more love from the large family they’ve built over the years.
After getting married Tom and Teresa had five children: Pat, twins Tom and Dan, Marlene and Dean. “We contributed to the baby boom,” their father said.
Additionally, the Sunkeses now have 13 grandchildren and many greatgrandkids.
“The most important thing in our life is our family,” Tom said on Monday afternoon while gathered with his wife and kids.
Throughout their longlasting marriage, dancing has always been a big part of their lives, too. From their wedding reception at Otto’s in Latham, to Saturday evenings at Foley’s Tavern in Wynantskill or the Troy Elks club, to their many years with the Uncle Sam Sparklers line dancing group, as well as many late nights spent dancing in the kitchen of their North Greenbush home - Tom and Teresa have spent countless hours on the dance floor, where ever it may be.
Now, the duo still enjoys the entertainers and activities offered at Van Rensselaer Manor in North Greenbush, where Teresa resides.
Tom, who still lives in the North Greenbush home built for their family in the 1950s, visits Teresa every day for lunch.
Last Wednesday, for their 70th anniversary, they had a dinner date at Van Rensselaer Manor complete with cake.
After 70 years together, Tomand Teresa Sunkes are surely an inspiration for young couples out there. On how they’ve succeeded in their relationship for so long, Tom joked, “I did what I was told.”