HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Pottstown couple celebrates 77 years of marriage
POTTSTOWN >> A Pottstown couple celebrated a remarkable milestone recently — marking more than seven decades of marriage.
Smiles beamed across the couple’s face as friends and family filled the room at the Tri-County Active Adult Center to celebrate 77 years of marriage between Chester and Martha Pish.
“I’m very excited,” laughed Martha Pish. “I didn’t ask for this celebration but he insisted.”
State Rep. Joe Ciresi planned the party for the happy couple after learning recently that they were the second longest married couple in Pennsylvania.
“A few months ago when I first started coming out here I was told that there was a couple in the area that has been married 77 years. I thought it would be nice to bring them to Harrisburg in front of the House and give them some sort of celebration. It was asked that we do it here so they could be with all their friends,” said Ciresi.
And there were plenty of friends and family in attendance. The couple was joined by their immediate family, including their three children, their grandchildren and five of their great-grandchildren, as well as dozens of friends and acquaintances.
“It’s important for our community to see the people who have built our communities. They’ve been a part of this community for a very long time—their children, their grandchildren, their great-grandchildren. This is part of American history and Pottstown’s history,” said Ciresi.
When asked what the secret was to keeping their love alive for so many years, Martha said, “I really don’t know. We were together for so many years and went to school together. We graduated together and our families knew each other. It’s not like today. It was just easy.”
“Being best friends does make it easier. He always says ‘We should have gotten married when we were born,’” she laughed. “He’s very easygoing. He’s very laid back. Whatever I say I want to do he says, ‘OK.’ But I say ‘OK’ to him too,” said Martha.
When asked about Martha, Chester said, “I smile at her a lot. If we didn’t we wouldn’t have lasted this long. We’re fortunate.”
And there were plenty of smiles to go around Friday. The couple had their picture taken and received multiple proclamations from state Sen. Bob Mensch, state Rep. Tim Hennessey, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, Pottstown Mayor Stephanie Henrick, Gov. Tom Wolf and a letter from Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Robert Torres.
“The reason that Joe and I come here is because strong marriages lead to strong families and strong families form the fiber and social fabric of our commonwealth. When you have a strong family, you can build a society. When you don’t, society tends to suffer. Your 77 years of marriage is a tribute to what can be accomplished. You’re the beacon on the hill to the rest of us in terms of staying together as a family,” said Hennessey to the couple.
After some comments from their three children and many others, Ciresi sang “True Love” by Cole Porter as the couple smiled and swayed back and forth. The celebration ended with a lunch for friends and family of the happy couple.
In parting, Martha and Chester offered some sage advice for anyone in a relationship:
“Don’t go to bed mad,” said Martha.
“I have to agree with her. That’s it. Five words: ‘Yes, dear, you were right,’” added Chester.