A special Valentine's Day for East Meadow couples

More than a dozen couples married or renewed vows on Valentine’s Day at Hempstead Town Hall.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Town Clerk Mark Bonilla officiated the ceremonies on Monday. “Joining two people together in matrimony was one of my most enjoyable town clerk duties and I am thrilled to be able to continue this tradition as supervisor,” Murray said, “It was also wonderful to join our local seniors who demonstrated that they are young at heart and their love is ageless by renewing their vows.” Bonilla said. “Valentine’s Day is the day when most couples choose to be married in town hall.”

Nena Nacilla De Gracia and Gregory Caggiano of East Meadow were among the couples that tied the knot. They have been together for four months. De Gracia, a nanny, is originally from the Philippines and Caggiano, self employed, is from East Meadow. They said they met at Starbucks through an arrangement made by mutual friends. “It’s a really happy day,” said Caggiano. “We planned to elope, then we had 16 people come.”

Another couple present in Town Hall on Valentine’s Day were Martin and Patricia Sixsmith, of East Meadow, celebrating 50 “wonderful” years of marriage by renewing their vows. Both grew up in Astoria, in fact, they lived around the corner from each other. The Sixsmiths have been friends since the first grade. They now have one son and two grandsons. Patricia said the key to their success is family. “Family keeps you going, keeps you close,” she said. Valentine’s Day also happens to coincide with Martin’s birthday.

Ernest and Alice Coccorese, of East Meadow,  also renewed their vows. They celebrated 60 years of marriage. The Coccoreses, who grew up in Corona, renewed their vows for the first time. Alice commented on the weather before the ceremony, “It’s beautiful, just like the day we were married.” When asked, Alice said the key to a successful marriage was that her husband made her laugh and he always had something to say. Ernest added that respect is also important in a long-term relationship.

Another East Meadow couple, Arthur and Elizabeth Martrano, renewed their vows to celebrate 62 years of marriage. Elizabeth grew up in Brooklyn while Arthur grew up in Spring Valley. The couple met at a roller rink and joked about how Arthur winked at Elizabeth the first time they met. “Dust got in his eye and I thought he was winking,” said a laughing Elizabeth. 

Elizabeth brought their original wedding picture to the renewal ceremony. In the picture, she is wearing the wedding gown her mother handmade for her. 

The Martranos said the marriage was successful for so long because, “We’re honest with each other.”