He thought it was his new car. She said it was his nice personality. Whatever the initial attraction was, Anthony Yankloski is sure of one thing. "It was her lucky day," Anthony jokes with his wife Mae sitting in the living room of their home on North Greece Road. A long time ago, the two passed each other in a small Ohio town. This Tuesday, they will celebrate 65 years of wedded bliss. As the Yankloskis enjoy a cool, but sunny, Tuesday morning, Mae ponders the key ingredients to a happy marriage of over six decades. "Basically you have to give and take," said Mae. "I give it to him and he takes it." Over time it seems that these two people have become one. They look forward to spending every day together, splitting chores and sharing good times. "Tony always threatens that he is going to trade me for two 30 year olds," said Mae. "I tell him 'go ahead' he could have them both and they wouldn't do as much for him as I do." The couple laughs and exchanges smiles. Laughter and good-natured kidding are a daily commodity at the Yankloski home. The couple came from modest beginnings and now enjoy a comfortable life that includes a great deal of travel. They have been to Europe, South America, spent a week on the French Riviera and enjoyed Hawaii eight times. They hope to be heading back to Hawaii soon. Anthony is retired from the U.S. Postal Service and, at 87 years old, stays extremely busy with a magnificent backyard garden. The yard is lined with brilliant colors of dahlias and other annuals. His love for gardening began many years ago when he worked a second job as a garden caretaker. "He would work the night shift and come home for breakfast only to leave again to work on maintaining other peoples' lawns," said Mae. "He was a work horse." He still is keeping up with a yard that would be too much for a man half his age. Mae cooks and bakes every day. She also likes to crochet and read as often as possible. Some health problems have slowed her down, but her head is full of projects she would like to do. "I wish I could figure out how to use a computer," said Mae. "I have three books worth of memories in my head." And what is always on their mind is the family they built. They have a son, Richard, who lives in Webster and a daughter, Nancy, who lives in Hilton. Between the two of them they have blessed Anthony and Mae with seven grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Mae is counting on being a great, great grandmother and has picked out the great grandchild that she would like to see make that wish come true. Anthony said his family is his greatest accomplishment. They enjoy watching each grandchild grow. They are looking forward to their upcoming anniversary party with their family at the Rochester Yacht Club. Mae said she is surprised to see how the world has changed and is awed by the accelerated pace of life. "The pace is just so fast and out of whack I think they are missing so much by not getting enough time with their family," said Mae. Mae said she couldn't imagine life without Anthony. "I'm not saying that we don't fight, because we do, but we never hold a grudge," said Mae. "Look at him. How could I ever stay angry?" |
