Couple reaches 80 years of wedded bliss
FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- John and Ann Betar weren't supposed to get married. Her father had arranged for her to wed another man, but she and John fled Bridgeport and eloped in Harrison, N.Y.
That was more than 80 years ago. They are still happily hitched, and have been named the "longest married couple" in the United States for 2013 by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a Christian marriage group based in San Bernardino, Calif. The Betars are to receive a plaque and other gifts from the group at their granddaughter's home in Fairfield on Saturday.
"We just live with contentment and we don't live beyond our means," John Betar said. "Just go with the flow."
John is 101 years old and Ann is 97, and they're still living in their home along the Fairfield shore. They had five children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter officials say the title of "longest married couple" is based on nominations, so there may be couples who have been married longer. -- AP
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
