Marion and Anthony Bellissimo celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on May 22.

Staples of the Mineola community for the past 49 years, Marion Dybus, who grew up on a farm in Roslyn, and Tony, originally a resident of Glen Cove, began their lives together at a concert in the park.

"My romance started at 17 in Roslyn," recalled Tony.

Tony attended the concert with a group of his buddies and Marion attended the concert with a group of her girl friends. The two picked each other out of the crowd and six years of dating followed.

"He was persistent," recalled Marion.

"Yeah," added Tony with a smile, "I had to fight hard to get her."

After a year-long engagement, the couple was married in St. Hyacinth's Church in Glen Cove, with a reception that followed at the New Hyde Park Inn.

"It doesn't seem like 50 years ago," said Marion. "We were so busy raising the children."

The children; Anthony, Barbara, John and James; and grandchildren; Christopher, Katie, Johanna, Philip and Dominic; are what the couple is most proud that their marriage produced.

"... and buildings," added Tony with a smile.

Tony began a long and fruitful relationship with Nassau County as a carpenter. From carpenter, he moved on to become the head of security for the county and finally the Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, which he remained for 37 years.

Through his tenure for the county, Tony helped with the orchestration of the parade in honor of the Stanley Cup Champion Islanders and the dedication of Nassau Community College, at which several presidents attended.

All the while, at his side was his partner Marion.

Marion and Tony moved to Mineola on January 16, 1950 to what was to be a temporary house. They live there to this day.

Tony's involvement in Mineola began when he joined the Mineola Volunteer Fire Department. To this day Tony is active in that organization as well as the County Seat Kiwanis Club, the John S. DaVanzo Republican Club and the Italian American Civic Association to name just a few.

Marion is a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary and volunteered for the Mineola Athletic Association.

In an official capacity, Tony has served as a member of the Planning Board, the Zoning Board and the Board of Trustees for the Village of Mineola.

The truth is the accomplishments of them both come as a result of the team. Explained daughter Barbara, "They do everything together."

Hard work has played an important role in the lives of the Bellissimos in their family and their marriage. To echo their success they suggest that new couples do the same.

"Don't rush into marriage," suggested Tony.

Said Marion,"Marriage's two people working together. We set goals and we meet them, right Tony? Now we just pray for our health."