Neil and Marie DeStefano, lifelong residents of Mineola, celebrated their Golden 50th wedding anniversary on April 25, 2004 at Leonard's of Great Neck with the renewal of vows by Deacon Brian Mannix of Corpus Christi Church and a celebration with family and friends.

Neil was born to Michael and Lucy DeStefano in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 1931 and moved to Mineola in 1933. Marie was born to Samuel and Nellie Ardolino in 1934 and raised in Mineola. They have two children - Michael (wife Deborah) and Anthony (wife Antonetta) and five grandchildren - Michael, Marisa, Nicole, Danica and Lisa.

They were married at Corpus Christi Church by Father Vincent Hagan and have resided in Mineola ever since. The original reception was held at Club Jericho, which is now called Jericho Terrace.

Neil and Marie were very community minded people as Neil was active in the Mineola Athletic Association (MAA) as a commissioner and manager. He was also involved with the Police Boys Club (PBC), now known as the Police Athletic League (PAL) as a performer for fundraisers and a head coach for basketball.

Marie was very active in the Saint Frances Xavier (Mother) Cabrini Society as president and secretary as well as the PTAs for Hampton Street and the junior and senior high schools. She is currently on the executive board for the AARP.

The couple can be seen as most senior citizen functions as they love to dance.

Happy anniversary to Neil and Marie and we wish them many more years of happiness together.