Ocean County Seniors Find Love Later in Life

Something gets lost among the commercials for chocolates, wines and jewelry broadcast to lovebirds nationwide throughout late January and early February, and it’s that the greatest gift shared over Valentine’s Day is love. Joe & Mary Lou Kamsar, a couple at Harrogate retirement community in Lakewood, know how to truly celebrate the holiday: by reflecting on the deeper meanings of their relationship, one that began after moving into the retirement community.

This Ocean County couple, both in their 70s, may just owe their relationship to the friendly game of pinochle. Joe agreed to teach Mary Lou the game after noticing she’d recently moved into the community. He taught her how to play and they talked...and talked...and have now been married for almost three years. They enjoy going to plays and Martha’s Vineyard together. The two former teachers hit it off from day one and, weather permitting, they plan to go to Villa Almafi on Valentine’s Day, just as they did on their first date.