NJ Couple Together 63 Years Share Advice For Long-Lasting Relationships

TEANECK, NJ — Nino and Teresa De Candia met through a mutual friend in 1958, in Hoboken. He was 21, and working as a dish washer. She was 19, and had a job in a light bulb factory.

“She was the most beautiful girl I have ever seen," Nino thought when he first saw her.

"After traveling the world and seeing it all, I knew I did not need to look anymore."

Both came to the United States from Italy and now live at Arbor Terrace in Teaneck.

Nino's father died when Nino was young, and he became the head of the family. He began working on cargo ships when he was 14 and decided to stay in America at the age of 21.

"Nothing was easy," Nino said. "Coming from the old country, you grew up poor. When you come here...you change your life. And you become American. But you gotta work. You don't get nothing for nothing."

"Relationships are the same thing," Teresa added.

Teresa's family had to leave their home during World War II, and lived as refugees for a while before coming to the U.S. She remembers stepping off the ship on a winter day and seeing everything covered in snow.

The couple met in Hoboken through a common friend. Teresa worked as an administrative clerk and joined Nino, who worked in construction for a while before starting a business.

The De Candias have three children, two of whom live in Jersey still and one who is in California.

As they sit together now, Teresa teases her husband and laughs. Her accent is mostly New Jersey, while Nino retains his Italian accent.

Part of what they say makes a relationship work is open, honest communication.

"We trust each other and have a good sense of humor," Nino said. "Do not keep anything a secret."

Teresa said the couple always resolved things after they had disagreements or heated conversations.

"Talk things out, always," she said. "Even if you need to take a break, have a glass of scotch and talk it out."

Gifts on special occasions are nice, Teresa said, but commitment is what makes a relationship work.

"I don't need flowers and I don't need the chocolates," Teresa said. "Remember one thing: Love is always there. I don't have to wait for Valentine's Day."

The De Candias enjoy attending happy hour and dancing together at Arbor Terrace. Nino is often sought out to sing, as well.

"To be together, it's a long haul and I think we did pretty well," she said. "Right now, we're where we belong."

Some of the information and quotes in this article were provided by Rae Larkins, a PR specialist working in collaboration with Arbor Terrace Teaneck.