Dolores and Chuck Margies of Wells celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family from New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
The couple married Jan. 12, 1963, at St. Andrew Avellino Roman Catholic Church in Flushing, Queens County. A reception for 125 people followed at the Club Safari, College Point, Queens County.
They lived most of their married life in Massapequa, Nassau County. They first came to Wells to vacation in 1978 and purchased their cottage in 1982 as a vacation home. In 2006, they retired to Wells.
“It was a wonderful decision,” Mrs. Margies said. “We love the town of Wells.”
They have five children: Laurie Collins (Peter), John Margies, Janine Margies, Charlie Margies (Bethanne); Jessica Chappell (Curtis); and nine grandchildren, Peter John (“PJ”), Patrick, Ryan and Liam Collins; Sierra and Skye Margies; Alex Margies; and Christopher and Cameron Chappell. Additional family members are Kathy Hartel, Garth, Rhiannon and Julie Wager.
The weeklong 50th anniversary celebration began with a Mass at St. Ann’s Church, Wells. The Rev. Sony Pulickal, pastor, officiated.
After a couple of days of Wells activities, all 23 family members enjoyed an anniversary vacation at Woodloch Pines Resort, Hawley, Pa.
The couple also had a dinner celebration with family and friends at Sam’s Seafood & Steakhouse Restaurant, Johnstown.
A highlight was a poem written by Wells resident and author Virginia Hosley.
The celebrations concluded with drinks, coffee and cake at the home of George and Rae Place of Wells.
