Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 14, 2022 A rare marriage milestone Lifelong Saugus residents Eugene and Arlene Decareau celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary By Mark E. Vogler F ewer than six percent of marriages last for 50 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But lifelong Saugus residents Eugene and Arlene Decareau this week reached a marriage milestone that only one-tenth of a percent of married couples ever reach – 70 years. The Decareaus celebrated their Platinum Anniversary last Saturday (Oct. 8) in the function room at Jimmy’s Steer House on Route 1 North in Saugus, joined by a gathering of about 50 people – most of them relatives and a handful of friends. “Gene Decareau and his wife Arlene are great people who have been married for 70 years,” state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) said in an interview last Saturday, after presenting the venerable couple with a special proclamation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. “I wish them health and happiness for another 70 years. Let me tell you, 1952 was a great year – that ’s when they got married and the same year that I was born,” he said. So, what sticks out most about Gene? “Gene is a great guy and he’s been one of the icons of Saugus between the Lions Club and everything else he does – the volunteer work,” Rep. Wong answered in response to the question. “He’s always there. He’s always happy and he’s always willing to help anyone.” And what about Arlene? “Oh!! She’s got a handful! She’s taking care of Gene.” The special legislative proclamation, which was signed by Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano (D-Quincy), was offered by Rep. Wong and state Rep. Jessica Giannino (D-Revere), whose district includes PreThe Decareau’s three sons – Steve, Jim and John (left to right in the back row) – joined the parents at last Saturday’s 70th anniversary. cincts 3 and 10 in Saugus. The proclamation reads: “Be it hereby known to all that: The Massachusetts House of Representatives offers its sincerest congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene and Arlene Decareau in recognition of the joyous occasion of your seventieth wedding anniversary. “The entire Membership extends its very best wishes and expresses the hope for future good fortune and continued success in all endeavors.” Last month, Eugene DeThese two photos are like the bookends of their marriage – from their wedding day in 1952 to a more contemporary photo before celebrating their 70th anniversary. Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com careau, joined by his wife, traveled to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, where he was one of 32 fans recognized by the New England Patriots Foundation as a “New England Community Champion” for his volunteer work. Three classes apart at Saugus High The Decareaus’ Oct. 12, 1952, wedding was held at 7 p.m. on a Friday in the Cliftondale United Methodist Church so they could enjoy a long weekend together. Arlene, one of two children, is a 1951 Saugus High School graduate. She played the clarinet as a member of the school’s marching band. Eugene, one of nine children, is a member of the Saugus High Class of 1948. He starred for three years on the MARRIAGE | SEE PAGE 9 Rev. Bill Ladd of First Congregational Church of Saugus gave the rare long-lasting marriage a blessing. State Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) presented Arlene and Eugene Decareau with a legislative proclamation during last Saturday’s 70th wedding anniversary celebration at Jimmy’s Steer House in Saugus. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler)
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