Meeting Mrs. Claus

During one of these visits Bob introduced me to Sal Cappiello and Eileen Santorufo, who were dating at the time and later married.  Eileen’s dad worked as a custodian at a Jewish temple on Long Island, and Joyce Maler, (later to become the LUCKY Mrs. Santa Claus), worked as a secretary in the office at the temple. 

Because they were the only gentiles at the temple (The Jews at the temple were kind of segregationists and did not associate with Goyim help.)  Joyce and Carmine would have coffee together and talk. She told him about how she and her latest boyfriend had just broken up. He was on the lookout for someone for her to date who would treat her better. He had an idea that she and I would be a match. (Guess he was right; we are still together after 54 years). 

Joyce and I went on our first date. (I don’t know how to phrase it, but it was a blind date set up by Carmine). I don’t remember our first date; it was probably going to a movie. Joyce will probably remember.

On Long Island going out to “neck”  or “parking” was called Going to the Submarine Races. I think on our 2^nd or 3^rd date, we went to the Submarine Races. There was definite attraction. There must have been, because we ended up with 4 beautiful, smart, and successful daughters.  More about that later (That’s called a tease).

Joyce and I continued to date for the rest of that year.