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L.I. Couple Renews Vows On 70th Anniversary

NEW YORK (AP/1010 WINS) -- A Long Island couple has reaffirmed their love by renewing their vows -- 70 years after a little known Jackie Gleason hosted their wedding reception.

Rienzo Wedding Day
John and Louise Rienzo on their wedding day (Handout)

John and Louise Rienzo, both in their 90s, married at the Queens Terrace on Jan. 25, 1941.

The couple renewed their vows in front of their two daughters Wednesday at the Bristal Assisted Living Community in North Woodmere. In addition to their two children, they have four grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

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1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria talks to the happy couple.

The future "Honeymoon'' star made a living then as a wedding reception master of ceremonies and he came with their wedding package.

Rienzo said that Gleason was "a nobody'' but was a funny man even then. He said Gleason teased him, saying "What the heck are you doing here? Take her home.''

John and Louise grew up together in East New York just a block away from each other. He would often visit her claiming to be looking for Louise's brother.

They had their first date on Louise's 17th birthday, on Sept. 3, 1933, when John took her for a walk around the reservoir at Highland Park. John presented Louise with a bottle of perfume as a gift and asked if he could kiss her. She not only gave him the cold should but demanded that he take her home right away.

John said the secret to their success can be summed up in two words, "Yes ma'am." Also, they've slept on the same bed for 70 years and always kiss and make up.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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