It was a joyous occasion for George and Adeline Correia of 15 Jameson Drive, who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Saturday night at a surprise party in their honor with family members and friends in attendance.

“I feel great,” beamed George, who like his wife, are celebrating their 92nd birthday this month a week apart. ”I’ve enjoyed so many wonderful years with this woman.”

Born in Providence on Sept. 6, 1930, George grew up in East Providence and graduated from East Providence High School. He joined the Marine Corps and was a proud member of the Marine Corps Band. He went to RISD and was a home builder and finish carpenter until he retired. He was also a proud member of the Portuguese Independent Band for 42 years.

Adeline was born in Madeira, Portugal on Sept. 14, 1930 and came to the United States when she was 12. She says she was very proud to become an American citizen. She attended Bristol schools and worked at Nyanza Department Store and R & J Manufacturing until she retired.

The Correias’ storybook marriage began on Labor Day, Sept. 1, 1952 at St. Elizabeth’s Church with Monsignor Henrique Rocha presiding. Adeline and her sister Josephine had a double wedding, and their father, the late Manuel Quintal, gave them both away.

George and Adeline lived on 58 St. Elizabeth St., Bristol for 35 years and had three children: Mary Lou (Correia) Palumbo, married to Gary Palumbo; George Correia, married to Elizabeth (Goncalves) Correia, and Frank Correia, married to Justine (Lima) Correia. They have 5 grandchildren and 2 twin great-granddaughters.

“My parents love spending time with their family and really enjoy the times when everyone can be all together,” said Mary Lou Palumbo. “They have devoted their lives to their children and their family and worked very hard to be sure they were taken care of.”

A woman of a few words, Adeline, reflected on her 70 years marriage to the same man quite aptly.

“It’s been a wonderful life,” she said. “I love him with all my heart.”