“In a world that changes every day, some love stories remain unbreakable. At 101, a World War II veteran still holds the hand of his 96-year-old wife as they prepare to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary. ‘I’ll love you until the day I die’ — a whisper that made the whole room fall silent. A journey nearly eight decades long, filled with loyalty, resilience, and the quiet, timeless power of true love.”

A 101-year-old World War II veteran and his beloved wife are looking back on a lifetime together as they prepare to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: their 75th wedding anniversary.

During a celebration for his 101st birthday on April 5, U.S. Army veteran Anthony Simone couldn’t help but think ahead to May 6 — the day he and his 96-year-old wife, MaryAnn, will mark seven and a half decades of marriage. The couple wed in 1950, and Anthony says that moment changed everything.

“When I married her, my whole life changed,” the South Jersey centenarian told WPVI.

MaryAnn echoed the sentiment as she reflected on their nearly eight decades as husband and wife. “We had a really, really good marriage — 75 years and more, God help us,” she said.

At his birthday celebration, Anthony sat by MaryAnn’s bedside, holding her hand as he grew emotional expressing his love.
“I love you with all my heart and my soul, and I’ll always love you until the day I die,” he told her, prompting a warm smile from his lifelong partner.

Anthony served in the U.S. Army during the 1940s, taking part in the Battle of the Bulge and later performing guard duty in Munich. Born in New Jersey in 1924, he has carried a quiet resilience throughout his long life.

“To tell you the truth, I never really thought of age,” he said. A handmade birthday sign listed his nicknames — Tony, PopPop, Grandpop and Dad — as he shared his simple philosophy: “Don’t think of age. Just take your life as it comes along.”

Last year, Camden County Commissioner Melinda Kane celebrated Anthony’s 100th birthday, honoring his service and his legacy.

“Anthony is a remarkable person who served his country during one of the most uncertain times in our nation’s history,” she said at the time, noting that he later worked as a body and fender mechanic. “After his service, he has gone on to live a rich, fulfilling life with his family and has reached a milestone that very few people ever reach. I’m honored to celebrate this momentous occasion with Anthony and his loved ones.”