Arnold ‘Marc’ and Shirley Marcantonio didn’t have to look very far to find love.
It was the late 1960s and Marc was applying for a position in Wayne State University’s chemical engineering department. When he walked in, a beautiful blonde named Shirley took his resume, and the rest is history.

Both were recently divorced but felt an instant connection — almost like their meeting was destiny. Like most relationships, it’s had its ups and downs, but the one constant in their marriage is the love and respect they have for one another.

Now, more than five decades later, the couple celebrated a milestone anniversary, their 50th wedding anniversary, on Aug. 28 at their home, Solana at the Park, a Koelsch Community in Surprise.

To commemorate the big day, the senior living community rolled out the red carpet and hosting a special dinner for the couple with their favorite meal in the dining room. After that, the couple had cake with other residents at the community

“The bond between Marc and Shirley is unbreakable. We are fortunate to help celebrate this special anniversary,” said Becky Klupp, executive director at Solana at the Park. “They are truly remarkable people, and their story reminds us that true love does exist.”

“Shirley and I met by chance, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve enjoyed the last 50 years together and look forward to many more,” said Arnold ‘Marc’ Marcantonio. “We’ve accomplished a lot in 50 years, and I couldn’t imagine anyone else by my side. Sure, there were some bumps and curves in the road, but we always drove forward and never crashed. I am honored Shirley is my wife, and I hope our happy life continues for as long as it can.”

Marc was a professor of organic chemistry at several universities and served as a research administrator for large corporations. He traveled extensively around the United States and Europe during his career, and when Shirley retired from her job in the financial business sector, she joined him.

They made many friends during their adventures but decided to settle in the Phoenix area. The two share many common interests including golf, fishing, charity work and photography. The couple has lived at Solana at the Park since 2018.

“Marc and I have lived a wonderful life and share many memories with friends and family, including my three children,” said Shirley Marcantonio before the anniversary. “I can’t believe it has been 50 years already, but they say time flies when you’re having fun. He is my one true love, and our love is stronger today than it ever was. We have a blessed life, and I am looking forward to our wonderful meal from the Solana at the Park team, and spending the day I said, ‘I do’ with Marc.”