Canton Citizen’s 2010 Valentine’s Day Couple: Frank and Peg LaBollita

Frank and Peg LaBollita open their hearts to all who enter their home. The Gaelic sign above their kitchen door – Céad Míle Fáilte, which means “a hundred thousand welcomes” — reflects their hospitality.

Frank and Peg LaBollita

With love and mutual respect, Frank and Peg have devoted their lives to each other since June 1962.

Frank likes to say that he and Peg met in nursery school. In 1958, when the preschool where Peg worked needed a driver, Frank was asked to do the job. Peg accompanied him on the first week’s routes to make sure the kids were comfortable.

Frank knew then that Peg was the one. “You know it when it happens,” he said, although it took a little longer for Peg to come around.

“I was always very comfortable with him,” she said, with her quick smile and her animated eyes. “We still like one another,” she laughed.

With four married adult children — Lisa, Mark, Steven, and David — and six grandchildren, the LaBollitas celebrate the joys of family.

“The thing that grows best here are kids,” said Peg, who beams with delight as she shares family photos, especially a framed collage showcasing the marriages of their parents, themselves and their children.

Peg has dedicated her life to children, first and foremost as mother and grandmother, as well as having worked as a special needs aide at the Kennedy School. “I loved seeing the kids thrive,” she said. “I loved going to my job every day.”

Frank taught industrial arts in the Canton Public Schools for 39 years and ran the driver education program. He was also a member of the Massachusetts National Guard and achieved the rank of full colonel.

After retirement, he became the director of veterans’ affairs and the emergency manager for the town of Canton. Still active in the National Guard, he is the liaison between the retiree groups and the existing guard troops.

“The experience in the military made me a better teacher,” he said with a healthy balance of pride and modesty. “The experience as a teacher made me a better officer. You’re in the people business in both professions.”

Frank and Peg LaBollita are pictured on their wedding day in 1962

Because of the military, Frank was often away: “The higher up in rank you go, the more you’re committed. The more responsibility, the more time you have to devote.”

Peg was always supportive of his decision to remain in the service. “It was something he truly loved,” she said, adding that he also encouraged her to do what she enjoyed. As if completing her thoughts, Frank said, “We give each other our own space.”

The LaBollitas have resided in the same house in Canton since 1972. “Ideal for kids,” the neat white ranch was the last thing they had intended to buy, but once they saw it they were sold. Frank recalls summering in Canton as a boy. His grandfather owned two cottages and he remembers buying ice for their iceboxes. “I always wanted to live in Canton,” he said.

Asked for advice about the success of their marriage, Frank and Peg became thoughtful. “Be open and honest,” he said. “There’s a lot of work to a good marriage,” she added.

Lavish possessions are not a priority. As wedding presents, she gave him a lawn mower and he gave her a chandelier. For Valentine’s Day they exchange cards.

Not only are they devoted to each other and their family, but they also remain close with their childhood friends. They travel with couples and colleagues whom they have known for decades.

Side by side, Frank and Peg LaBollita take long walks — to the center of town, around Castle Island, or through the North End. Afterward, they might stop at the Sugar Bowl or at Kelly’s for an ice cream.

“Our days are full,” said Peg, with a nod from Frank. Their lives have been rich with love, happiness, and the realization of a rewarding marriage.

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Posted by Ruth Weiner on Feb 11 2010. Filed under Features. Both comments and pings are currently closed.