Canton Citizen’s Valentine Couple of the Year

Milton Zola is energetic and relishes the telling of a great tale. Sheila Zola likes to listen and enjoys reading an exciting story. Together they mesh perfectly.

Milton and Sheila Zola

Milton and Sheila Zola are the Canton Citizen’s 2011 Valentine Couple of the Year.

“Milton has always been very outgoing and talkative,” said Sheila, poised and ladylike, her hands gently folded. “I’m kind of quiet.”

“Sheila is a very, very good person. A nice person,” said Milton, who is affectionately called Mottle from his Dorchester days growing up near Blue Hill Avenue. “I am so proud of her.”

Sitting in their comfortable living room, filled with photos and flowers, artwork and memorabilia, the Zolas talked about their 43-year bond.

“I admire his strength. When things happen, he’s right there,” said Sheila, who grew up near Codman Square and attended Dorchester High School, although they did not meet until later in life. “He’s there for me to lean on.”

Milton is a veteran of World War II, a former corporal in the Army, having served in Normandy as a gunner for anti-aircraft artillery. When he returned from the war, he enjoyed an active lifestyle. He recalled working at a stable in Canton in the 1940s on the property of what is now the Luce School where he broke in the horses. He was an avid dancer and skilled at doing the jitterbug. He worked on Kneeland Street in Boston as a maker of patterns for ladies’ clothing.

“I created something new every day,” he said.

He also worked at the steam baths in Boston, which is where he met Sheila Brown. “She was at the pool and she was wearing a white bathing suit. When I saw her, I made a beeline for her.”

They were married three months later at a private ceremony in the rabbi’s chamber at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham.

“I remember everything about that day,” said Milton wistfully.

Their daughter Meredith was born a few years later. “There are more young people in the area today than when Meredith was a little girl,” said Sheila.

The Zolas’ neighborhood near Reservoir Pond has seen tremendous growth since 1976, when they bought their home – a modest split level with a comfortable back porch where Milton sits in his chair and contemplates local history and nature. “It feels good out there,” he said.

The Zolas 43 years ago

The couple loved vacationing for a month in Florida each year and regularly attended the Red Sox spring training camp. Sheila had an opportunity to meet with Ted Williams when she was a young woman.

“I was tongue-tied in his presence,” she said, while admitting to liking baseball way before their encounter, although that enhanced her enthusiasm. She and Milton remain devoted Sox fans.

On most days, Milton spends mornings at the senior center in Canton. He maintains his early connections by editing a newsletter for the Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan Association (DRM) and gets together with friends from his Lucerne Street roots. He attends meetings at the Tuesday Sharon Men’s Club.

“I like being with people my own age,” Milton explained.

Sheila “does her own thing.” She loves to read, watch a good movie, work with Milton on the newsletter, and spend time with friends and family. Together, the couple has five grandchildren, four from Milton’s two children from his previous marriage.

Sheila and Milton revealed the secret to their successful relationship. With mutual support and a nod of endearment, they said simultaneously, “Respect each other.”

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Posted by Ruth Weiner on Feb 10 2011. Filed under Features. Both comments and pings are currently closed.