George and Valerie- Miss Starla Smiles' Parents
George Joseph Mercurio born December 23, 1956 in Medford, MA
Valerie Ann (Finlay) Mercurio born September 23, 1958 in Wilmington, MA
They met in high school. They were in the same Algebra class in 1972. Valerie was 14 and a freshman, George was 16 and a sophomore. However, they didn't start talking until George and his friends were hanging out behind the school where Valerie and her friends were as well. She asked him if she could ride his lime green Banana Bike. As protective as he is with his belongings -- he actually let her ride his prized banana bike!
When Valerie's parents moved to FL they allowed her to stay behind and finish high school. She was the youngest of 5 and her siblings offered to let her live with them.
Her parents liked George and knew she wouldn’t want to leave Massachusetts without him. They both graduated, lived with their friend Jackie. Six months later they visited Valerie's parents in FL and decided to move there. They moved to Naples, FL January 1977. Two years later they were married at St Ann’s Chapel.
Their close friends Rick & Gina were their Best Man/Maid of honor. They honeymooned in Jamaica, then flew to Boston where George's mother hosted a reception for them with family and friends there at the lounge she owned, The Embassy Lounge in Everett, MA.
The pictures preserve not only the fashion and style through the ages, but also are a beautiful keepsake of the memories they've shared over 40+ years!
Valerie reminds us: "When you know where someone comes from, it's easier to understand them. We never held back anger, let it out, and moved on. We didn't need to agree on everything. You pick your battles and fight for the most important issues. Compromise is what allows people to have the longest relationships. Keep each other laughing and love unconditionally."
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