Bensonhurst centenarians celebrate long lives, marriage

Both halves of a Bensonhurst couple will soon be 100-years-old, celebrating 75 years of marriage and a lifetime of happiness.

Joseph Sutera, who turned 100 on August 1, and his wife, Theresa Sutera, who will turn 100 on December 30th, have lived in Bensonhurst for the last 40 years. The two met at a church dance in 1939 and were married two years later, in 1941.

“No drugs, no liquor, no nightclubs, no things like that,” said Theresa, explaining how she was able to live such a long life. According to their daughter, Joan Kissel, the couple’s diet of fresh vegetables and meats also contributed to their longevity.

Throughout their lives, Theresa was a homemaker and Joseph worked several jobs, including one at the Brooklyn Navy Yard (during WWII), another at Andre’s Picture Frames and a total of 40 years at the New York City Transit Authority. The couple have one child, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

“I like sitting outside on the bench, it’s nice,” said Joseph, who also enjoys reading the newspaper, watching old movies and being particular in what he wears. The couple’s home overlooks Shore Parkway and the two often used to take long walks around the neighborhood and to Bath Beach Park (between Bay 14th and 16th Streets).

When asked if she had a particularly favorable period of time in her life, Theresa replied, “No, they were all good times.”