Cosmo “Lefty” Campanella loves to let God know his gratitude, frequently declaring “Thank you, Lord” when accomplishing various tasks. Given that the South Philadelphia resident turned 95 in May, heaven surely has heard many thanks from him, and a few more will come on Wednesday, June 25 as he and wife June celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary.
“She’s my bride and she’s always been the perfect one for me,” the affable nonagenarian said from his home, with daughter Lois and granddaughter Holiday smiling at him and June, also 95. “God’s been good to us.”
For the entirety of their marriage the two have been inseparable, always falling asleep together and never letting any disagreement swell. Blessed with Lois and son Robert, they lived modest, God-fearing lives and have seen no reason to alter their approach ever since, particularly with respect to their faith.
“We’ve always believed that whatever comes, comes,” June said, with Lefty, naturally, sitting to her left. “Whatever God sends us, we will handle it, even if it’s a little scary.”
June and Cosmo “Lefty” Campanella attend Mass at Stella Maris Parish in South Philadelphia.
That devotion has proven robust lately, as her groom, diagnosed with bladder cancer ahead of his 92nd birthday, has struggled with mobility. Nothing can daunt his spirit, though, or appreciation for what the decades with June have meant, including their time at Stella Maris Church.
“It’s always been a comforting place for us,” June said, noting that only the last two months, during which Lefty has fought the effects of illness, have not seen them at Sunday Mass. “It’s been an important part of our lives together.”
If to sing is to pray twice, Lefty has remained reverent at home by offering his voice to a bevy of beloved hymns, including “Be Not Afraid” and “On Eagle’s Wings.”
The alteration in their Mass attendance plans has compelled Lefty and June to watch the liturgy on television, but Lois recently helped them to set up a schedule for receiving holy Communion from the parish.
That is fitting since, over the years, their house has become such a beloved haunt for their loved ones, particularly Holiday.
“They’re just the best,” she said to a nod from her grandmother. “They’re role models.”
Years ago, the couple’s tenacity saw them helm a dry cleaners and corner store, named New York Cleaners, and then a newsstand, dubbed Campy’s News, providing June and Lefty with ample chances to make South Philadelphia-based ties.
At the end of each working day, though, they served as each other’s constant and have done so in retirement and its associated golden years.
Having “Let your conscience be your guide” as a creed between them, they have remained sharp through numerous tasks including house maintenance and gardening, always mindful of who brought them together.
“She changed my whole life,” Lefty said of June, whom he met when serving as her foreman at work. “God put us together.”
Though quite grateful, Lefty found a bit of humor when asked how he would like his family to mark the 70th anniversary.
“Let me be,” he quipped with a smile.
“That’s never happening,” Lois replied.
The family will have a modest celebration as the members keep rooting for Lefty to grow stronger and dote on June with added vigor.
“We always pray for St. Joseph to give us strength,” she said. “We keep believing every day.”
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