Honor Gwilt 50th Anniversary

2016, with a small dinner party with family; and WHEREAS, Both John and Barbara grew up in North Utica, but did not know each other until 1965; John had just finished his service to his country as a member of the United States Marines when they met; and WHEREAS, One day, Barbara was working at North Utica Diner when John came in to eat; a couple of days later, he came back to the diner and asked her out on a date; 18 year-old Barbara accepted and they ended up falling in love; and WHEREAS, John and Barbara Gwilt lived in Utica for a while after their first son was born; they later moved to Cleveland before buying a house in Verona Beach; and WHEREAS, While newlyweds, John sold aerial photography and was often on the road and Barbara worked at Eddie's Restaurant in Sylvan Beach; it was after their second son was born when the idea for the couple to open their own restaurant was suggested so they could be together all the time; subsequently, in 1978, the Gwilts opened the Spaghetti Factory, the year the twins were born; but before them, there would be another addition to the family; a 14 year-old foster child, came to live with the Gwilts; today, when needed, their children help to run the restaurant; and WHEREAS, Over the years, as the following and popularity of The Spaghetti Factory grew among vacationers and local residents, so did the building; the Gwilts started with one room that sat approximately 30 people, and then added the larger room which seats 60; and WHEREAS, Despite their busy schedules, John and Barbara Gwilt always found time for family, often taking time off to travel with their kids to various places including Jamaica and the Bahamas; and WHEREAS, After 38 years in the local restaurant business, the Gwilts believe the "perfect recipe" for a strong, happy marriage is patience; it takes patience to get through everything in life because nothing is ever perfect; and WHEREAS, They are the proud parents of five children, John, Jr. "Johnny" (Jackie), Scott (Andrea), Jamie (Melinda), Kathy (Mark), and the late Jason, and the loving grandparents of eight grandchildren with another on the way; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. John Gwilt are and always have been a tower of strength, support, understanding and limitless love for their family; and WHEREAS, Their love, devotion, caring, sensitivity and responsiveness to their family, friends and all who know them are their hallmark and tradition; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. John Gwilt have lived and continue to live their lives with great dignity and genuine grace, always demonstrating a deep and continuing concern for human values and ideals, and in so doing, they have inspired others to do the same; and WHEREAS, This meaningful occasion is the result of the love, hard work and spirit this couple has invested in their marriage; and WHEREAS, These same values they have passed to their loved ones, producing a family that is close-knit and supportive of its individual members, public-minded in its relations to the community and committed to the ideals of citizenship upon which this Nation was founded; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. John Gwilt have touched the lives of their family and many friends through the shining example of their marriage, which is a testament to the devotion and admiration which they possess for one another; and WHEREAS, The longevity of this enduring marriage truly marks a milestone in life's journey, an event of personal triumph and joy; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an occasion of such importance is brought to our attention, the same should be memorialized by us for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. John Gwilt upon the occasion of celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Mr. and Mrs. John Gwilt.