NEGAUNEE — Carmelo “Blondie” and Phyllis (Dighera) Portale of Negaunee celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary today with family.

The couple was married on June 28, 1958 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Negaunee.

Carmelo graduated from St. Paul’s Catholic School in Negaunee in 1954, served with the United States Marine Corps, and then earned a bachelor’s degree at Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1962. He was employed as a business teacher at Bishop Baraga High School and later at Marquette Senior High School, retiring in 1993. He also was a member of the Negaunee Fire Department for many years.

Phyllis is a 1957 graduate of Negaunee High School and was the class homecoming queen. She was a homemaker and a secretary for the Negaunee Public Schools, retiring in 1994. She also was a member of the Negaunee Fire Department Auxiliary.

Both enjoy spending time with their family and wintering in Lake Havasu City at their condo.

Blondie and Phyllis have six children: Kirt Portale, Pam Gantz, Greg Portale and Kathy (Dave) Dodge, all of Negaunee; Janice (Daniel) Menard of Ishpeming; and Randy Portale of Racine, Wisconsin.

They also have 11 grandchildren (with angel Dillon watching over them), eight grandsons and three granddaughters. A great-grandson is due in July.