Couple celebrates 59 years of marriage

Longtime South Lake Tahoe residents Joe and Ann Buffo celebrated 59 years of marriage April 8 with a combination anniversary party and Easter dinner. The family gathering took place at the home of their son and daughter-in-law, Dave and Elaine Buffo in Gardnerville.

The Buffos were married April 11, 1948, at St. Peter Martyr Church in Pittsburg, Calif. Although Joe and Ann both lived in Monterey, their families resided in Pittsburg, and their big Italian wedding was planned so all their relatives could attend.

The couple was involved in the meat industry in Monterey for 25 years before moving to Lake Tahoe in 1964. They had been visitors to Lake Tahoe since 1955 and jumped at the opportunity to buy The Bottle Shop at the intersection of Highway 50 and Pioneer Trail. They owned and operated the business, with the help of their four children, from 1964 to 1975.

After selling the store, Ann worked at Harveys gift shop from 1980 to 1990 and Joe started Joe Buffo Bookkeeping and Tax Service.

The couple recently moved to Gardnerville, where they both enjoy fishing and Ann is involved in the Tahoe Art League. She specializes in pastels and portraits.

Joe and Ann attend St. Gall Catholic Church. Joe belongs to Knights of Columbus.

When asked what they thought contributed to their marriage lasting so many years, they said, "Keeping a sense of humor and having family around."

The Buffo family includes sons and daughters-in-law, Dave and Elaine Buffo and Michael and Rene Buffo of Gardnerville and Don and Deborah Buffo of Santa Cruz; daughter and son-in-law, Teri and Peter Kolp of Truckee; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.