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Tom and Susan Tyburczy on their wedding day, Dec. 27, 1975 and Susan and Tom Tyburczy at their 50th anniversary party at Cafe Bella Vita in Dongan Hills. (Courtesy/the Tyburczys)(Courtesy/the Tyburczys)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — They met as teens in 1968 at a popular Dongan Hills dining spot and lounge, where they first exchanged glances during a chance encounter.
And whether it was love at first sight, or simply a strong spark that grew with the passing of time, from that moment on they felt an undeniable connection — one that would eventually lead to a lifelong journey of partnership, love, and commitment.
Here’s their story!
The former Susan Russell and Tom Tyburczy were still in high school when they met at the former Colonial Inn on Richmond Road — the Dongan Hills restaurant/lounge owned by Val DePeppo Sr. and Val DePeppo Jr. — and the site where Max’s Esca now stands.
Tom was 18 and Susan just 17 years-old.
Tom, a baritone and bass singer, noted it wasn’t unusual for him to perform at local hot spots and in wedding bands around town during a time when live music was all the rage.
He played in groups like the “Main Feature” and “Just Four,” and in cover bands and musical groups that performed songs originally written, or made famous by other artists.
However, Tom recalls on one particular evening at the Colonial Inn when he was out with his pals, Susan walked in with several of her girl friends — and he was smitten.
“After we met, we dated for a while and after that we went to the New Dorp High School prom together when it was held at the Hotel Pennsylvania across from Madison Square Garden,” Tom recounts. “And Al Lambert’s orchestra supplied the music for the prom.”
The couple dated for a while, but lost touch for a few years.
However, they were reunited five or six years later while out with friends and they renewed their relationship.
THE COUPLE EXCHANGE NUPTIAL VOWS
After dating for several years the couple said their “I do’s” on Dec. 27, 1975 — two days after Christmas — in the bride’s parent’s Dongan Hills home at a ceremony performed by the late Surrogate Charles D’Arrigo.
Fast forward 50 years and the Tyburczy’s, who now call New Dorp home and live in a house that was built in 1888, were feted by their three children on the occasion of their golden wedding anniversary at a celebratory party at Cafe Bella Vita — in Dongan Hills.
Susan and Tom Tyburczy and their children and grandchildren at Cafe Bella Vita on the occasion of their 50th anniversary. (Courtesy/Tyburczy family)Staten Island Advance
Tom Tyburczy serenades his wife Susan with their wedding song, “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life” at their 50th anniversary party. (Courtesy/Tyburczy family)Staten Island Advance
A chocolate bar favor reading “Cheers to 50 Years” was distributed to guests. (Courtesy/Tyburczy family)Staten Island Advance
And just to make the magnificent milestone all the more official, on Dec. 27 the Tyburczy’s embarked on a cruise to the Western Caribbean and visited ports like Jamaica, the Grand Cayman Islands and Cozumel.
“We were away on New Year’s Eve and enjoyed a gala party aboard the cruise ship that was spectacular,” said Tom in speaking of the anniversary commemorative,
A LITTLE ABOUT SUSAN AND TOM TYBURCZY
The former Susan Russell was born in Manhattan right after her parents immigrated from Irlam in Greater Manchester, England.
Just a baby at the time, the family decided to relocate to the Dongan Hills Colony section of the East Shore community.
Tom also moved to Dongan Hills with his family from the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn in 1962.
TOM’S CAREER
With a career in higher education, from the 1970s until 2009, Tom held a position at the former Staten Island Community College, then at Baruch College, New York University, Hunter College, and finally the College of Staten Island where he started in the Registrar’s Office at Staten Island Community College during the late 1960s.
However, his career was capped by two positions as vice president for administration at Hunter College and at the College of Staten Island.
Now, in his retirement, he continued as a member of “The Dreamers” singing group who perform throughout the Metropolitan area — and where he shares the lead and serves as master of ceremonies.
Tom also was an active member of the South Shore Rotary Club for a number of years and served in several capacities, including that of Club President.
SUSAN TYBURCZY
Susan, a PhD, is a clinical psychologist on Staten Island.
She sits at the helm of a career counseling business known as Staten Island Counseling and Career Planning Services.
Susan says that that one of the reasons she and Tom have had a happy and successful marriage is that throughout the years they’ve supported one other’s activities and endeavors — without hesitation.
The Tyburczy’s are the parents of three children, Tammy Stevens, Tara Lanni and Tricia Donoghue, and grandparents to seven grandchildren.
Susan and Tom Tyburczy’s three daughters, Tammy Stevens, Tara Lanni, and Tricia Donoghue. (Courtesy/Tyburczy family)Staten Island Advance
The Tyburcy girls were all vocal majors at LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts in Manhattan.
Susan and Tom Tyburczy and their three daughters, from the left, Tara Lanni, Tammy Stevens, and Tricia Donoghue. (Courtesy/Tuburczy family)Staten Island Advance
Tom recounts that Tammy attended Juilliard for her bachelor’s degree in opera and the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia for her master’s degree in music with a major in opera.
For a number of years, she traveled the world as a vocalist.
Now a mom with two children, Cole and Jase, she resides in Toms River, N.J.
Tammy works as a paraprofessional specializing in the care of special needs children for the Tom’s River School District in New Jersey.
Tara received her PhD and is a professor for the City University of New York at its School of Professional Studies in Manhattan, where she is Chair of her department and serves as Academic Director of Online Business Programs.
She has two daughters, Allyssa and Gianna, and also lives in Toms River.
Tricia is a clinical social worker, lives on Staten Island and works at A Very Special Place in New Dorp. Tricia has three children, Jude, Emma and Liam.
Congratulations to Susan and Tom on 50 incredible years!
CELEBRATIONS – FEB. 15 TO FEB. 21
FEB. 15
Birthday greetings on Sunday go to Christina Norberg, Michael Lee, Holly Frascona, Susan Sheehan, John McNamara, Robbie Nielsen, Edward Buckner, Alex Birmingham, Regina Dugan, Michael Scaglione, Donna Marie Bozzo, triplets Justin, Steven and Dylan Dinolfo, Deborah Guenkel and Staten Island musician and guitar teacher Fred Crisson.
FEB. 16
The best of birthdays Monday to Taylor Angelico, Dan Ryan, Rosann McAllister, Steven Schwab, Susan Diane Mosiczuk, Ryan Sebastion Morales, Marion Failla, Jack Rosenthal Jr., Erika Dugan, who turns 32, Jamie Montanaro, Lee Tennenbaum-Schnall, Kim DiVito D’Agostino, and Salvatore Minardi.
Happy wedding anniversary Monday to Grace and Richard Pfluger.
FEB. 17
Tuesday is birthday time for Allison Warheit, Stu Germain, Johnny Balletto, Chris Reno and Lisa Ann Paoluccio.¶
FEB. 18
Happy birthday Wednesday to former City Councilman Steven Matteo, Phyllis Mehl, Hilton Flores, Maria Pacifico, Kelsey Bougadis, Erik Andersen, Amy Andriulli-Guarcello, Kathryn Carse, Emily Cummings who turns 23, Nick Christensen, and Jenna Camren Hershkowitz who turns 21.
Happy wedding anniversary on Wednesday to Julie and Clyde Anderson who celebrate their 26th.
FEB. 19
The happiest of birthdays on Thursday to Victoria Hayward, Gregory Gigantiello, Matty Montalbano, Michael Schnall, Stephen Thompson and Heath Slaven.
FEB. 20
Happy birthday on Friday to Rev. Sylvester Ekunwe, priest in charge of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Peter Maniscalco, Dottie Morel, Gunnar Morales, Lisa Anderson, Marie D. Porzio, Bill Muller, Dorothy Sweeney, Carmine Raimondi, twins, Sean Danis and Kelly Graziano.
FEB. 21
Birthday greetings on Saturday go to Barbara LiGreci, former Assemblyman Michael Cusick, now president and CEO of the Staten Island Economic. Development Corporation (SIEDC), Walter Feith, Ginger Yannotta, Roseanne Damiano, Fran Bavaro, Daniel “Red” Divine and Benny Panzella.