Relationships Talk

Tony and Sophia George were married 71 years — a milestone fewer than 1 percent of married couples ever see — when he died Sunday at age 94.

The story of the Macomb Township couple’s long marriage, including its ups and downs — Sophia left Tony twice, though never stopped loving him — and how they grew into a solid team was featured in the Detroit Free Press last year. “You have to open your eyes before you get married and keep them half-closed after you get married,” Sophia had said when asked for advice on marriage.

More on Tony and Sophia:

How one couple survived 70 years of marriage

Vivacious, outgoing and in charge, Sophia, 89, was a great complement to Tony’s wry, man-of-few-words personality. He was the only man Sophia ever dated. Tony said he had loved her ever since he first saw her at a Detroit roller rink. They married on April 12, 1947.

The couple hosted a gala 70th anniversary party last year. Tony rallied for the event, though his health had been a bit precarious. Since then, he has had more health problems, including congestive heart failure. He had been in the hospital for a week before he died, Sophia said.

And now, 89-year-old Sophia said, “He’s gone. I’m just going to miss him very much. I got no more tears left.”

In addition to Sophia, Tony is survived by a daughter, Marsha Gies, and by a son, Anthony George. He is also survived by three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 1-9 p.m. Wednesday at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, 36900 Schoenherr, Sterling Heights. The funeral is to take place at 10 a.m. Thursday at Wujek-Calcaterra.

“He’s my lost love,” Sophia said.

© 2018 Detroit Free Press