Leo and Gladys Kaytes celebrate 60th anniversary

WARWICK — They met on a blind double date in their hometown area of Paterson, N.J.

For one couple it was just another date. But for Leo and Gladys Kaytes it was the beginning of a lifetime together. And they were joined in matrimony on Oct. 25, 1953, at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Paterson.

"We were blessed with five children, sixteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren," said Leo Kaytes, who is the founder and CEO of Leo Kaytes Ford in Warwick.

On Sunday, Nov. 10, Leo and Gladys Kaytes, who have been residents of Warwick since 1986, and members of their family celebrated their 60 years together with a marital blessing by Father George Kevorkian at St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Mission in the Village of Florida. Their children then hosted a celebratory luncheon for the couple and approximately 65 guests, most of whom were members of the large family, in the Community Center at Warwick Grove.

Leo and Gladys Kaytes are well known in the community for volunteering their time to many charitable organizations. And they have been honored by several organizations for their service. They were also among the group of founders of the St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Mission.

Among other honors Leo Kaytes has been named "Citizen of the Year" and was recognized for his support of the Bon Secours Warwick Healthcare Campus with the "2005 Caring for Life Award."

When asked what the secret to a long and happy marriage is the couple replied with one word, "love," which they later explained to be the love of each other, family, friends and, above all, God who provides the strength to endure all things.