You’d think Bob Gaetano already has enough responsibilities to keep him busy.
Earlier this month he re-retired. He had worked as principal at Liverpool Middle School for a decade before initially retiring and then accepted an interim position last year as one of the principals at Liverpool High School.
A longtime volunteer for Onondaga County Parks at Salt Museum, Bob is both a liturgical lay minister and a eucharistic lay minister at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church.
He serves as a trustee for the village of Liverpool. In fact, he’s running for a second term in the upcoming June 17 village election. He’s unopposed.
Bob also has a house and family on Birch Street.
So you might well deduce that he’s got enough things to keep him occupied, but-as a personal favor to lifelong friends – Bob has agreed to accept to new responsibility. He’s now the village “marriage officer.”
A couple months ago, after he researched Section 11 of the New York State Domestic Relations Law, Bob’s colleagues on the village board officially appointed him as marriage officer.
“It’s for one day,” Bob said at the time, “one ceremony only.”
More recently, however, after spending time with the lucky couple, Bob thinks he may make marrying a regular part of his retirement routine.
Romano-Clement matrimony
As the newly appointed village marriage officer, Bob plans to wed a young Liverpool couple on Saturday, July 2, here in the village, at the bride’s family home on Cypress Street.
“I’ve known the young lady, Jolee Romano, literally since the day she was born,” Bob said, “and I met the young man, Oakley Clement, in April.”
Jolee is an artist while Oakley works in his family’s construction business where he plies his trade as a carpenter.
Bob was impressed by the couple’s eagerness and earnestness.
“These young kids are full of enthusiasm,” Bob said. “They’ve go their whole future in front of them, and they’re ready for it. It’s nice to see that.”
Bob points out that he became marriage officer merely as a favor to the Romano family, but he’s already considering elongating his commitment.
“My wife, Christine, and I have known the bride’s parents -Joni and Joe Romano -for over 30 years,” Bob said. “Our children are similar in ages, and we’ve shared experiences from Liverpool Community Nursery School through Liverpool High School graduations.”
The bridegroom’s parents are Ann and Oak Clement.
The bride’s mother, Joni Romano, is glad Bob accepted their invitation to conduct the July 2 ceremony.
“Bob and Chris are my best friends,” Joni said. “They’re from Utica, and I’m from out of town too. I grew up in Geneva-on-the-Lake, in eastern Ohio.”
If all goes well July 2, Bob’s friendly favor may evolve into a n important avocation.
“First I have to make sure I do it right this time,” Bob said last week, “then I would consider a longer term. The law allows an up appointment of up to four years.”
Arrive early for Orleans
For the first time ever, a national act will appear as part of the Liverpool Is The Place Committee summer concert series at Johnson Park.
Orleans’ original members John Hall, Lance Hoppen and Larry Hoppen will perform their hit songs such as “Still the One” and “Dance with Me” at 7 p.m. Monday June 20, at the park’s amphitheater. In case of rain, the concert will move to the Liverpool Community Church auditorium (the former Zogg School) at the corner of Fourth and Hickory streets.
Like all LITP concerts, the performance by Orleans here is free; 457-3895.
I suggest arriving early in order to find a park-side parking space. There’s no telling how many folks might show up for this landmark performance.
‘First Sight’ looks good!
Liverpool decorator Lisa Ryan helped Baldwinsville Theatre Guild with set design and props for “At First Sight,” the laugh-out-loud comedy now playing through June 18, at B’ville’s Presbyterian Education Center, 64 Oswego St.
Ryan is owner of Smart Move Design, 3913 Cloverfield Circle in Liverpool; 383-1078.
