Bill Caldarone and Jill Martino first met in 1937 as students at Central High School in Providence. Their senior prom was their first date, and they have been together ever since.

Over the weekend, the Caldarones – both 96, and residents of Cranston – celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary surrounding by family and friends at the West Valley Inn. It was the last function held at the popular West Warwick venue ahead of its closure and anticipated sale.

The Caldarones have earned an impressive list of accomplishments over the years, both together and apart. Bill served in World War II and the Korean War, and Jill founded the Cranston Garden Club and the Cranston Senior Center Garden Club. Jill is a former Master Gardener and a member of the URI Hall of Fame. Bill is a former assistant director of the state’s AARP chapter. They are also both former realtors, and are well known in the world of square dancing.

At Sunday’s celebration, several of their former students, including Gov. Donald Carcieri and his wife Suzanne, and Dr. Paul Koch, were on hand to toast the Caldarones. Also in attendance was Jill’s older sister, Olga Susi, age 102.