A surprise party honors Blancos for 50th anniversary

X YOUNGSTOWN — Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Blanco of Youngstown, whose 50th wedding anniversary was July 4, were the guests of honor at a surprise party hosted by their children July 3 at The Georgetown in Boardman.

Mr. Blanco immigrated to the Valley from Cuba in February 1957. He and the former Zenaida Donates were married by proxy on July 4, 1958. Mrs. Blanco then emigrated from Cuba in November 1958 and joined her husband.

They have three children, Richard (Laura) Blanco of Boardman, Rosanna (Brad) Grace of Ellsworth and Ralph (Yvonne) Blanco of Lowellville. Their family includes seven grandchildren, Scott, Joshua, Mark, Hannah, Amanda, Mya and Mara.

Mr. Blanco retired in 1996 from the city of Youngstown’s Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Mrs. Blanco retired in 1998 from the Youngstown Board of Education lunchroom kitchen.

The couple belong to Trinity Fellowship Church, where they also participate with the Burden Bears.