Kokers observe 50th anniversary by renewing vows

• YOUNGSTOWN — In celebration of the 50th anniversary of their wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Koker, 508 Moherman Ave., renewed their marriage vows and received a papal blessing during a Mass on Sept. 13 at Sts. Peter and Paul Croatian Catholic Church, where they were married on that date in 1958.

They were also honored at a family dinner given by their daughters.

Their family includes Brenda L. Phillips of Austintown and Sandra D. and Don Fernandez of New Milford, Conn., and two grandchildren, Jennifer Groza and Alyssa Phillips.

Mrs. Koker, the former Phyllis Fish, was employed as a secretary at Plastic Products Co. and Central Heating prior to retiring. She is a former member of St. Ann Parish.

Mr. Koker, who was a sergeant in the U.S. Army, is a veteran of the Korean War, during which he served with the 45th Infantry Division from 1953-1954. He is a life member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, a 50-year member of Croatian Lodge 66, and a member of the American Legion and the Korean War Veterans. He retired in 1983 after being a produce manager with A&P Tea Co. and Giant Eagle for a total of 33 years. He was a work procurement specialist with Mahoning County Board of the Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities MASCO Adult Workshop from 1983 until retiring in 2003, and has been a sign-language interpreter with the Youngstown Catholic Diocesan Deaf Association since 1983. He is also a special service provider with the Ohio Association of Deaf-Blind in Columbus.