Through my volunteer work with the Parkinson’s UK society, I have had the pleasure of befriending a lovely ‘senior’ couple, Mr. & Mrs. Francesco (Franco) & Jane D’Angelo. Having been raised by older people, I have always had a strong affinity for the senior set and the D’Angelos are two of the best, funniest people I have ever met. Jane and Franco were married nearly 46 years ago in London and have lived here ever since.
The D'Angelos met at a private member’s club in Leicester Square. They found themselves immediately attracted to each other; according to Franco, Jane was a good dancer, and Jane thought Franco was very good looking. The only problem was they couldn’t communicate. Franco from Palermo, Italy spoke not one word of English (46 years later he still doesn’t. He’s created his own language, which is a mixture of broken English, Italian, Sicilian and Franco). Their first dates were a series of misunderstandings and confusion but eventually Jane learned Italian and Franco learned… enough English to get by. The D’Angelos were married a week after Jane’s 21st birthday in a private ceremony in Westminster Abby. The black and white photos of that day are beautiful and Jane’s wedding dress (which she can still fit) hangs in her wardrobe.
Every moment I spend with Jane and Franco is incredible. They are smart, traveled and funny people. Despite their respective health problems (Jane has Parkinson’s and Franco has survived a brain hemorrhage, some type of cancer in his leg and can only see out of one eye) they are so filled with love. They laugh together, they pick on each other, and they sleep in separate rooms. A decision based on the desire to get a good night’s sleep instead of a divorce.
Franco takes his job of cook and caretaker very seriously. He loves Jane so much it’s almost painful to watch. While listening to music from the old country, he makes the loveliest traditional Italian meals and although I can only pick up 10% of what he’s saying I find him adorable. The first time I popped round he offered me three things to drink - ‘wine, tea, water, or wine.’ It was 11:30am. He says you never need a reason or a specific time to enjoy wine or a good meal. During my last visit, while I was helping straighten up in their other room Franco asked me if I wanted to see the rabbit he had in the freezer. Foolishly, I said yes, and seconds later in walks a 5’3 Italian man holding a dead frozen rabbit in a plastic bag. Unlike when he lived in Italy, Franco did not shoot this rabbit himself but got it from the ‘butch’ who special ordered it just for him. He proudly explained how a rabbit could serve up to 7 people (7 ½ if you include eating the brain, which he does on occasion). On noticing the disgust in my face Franco giggled, made bunny ears with his fingers then left the room to watch the Italy football match.
The D’Angelos’ have simple rules on life and marriage. On life – if you have, you can give. On marriage – be committed. Simple but powerful rules to live by. I am so proud to know them and can’t wait for more lessons on life, more dead frozen animals wrapped in plastic, and more laughter. If you’re ever in London stop by and visit this wonderful couple. As Franco says, “all you have to do is call. If we’re here, we will feed you. Just like Mama would.” Like most Italians, Franco is a huge momma’s boy.
Natasha xx
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