Happily Ever After: Concordia of Monroeville Couple Celebrates 70th Wedding Anniversary

William Schonberger met his soul mate, Roslyn Greenfield, at a Jewish youth dance in 1948, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. According to the couple’s story, Bill was smitten. He went home and told his mother he had met the girl he was going to marry. After their courtship, they were married on July 3, 1949, at the Gemilas Chesed Synagogue in McKeesport.

Now at 91, the Schonberger’s reside at Concordia of Monroeville, where they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on July 3, in a traditional Jewish vow renewal ceremony under the chuppah surrounded by family and friends.

Born in Glassport, Pennsylvania in 1928, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army Cavalry Division after high school. Near the end of WWII, he was stationed in Japan. After returning home, he worked for U.S. Steel Corporation at the Mon Valley Works–Irvin Plant. He would eventually work as a firefighter for the city of McKeesport for 35 years.

Roslyn, born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania in 1928, worked as a secretary for the U.S. Navy in Norfolk, Virginia after high school. She eventually returned home to be near her family. She then worked for the A&P in 10th Ward McKeesport as a company secretary and would go on to work for Gimbels at Eastland.

After the couple was married, they resided at their home in McKeesport for 67 years. In 1952, the couple welcomed their oldest daughter, Debbie, and in 1955 their youngest daughter, Lisa.

In addition to having careers and a busy family life, they remained involved in the community. Members of the Gemilas Chesed Synagogue, now relocated in White Oak, the couple were also involved in a community-bowling league and Roslyn enjoyed playing mahjong and cards with friends.

The family spent summers at the Hi View Cabana Club. One of the most memorable summer moments was when the family added a new member – a puppy named Snooky.  

“One summer day a box of puppies was brought to the club,” said Lisa, the Schonberger’s youngest daughter. “The women were all busy playing mahjong when the kids ran over and asked if they could have a puppy. All of the mothers said: ‘sure’ and kept playing. When it was time to go home, we ended up taking our newest family member, Snooky, home. It was a great surprise and a wonderful gift after all.”

After Lisa and her sister left the family home, Roslyn and Bill became avid travelers. They enjoyed taking many cruises and trips abroad.

One of their greatest adventures, however, was becoming grandparents. The couple enjoyed traveling to spend time with their two grandchildren: Ethan and Jana.

For more information on the services and amenities available to residents like Roslyn and William at Concordia of Monroeville, visit www.ConcordiaMonroeville.org. For questions about our locations in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and Tampa, Florida visit our locations map or call our headquarters at 724-352-1571.

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