Married in secret during WWII, this New Ken couple will celebrate 75th wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day

The lovebirds met in English class at New Kensington High School — marrying in secret on Valentine’s Day about a year later.

The year was 1945 and Rich was on a short leave from serving as a loader in the Navy.

“We were married at the parsonage, and I was 17 and still in high school,” the 92-year-old Shirley said, clutching her wedding gown at the couple’s Aluminum City Terrace townhome.

Shirley went into newlywed stealth mode soon after. She returned to school, wore her wedding ring on a necklace instead of her finger and finished high school — all while no one knew she was actually Mrs. Rosenberger.

“It was a really big secret for us. I was a senior in high school, and you weren’t allowed to be married then,” she said. “We were married at 7 p.m., and I felt so important that evening.”

Rich returned from naval duties to Shirley on Valentine’s Day — a year from the day they were married. The couple settled into New Kensington’s Aluminum City Terrace community. They’ve lived there since.

The Rosenbergers are no strangers to hardship, having faced an unimaginable tragedy for any new parent early during their marriage. Their firstborn, a daughter, died during childbirth.

“The (umbilical) cord wrapped around her neck. There was nothing they could do. That was hard,” Shirley recalled.

Shirley and Rich had four children: Rick, Dave and Susan in four years and a decade later, Kim.

Reflecting on their lifetime together is a sweet topic of conversation for the couple, who still live independently in their townhouse. Rich uses a cane, Shirley a walker.

Together, they have each other’s back. Rich still drives occasionally and enjoys completing word search puzzles. Shirley still bakes her homemade buns.

“The good Lord has been good to us,” Rich said. “I kiss her every morning and every night and in-between.”

“I depend on him,” Shirley said.

The couple have eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

“We’re proud of our family,” Rich said.

Their daughter, Kim Carlisle, lives close by in New Kensington and pops in to check in on her parents daily.

“I tell myself everyday I’m so blessed to have my parents. They are a prime example of what a good marriage is,” Carlisle said.

Rich and Shirley still cook together at home. Pizzelles and shortbread cookies are frequently on the menu.

The two like to spend cozy evenings on the couch watching television together. “Shark Tank,” “Dancing With the Stars,” “Chicago” and “Grey’s Anatomy” are their favorite shows.

Rich calls his bride “Mrs. R” or “Honey.” Shirley calls him “Sweetheart.”

Rich worked multiple jobs as a part-time bartender and at the American Glass House to support his growing family while Shirley relished her role as homemaker.

They’re members at First United Methodist Church in New Kensington — the same church where they exchanged their secret vows in 1945. Past anniversary highlights include a 25th anniversary trip to Hawaii, a gift from their children.

The couple said they’re focused on “enjoying the rest of their lives” together and are grateful.

“Shirley’s the best wife in the world,” Rich said.