Date: Thu 16-May-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Smollen-Pendergast-wedding

Full Text:

WITH PHOTO: A Wedding That Was Only A Matter Of Time

When Anna Smollen was interviewed by The Newtown Bee last year she said - on

the record - that her goal was to get John V. Pendergast, Jr, to propose to

her. There was no place to hide, because it seemed just about everyone John

knew had read the article. He proposed to Anna on Christmas Eve and they were

married April 26 in Newtown Christian Church with Rev Jack Tanner officiating.

"I thought it was a neat `trick'; you guys came up with a winner," he said

recently. "I had to ask her to marry me - I didn't want to lose her. She

couldn't be replaced. She's such a wonderful girl."

They met at the Ice Cream Shop, where Anna worked before they were married.

John, a regular customer, had told Anna how much he enjoyed flying his Cessna

152. One day, he asked if she would like to go for a plane ride, and Anna

agreed, but they forgot to exchange phone numbers. But Anna left a note on the

door of his shop.

"We went after five; I wanted to make sure the winds had died down. I wanted

to show Anna Bridgeport where she grew up," said John.

"It was so romantic," added Anna. "The full moon started to come up, the sky

was red - it was really beautiful."

Anna said she does not like heights and thought she might get air sick. But

her fear of embarrassment was greater than her fear of flying, so she was able

to relax and enjoy that, and all subsequent flights the couple has taken

together. They flew to Groton and had supper in a nice restaurant right on the

air field, and then flew back to Oxford Airport.

Seven years later, they stood before friends and family to commit themselves

to each other. "It was just perfect. There was so much love and happiness here

- people said they could feel it," said Anna.

The day was truly a day that everyone contributed to - John's daughter and

son-in-law arranged the music, the reception was catered by Anna's sister and

brother-in-law, another sister decorated and video-taped the wedding, and a

good friend made the wedding cake.

Anna designed her own wedding ring and her dress, which was custom made for

her. She carried a bouquet of pink roses.

Maid of honor was Anna's daughter, Cindy Marino.

The couple celebrated with a dinner at their home in Sandy Hook, and then an

open house to which their many friends were invited. Those who attended the

event included John's 91-year-old mother, Evelyn Pendergast; his three

children, James, Joseph, and Karen; two grandchildren; and his daughter-in-law

and son-in-law. Anna's son, Robert Marino, also joined in the festivities.

John, now retired, owned and operated Pendergast Warm Air Heating and Air

Conditioning in Sandy Hook for 40 years. Anna continues to babysit and works

at Pizza Palace part time.

John has carried the copy of Anna's interview in his wallet all these months

since it first appeared in the paper. It went through the wash recently, but

he said he dried it out.

"He's so sweet. I would never have refused his offer [of marriage]," said

Anna.

With streamers tied to their car, they sped off after the wedding. The license

plate said it all: FLYIN'.