Page 17 - Benchmark Living - Fall 2024
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Resident Spotlight
Making the Grade
When retired teacher and principal Tony Zonfrelli and his wife of 67 years, Joan, moved into Benchmark at Hanover,
a Benchmark community that opened two years ago in Hanover, Mass., they didn’t know what to expect. After all, they didn’t step foot into the community until the day they moved in.
One night, Joan had been rushed to the hospital, requiring surgery and a stay in a rehabilitation center. Eventually, her limited mobility meant she needed round-the-clock assistance with things like going to the bathroom and getting dressed, and their condo in a 55-and-over community was no longer a suitable option.
“Everybody helps each other. Even the waitresses are very good.”
While Tony sold their condo and tended to
home for the couple who’ve been inseparable since the day they met at a roller-skating rink.
“I had to kick her out because she was misbehaving,” laughed Tony, who was fresh out of the Army, having been stationed in Europe during the Korean War, and was
At Benchmark at Hanover, Joan has been met with assistance from staff who are both experienced and compassionate. “The people who run the community are really great. The girls that help me are very good and kind,” said Joan.
“Everybody helps each other. Even the waitresses are very good,” said Tony, who was principal of Dedham High School in Dedham, Mass., for 28 years and coached Little League and Pee Wee football.
Living at Benchmark, the couple have blossomed, each in their own unique way. Although both have enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and meeting many new ones, each has been able to cater to their individual likes and abilities.
For Tony, it’s been tapping into his love
of children and education. Even though the couple has 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren of their own, a highlight for Tony has become Benchmark’s intergenerational program with the YMCA preschool next door. Residents and students come together monthly to do things like drumming and reading.
Joan, on the other hand, is very social, so much so that last year, she was voted prom
“I was honestly shocked to win,” said Joan. “I didn’t expect it.”
Although Tony and Joan each spend their days doing what they love, they always enjoy coming home to one another. Over the years, they’ve learned that give and take, mutual respect and not staying mad are the secrets to a long relationship.
“And kiss before you go to bed each night.” said Tony. “We do that most nights!”
Retired
Principal,
Wife Give
Benchmark
High Marks
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