Still sweethearts after all these years

By LOIS KINDLE

The Leskos were married May 23, 1969 at Tice Methodist Church in Ft. Myers. They are currently members of the United Methodist Church of Sun City Center.

Connie and Mike Lesko are celebrating their golden anniversary on May 23. Although they’ve been married for five decades, they still behave like newlyweds.

“They were childhood sweethearts, and they still are after 50 years,” said Apollo Beach resident Kathy Wallin, a close family friend. “They constantly show their love and affection for each other.”

Another longtime friend, Sally Nichols, of Sun City Center, agrees. “Theirs is a true romance,” she said. “They’re such a loving, caring couple who have good Christian values. They are both very giving people.”

Connie Sue Bledsoe and Mike Lesko met as juniors in history class at Ft. Myers High School. She caught his eye when Mike was moved in front of her for talking too much in the back of the room.

“I was attracted to her personality and good looks, really everything about her” he said. “She was the whole package. Our first date was Dec. 16, 1966, and shortly after, we became an item,” he continued. “We’ve been together ever since. I knew she was the one I wanted to be with.”

Connie and Mike Lesko, of Sun City Center, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary May 23.

Mike proposed the day they graduated in 1968, but Connie’s father Paul made her promise to wait a year before marrying him.

Exactly one year to the day, Mike and Connie tied the knot at Tice Methodist Church in Ft. Myers. At the time, she was working as an information operator for United Telephone Co., and he was employed by a local U-Save grocery store.

The Vietnam War was raging, and Mike knew his draft number would probably be called. So he enlisted in the Army and was sent to Massachusetts to train as a Morse code operator/interceptor. “I came home one day with the news I was going to Vietnam, and Connie came home with the news she was pregnant,” Mike said. “I served overseas for a year and a little more than two at home.”

The couple bought their first home in Ft. Myers and moved in with their son, Mike Jr. Connie started working for the school board, and Mike went to work as a salesman for Liggett Myers. Their daughter Amanda was born in 1977.

Connie and Mike didn’t always know each other. This is a composite photo of the pair when they were in grade school. They would meet as juniors at Ft. Myers High.

“Like many marriages back then, we were dirt poor. We had no TV, no phone and ate meat only on Sundays,” Connie said. “But we were taught to be resourceful by our families, so we figured it out. Even through challenging times, there was never any question about whether we’d make it.”

“It wasn’t always easy, but my parents made it look easy,” Amanda said. “They’ve always been an example of love, faith, commitment and hard work.”

The couple always worked as a team. Over the years, Connie owned a Windows & More decorating center in Brandon, served as executive director of the Riverview Chamber of Commerce, sold advertising for The Tampa Tribune and entered the elder care industry as a marketing rep for Freedom Plaza and Inspired Living. She retired briefly but returned to work part time for Freedom Plaza’s Retired Officers Corp.

Connie and Mike Lesko, center, are shown here with their two adult children, Mike Jr. and Amanda Gary.

Mike, eventually, left the tobacco company and began working for himself as an independent rep selling automotive equipment. In the late ‘90s, he also owned Sonny’s Tire & Auto in Brandon for about six years. Then he became an independent boat salesman for United Yacht Sales, where he is still employed.

Over the years, the family has lived in Ft. Myers, Brandon, Atlanta, Brandon again, Apollo Beach and Sundance. Connie, 68, and Mike, 69, retired to Sun City Center two years ago.

Whenever Connie is asked about her husband, she glows. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years,” she says of their marriage. “In some ways, it seems like yesterday. Aside from being handsome, he’s so much fun. He’s smart, affectionate and has always supported everything I’ve been passionate about, like the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Sun City Center Mini Relay for Life. I am so blessed,” she said. “We have a supportive family, great kids and grandkids, and we live in a loving community.”

Connie and Mike Lesko are surrounded by their grandchildren: Lexy, seated left, and Rayne, seated right, Rosie, Andi and M.J. Missing is Connie Magnolia.

Mike feels the same way. “What’s not to love about her,” he said. “She’s beautiful, smart and so creative. She supports and challenges me. I couldn’t imagine my life or where I’d be without her. She’s my soulmate.”

Connie summarizes things perfectly. “I read recently that a perfect marriage is two imperfect people who don’t quit,” she said. “I would add ‘who love each other.’ I think Mike and I figured out early on that we’re better together. We’ve always put each other first.”