Correspondent photo / Amanda C. Davis Nancy and William “Bill” O’Hara pose in their Austintown home. She was a U.S. Marine and he was in the U.S. Army in the late 1960s.

AUSTINTOWN — When Nancy Lepley and William “Bill” O’Hara went to junior prom together in 1963, they had no idea they’d one day celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary and share three children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

What happened in the years between included military stints for both — assignments that would take them far from the West Side of Youngstown, where they grew up, and a chance living arrangement that placed them back in each other’s paths.

The O’Haras graduated from Chaney High School in 1964 and went their separate ways — Nancy to Parris Island, South Carolina, for Marine Corps recruit training, and Bill to Higgins Funeral Home where he worked locally for a year before being drafted into the Army.

Both consider themselves fortunate they weren’t shipped off to war in Vietnam.

Bill, who ended up in Augsburg, Germany, said he had no intention of serving in the military but said he didn’t have a backup plan.

“We couldn’t afford for me to go to college or things of that nature,” he said. “I got my draft notice the last day of the year, so ‘happy New Year to me.'”

He was there 18 months, working as a supply clerk, while she was stationed in Washington, D.C., where she spent eight years working in different capacities, including in the technology sector.

Once he returned to the area, Bill went back to the funeral home, now called Higgins-Reardon, and moved into an apartment across the street on Mahoning Avenue so he could be close to work.

Nancy, who moved in upstairs, said the two reconnected after Bill’s sister-in-law “played matchmaker.”

The attraction was mutual, she said, adding “We just knew.”

After dating for about six months, the O’Haras went to a justice of the peace in New Castle, Pa., on Nov. 10, 1972, and made it official.

Bill said he wanted to be a father, so he adopted Nancy’s two daughters from a previous relationship.

“She was such a loving mother and kindhearted,” he said. “Plus, she liked me.”

Nancy said she was attracted to Bill’s thoughtfulness and his sense of family values.

“He had no rough edges,” she said. “He was perfect father material.”

They moved into their home on North Edgehill Avenue on July 4, 1972, and a son, Scott, was born the following year, completing the family.

Nancy worked for Pepsi Co. for a few years but spent the rest of her career at Dick Adgate Florist. Bill worked for a number of years as a firefighter in Poland but moved to Austintown Fire Department, where he worked his way up to assistant chief.

Though he considers himself retired, Bill still works for the funeral home, driving a hearse or acting as a greeter during funerals.

Bill enjoys painting ceramics to stay active, while Nancy enjoys reading. Together, they do puzzles, occasionally crafts, and they stay involved at Wickliffe Presbyterian Church.

Their oldest daughter, Bonnie, is a retired Marine, living in Virginia.

There is a long history of service for both O’Haras. Nancy’s mom was in the Navy and her dad was in the Army Air Corps, which was a precursor to the Air Force. Bill’s father also was an Army veteran.

Both admit they were scared and nervous when they went into the service but said they’re glad they did because it taught them sacrifice and discipline and gave them the opportunity to travel.

“I got to see a lot of the world that I probably wouldn’t have gotten to see,” Bill said.