The winners of the Port Richmond Neighborhood Action’s love story contest were Denis and Francine Holmes.
Denis and Francine won a dinner for two on Valentine’s Day at La Roma restaurant, 2620 E. Allegheny Ave.
Couples were asked to email a story of under 400 words and a high-resolution photo as part of the contest.
Here is the winning entry:
“Francine and me went to Nativity Grade School together. I had a little crush on her then.
After grade school, Francine went to Hallahan H.S. And I went to North Catholic.
We both hung out with the same crowd around the PAL at Belgrade and Clearfield.
In 1972, North’s basketball team was in the playoffs at the Palestra.
The whole crowd went.
So … At one point, I decided to climb down a couple rows of chairs just to sit next to Francine.
From that point on, we were boyfriend and girlfriend.
We went to all our high school dances, freshman dances, soph hop and junior and senior proms.
In 1978, we were married.
In 1980, we had our first child.
Then went on to have two more awesome children.
In 2008, tragedy struck. Our youngest son was killed at work when a steel beam fell on him.
So, Francine and me dated for 6 years and are married 45 years.
We still live in Port Richmond.
Fondly, Denis Holmes” ••
