Richard and Carol Dahoney Share Their Love Story This Valentine’s Day

Some romances begin with blind dates, chance encounters, or, for modern couples, on an app. But for Richard (Dick) and Carol Dahoney, residents at Traditions at North Willow, their love story began over a sink full of dirty dishes.

It was the late 1950s in New Jersey, and a young adult church group brought Dick and Carol together. Assigned as dishwashing partners, they quickly found that scrubbing plates wasn’t so bad when you had good company. Little did they know that pile of dirty dishes would lead to a lifetime of love, adventure, and resilience.

After three years of dating, life threw them a curveball. Carol’s family was moving to Maryland, and Dick knew he couldn’t let her go. In classic no-nonsense fashion, he showed up one day and said, “I’d like to marry you.” They set the date for December 15, 1962. Dick was in the Army at the time and was awaiting his orders.

Just three days before their wedding, Dick received his orders: He was to report to Korea—for 13 months. So, they did what any young couple deeply in love would do. They married, and off he went, beginning a journey that spanned several continents, many decades, and more than 50 years of service.

A Life of Love, Adventure, and a Few Mishaps

Their adventure began with a summer in Fort Bragg, then three years in Japan, one year in Vietnam, one year in Korea, two years in California, two years at Fort Campbell, and finally Fort Benjamin Harrison, where Dick served non-active reserve status for 14 years where he worked in financial management. When Dick retired, he was recognized as having 51 years of service in various capacities.

While at Fort Bragg during his two-week training, Dick’s friends convinced him to jump out of an airplane for fun. While this was his 37th career jump, he landed wrong, breaking his femur in nine places. 

Once, while visiting Taiwan, they encountered a drunk Irishman who followed them out of the bar. He approached them, dropped his accent, and told them to find a newspaper on Wednesday.  Supposedly, something big was planned, but they never figured out what it was. They were also followed while shopping in Taiwan. They determined they were obviously secret American spies, and the locals didn’t like them hanging around. 

Their Secret to a Lasting Marriage

Among their adventures, Dick and Carol had three daughters and 7 grandchildren who have been a key part of their happiness and success. 

So, what’s their advice to younger generations navigating love and marriage? Simple: Communication and forgiveness.

For Dick and Carol, love isn’t just about the grand moments—it’s in the everyday, in the laughter, in the faith they share, and yes, even in the dishes. This Valentine’s Day, let’s all take a page from the Dahoney’s love story: Love deeply, embrace the adventure, and do the dishes together.