Mr. and Mrs. Howard C. Gentile of Altoona recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with a family dinner party hosted by the couple at their Aldrich Avenue home, where they have lived for 56 years.

The couple were surprised by their children and their spouses who flew in to celebrate with them. The entire meal was made by three of their four children and their spouses.

Absent from the celebration was their daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Steve Gates, who are on vacation in Italy.

Howard C. Gentile and M. Patricia Lezzer were united in marriage on Oct. 30, 1954, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Nanty Glo. The Rev. Father John Hacala officiated.

Joan Carroll, cousin of the bride was maid of honor. Daniel Gentile, brother of the groom, was the best man.

The parents of the bride were American and Catherine Lezzer. The parents of the groom were Tony and Wilna Gentile. The reception was held in St. Mary’s School Hall.

The couple have four children: James H. (Lou) of Mission Viejo, Calif.; Suzanne L. (David) Nickola of Flinton; Cynthia D. (Steve) Gates of San Diego, Calif.; and John O. Gentile of Collegeville, Pa.

They have six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Mr. Gentile taught music at Hollidaysburg Area Junior High School of 37½ years. He retired as a colonel from the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mrs. Gentile was a special education teacher’s assistant for the Altoona Area School District for 20 years.