Meet Dave and Doris Spera, childhood sweethearts who recently celebrated their 47th anniversary.

Although they both grew up in Overbrook Park -- a neighborhood in the West Philadelphia section of the City -- they did not meet until high school.

After high school, Dave joined the Marines. After his service, he continued to served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves for 6 years.

They had the same group of friends and as they got to know each other better, sparks began to fly.

Once he finished his service...Dave proposed.

Doris and Dave were married in 1969.

Their three children were born over the next 11 years. There was always a family dog in the picture too!

Brian is the oldest. Then came Jen and Chrissy.

Doris stayed at home to raise the children.

Dave worked in operations for a beer wholesaler for 36 years.

Dave is quite the entertainer and has long served as the master of ceremonies and auctioneer for Pennsylvania's Motor Truck Association events.

Dave is still working about 40 hours per month as a consultant for the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association.

Dave also serves as president of their condominium association.

As their children grew up, Doris went to work in the marketing department at Friends Life Care. When she retired in 2012, her daughter, Jen, joined the company to take on her former position.

A few months after she retired, Doris had a double knee replacement. During her months of recuperation, Dave was at her side. With assistance from their children, Dave served as Doris' primary caregiver. Her total healing took about a year. Doris will tell you how grateful the family was for the help they received as members of Friends Life Care.

Dave and Doris' beloved dog, Tiki, was also a key member of Doris' recovery team. Walking the dog and caring for her helped Doris get back on her feet after surgery. Dogs have always been a significant part of the Spera Family, but Tiki has been extra special because she has helped Doris stay active in retirement.

With her successful knee surgery, Doris is pain-free and always on the move.

They are very close to their family and consider themselves very lucky to have all seven of their grandchildren, ranging in age from 9-18, living within two miles of their home. The only family members that aren't close by are their younger daughter Chrissy and her husband, Michael. However, since they live in Los Angeles, they provide a great travel destination for the rest of the family.

Dave has combined his love for his grandchildren and his love of golf by teaching them the game as an instructor at the summer junior golf program at the Plymouth Country Club.

They spend winters in Naples, Florida where they enjoy golfing, the beach, socializing with friends and welcoming friends and family from up North who are escaping the cold weather.

While Dave and Doris enjoy golfing together in Florida, when they are back home in East Norriton, Pennsylvania, they are usually too busy with their own golf groups and other activities to play together.

Doris and Dave are making the most of their retirement!

Doris has a full plate of activities that she enjoys. She has a group of friends at the Plymouth Community Center, where she is a regular at the fitness center.

Doris plays mahjong at the Upper Merion Senior Center and has met several new friends there.

She gives back to the community by volunteering in the Pharmacy Department of the Suburban Community Hospital.

Dave organizes a weekly Wednesday night dinner with 10-18 friends.

Doris has also rediscovered an old passion and plays the violin as a member of 3 local bands.

She now joyfully plays in a church band, a neighborhood band and with the Upper Merion Senior Services Band.

Doris suggests that anyone who is interested in joining a band contact their local Senior Center or their local Senior Services office.

As evidenced by the way that they live their lives, both Dave and Doris love life and live it fully.

Thank you Dave and Doris for sharing your story with us.