Mary and Max Mattos, a sweetheart of a couple, have been married for 56 years.

Mary was born and raised in Pleasanton.

Max arrived in Pleasanton from Portugal as a very young boy, and lived on Tassajara Road where he helped his father with the farming.

One of Max's chores on the farm was to milk 14 cows each morning before he went to school.

"That was all by hand," said the 85 year old gentleman, "There wasn't any equipment like they have today for milking cows."

Max enjoyed farming. However, he learned early in life that he did not want the responsibility of being a farmer.

"My father gave me 100 acres to try my hand at farming. I planted crops on that land and I'm still waiting for the results," he chuckled. "That was in 1924 and it was the driest year we have ever had in Pleasanton."

Max kept his interest in farming by working on the Moller farm on Foothill Road for 24 years.

After his retirement from farming, Max worked as a groundskeeper for St. Augustines Catholic Church for seven years.

Mary and Max met while attending Pleasanton Elementary School. "The only school in town at that time," Mary said.

Mary was 18 years old when she and Max were married. Their first home was on Vineyard Avenue. "We built that house ourselves," stated Max.

From Vineyard they moved to a home on the corner of Kottinger and Second streets. And then they moved to the house next door where they have lived for the past 22 years. "We are here to stay," says Mary.

Mary and Max had two children, Delores and Marlene. Delores is deceased. Marlene lives in Livermore with her husband George and their two children, Jessica and Jamie.

Before retiring, Mary worked as a cook in the Pleasanton School cafeteria. "I enjoy cooking," says Mary. "But now that there is just Max and myself, I don't do too much cooking."

The Mattos enjoy their granddaughters very much. "I look forward to the girls' visit," says Max. "They are good, hard working girls."

Max would like to be out working in the yard, but his painful arthritis keeps his activities limited.

Mary enjoys crocheting and has many beautiful items to show off her talents. She is a member of VIP's, however she spends most of her day giving loving, tender care to her favorite Valentine, Max.

"We have had a good life," says Max. "We have had our troubles, but there is a lot of love in the family, and that's what counts in life."

To see a reproduction of the original article and edition of Pleasanton Pathways, visit: February 10, 1986 Pathways.