Meet Rob and Monica from Upstate New York

Meet Rob and Monica from Upstate New York. We were happy to meet, Rob and Monica, a couple whose love story, built on resilience and deep affection, has quietly spanned decades. From city streets to suburban roots, their paths began worlds apart but ultimately led to a life beautifully intertwined. Rob grew up in a small Long Island town, where family meant everything. Raised by loving, grounded parents alongside his younger brother, he remembers childhood days spent working on the only farm in Nassau County—learning early what it meant to earn something, to show up, and to take pride in his work. That foundation led him into two careers: one in mortgage lending, and the other in the culinary world, where he spent 30 fulfilling years as a chef. Monica was born in Manhattan and raised in the housing projects of the Lower East Side, where life was tough but love was abundant. Her parents’ devotion was her constant light. “The sun rose and set in their eyes by me,” she said—a truth that gave her strength even in the hardest moments. Summers took her to Puerto Rico, where she stayed with family on her mother’s side. Bilingual from birth—Spanish from her mother, English from her father—Monica grew up navigating two cultures with grace. Her decision to attend college at Stony Brook, living in the dorms far from home, went against tradition. But Monica was determined to shape her own future. It was at Stony Brook that Monica became close with Rob’s cousin. Years later, that cousin insisted the two should meet. Rob hesitated at first—“She lives in Manhattan,” he said. “Too far.” But fate intervened. A ski trip to Whiteface Mountain was the turning point. Monica didn’t know Rob would be there until the day before. When they finally met, the connection was instant. Seven months later, during a romantic dinner, Rob planned a surprise. Monica, expecting dessert, was presented with a silver tray. She nearly sent it back to the kitchen—until Rob intervened and urged her to open it. Slowly, she lifted the lid. There, in place of any sweet, rested a ring—quietly waiting, shimmering with promise, and offering not just a question, but a future rooted in love, trust and respect. The entire restaurant erupted in applause. They married on May 27, 1989, in Melbourne, New York, and began building their life together. Monica says what drew her to Rob was his deep kindness. “He has a heart of gold,” she says. Rob, in turn, describes her as intelligent, generous, and filled with love for everyone around her. They raised two children together. Their daughter Julia lives in Australia and their son Robert lives in Florida. Though their children are far, the family remains deeply close. Their message to the world? “Always look for the best in every situation. Find the silver lining. Let go of resentment—it only weighs you down. Lean into the light.” Rob and Monica, thank you so much for visiting Howe Caverns and for sharing your beautiful journey. Your story is a reminder that love, when nurtured, becomes something timeless. We wish you many more chapters filled with joy