Valigene, from left, Darlene, Carley, and Robert Balvin met 65 years ago on Valentine’s Day and the two couples have been madly in love ever since. (Photo by Gage Vota)

MARTINS FERRY – After 65 years, love is still in the air.

This Valentine’s Day marks a milestone for two brothers Robert (84) and Valigene (87) Balvin who married two sisters Carley Balvin (85) and Darlene Balvin (82).

Robert and Carley tied the knot 65 years ago, while Valigene and Darlene got hitched 64 years ago. To make the love story even more unique, the two couples met on the same exact night – at a Valentine’s Day dance at the Glenn Robbins Firehouse in 1961.

Valigene said that he has never met another set of brothers who married a set of sisters, while Robert added that it’s especially unique because both oldest siblings are married to each other and both youngest siblings are married to each other.

Lifelong Ohio Valley residents, Robert and Valigene were born and raised in Dillonvale while Carley and Darlene were born and raised in Maynard.

Valigene worked for 32 years at Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel and Robert worked for Y&O Coal Company for 23 years.

Carley said that she believes the glue to their longstanding relationship is to approach everything with respect and unity.

“You just have to take things as they come. That’s the main thing, and respect each other,” she said.

She added that the pair only dated 10 months before marrying in Dec. 1961 while Valigene and Darlene waited until Nov. 1962.

Darlene said that although she met Valigene at the dance, he was trying to date her friend at the time.

“He actually went for my friend first, and that didn’t work so I was second,” Darlene joked.

Valigene added that he was only interested in her friend until he saw Darlene at the dance.

The couple agreed that communication is what has kept the marriage so alive.

“I do what she says,” Valigene said.

“And I boss him around,” Darlene added.

Darlene said that the marriage has lasted so long because they both love each other deeply.

Valigene and Darlene Balvin at their wedding in Nov. 1962

Robert and Carley have two children, Robert Jr. Balvin and Michelle Rippey. Valigene and Darlene have three children, Valigene Jr. Balvin, James Balvin, and Genie Ann Balvin.

With the two families being so intertwined, Carley said that the two families are very close.

Rippey said that her and her cousins were more like siblings.

“When we were young we didn’t think it was weird having the same grandparents,” she said. “We did everything together – holidays, summer picnics, birthdays, anniversaries. Almost like we were siblings, we’re still all very close.”

Rippey added that the family would spend summers together camping at Tappen Lake and fishing on Lake Erie.

Robert and Carley Balvin at their wedding in Dec. 1961.