Couple married nearly 80 years die just hours apart

Two 100-year-olds from Ohio have set a high bar for married couples after they spent almost 80 years together before they both died within hours of one another.

Hubert and June Malicote, who were both born in July 1922, tied the knot on 8 June, 1943 but were soon forced apart by World War II, when Hubert was stationed in Hawaii.

June was waiting for him at the station when he returned, and the happy couple went on to welcome three children, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

On 30 November, Hubert passed away, marking 'the end of their 81-year love story', according to his obituary. Around 20 hours later, June died on the afternoon of 1 December.

Their 76-year-old son, Sam, said he felt 'sad' at the passing of his parents, but told The Dayton Daily News: "I shouldn't. Who can expect to live a life like that? They went out together," he added.

June entered hospice care after their family had celebrated Thanksgiving on 24 November, and Hubert 'fell apart' while visiting her the next day.

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The 100-year-old husband was also admitted to hospice care, and after being unconscious for days in the same room, Sam said his father died of a 'broken heart'.

Prior to his passing, Hubert reflected on his relationship with June and revealed the pair sought to avoid arguments, telling Today: "If there's controversy, you might have to walk away for a couple minutes. Then you come back in and change the subject or you work it out."

The husband said at the time he couldn't imagine life without June, saying: "It's kind of like if we aren't together, the team is broken. We've had a wonderful life."

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Hubert and June's daughter, Jo, revealed her parents held hands and said goodnight to each other every night, adding: "Then in the morning, they are so happy to see each other. They greet each other with huge smiles."

The couple celebrated their 100th birthdays with a joint party at the Eaton Road Church of God in Hamilton, Ohio, in July, when about 130 family, friends, neighbours and church members joined Hubert and June to celebrate.

Speaking to Fox News Digital at the time, Hubert said: "We just kind of live by the day and all of a sudden we're 100 years old."

The party was held at the same location the couple had met, though at the time the church went by a different name.