Not even a pandemic can come between the friendship of two native Staten Islanders, self-dubbed as “friends since birth,” who have been pals for over 79 years. Ann Somma Terjesen of West Brighton and Dolores Viscione Connelly of Tompkinsville have enjoyed a lifelong friendship that has spanned cherished childhood memories, high school years, marriages, births of children and grandchildren, and losses of loved ones. Through it all, their friendship bond has endured.

“We have known each other since our birth as our parents were very close friends, doing many things together always, just as close as family,” said Ann, a retired schoolteacher. “We shared the same Italian heritage, customs, and culture, coming from Italy.