By Skip Sheffield
BOCA RATON– “Love is lovelier the second time around,” wrote Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen in their 1960 hit popularized by Frank Sinatra.
This could be Stephanie Murphy-Lupo’s theme song, though more accurately
for her it is the third time around.
The former longtimeBoca Ratonresident is now married to a Jersey Boy, Gerard Lupo, and she spends half the year inMontville,New Jersey.
Stephanie met Gerry when she was collecting information for a biography she was writing on renownedBoca Ratoncomposer-producer Charles Calello. Calello, best known for his work with Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, is originally fromNewark,New Jersey. When Stephanie learned Gerry was also fromNewark, where the Four Seasons got their start, she started quizzing him on the concerts and nightclubs he frequented when he was young.
“What are ya doing lady, writing a book?” Gerry demanded.
Yes she admitted, and she told him about Charlie Calello.
So began a conversation that led to a romance that led to a marriage two years ago to Lupo.
Stephanie, 66, and Gerry, 72, haven’t just been in idle retirement. The former Boca Raton News, Palm Beach Post and Palm Beach Daily News editor and photographer and theNew Jerseyland surveyor and company owner have collaborated on a travel book, “Day Trips fromNew Jersey” (Globe Pequot Press, 304 pages, $16.95).
“Gerry did the maps and he did a lot of research,” allows Stephanie. “We spent more than a year of actual travel. Sometimes it would be just a day trip. For more distant locations we would stay overnight.”
The book dividesNew Jerseyinto six regions: Gateway, The Skylands, The Shore, Greater Atlantic City, Southern Shore and the Delaware River Region.
The book is a wealth of information on the historical importance ofNew Jersey, existing historical landmarks, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, parks and special attractions. It also offers practical advice on the best way to get to and from locations.
New Jerseyhas an undeserved negative reputation in the eyes of many, especially if they have never been off the New Jersey Turnpike. “Day Trips From New Jersey” is a real eye-opener even if you don’t plan to visit. I lived on theJerseyShoretwo summers as a child and I have been through the state countless times. I had no idea of the bountiful riches of a beautiful and diverse “GardenState.”
“I’m aFloridagirl, but I’ve grown to loveNew Jersey,” says Stephanie. “Gerry and I have the best of both worlds.”
Stephanie’s older son Travis Brown, 40, lives and works inBoca Raton. Younger son Ryan Brown, a private chef, was formerly head chef at 32 East and Sol Kitchen inDelray Beach.
“I was 60 when I fist met Gerry in 2006,” Stephanie muses. “The third time really is the charm.”
- Gerry Lupo and Stephanie Murphy-Lupo
“Day Trips fromNew Jersey” is sold at Barnes & Noble, some Costco stores and Amazon.com.