Suffolk couple, married for almost 77 years, died within weeks of one another

Leslie and Marjorie Warth

Leslie Warth died less than seven weeks after he was parted from lifelong love, Marjorie.

Together since their teens, the inseparable Suffolk pair would have celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary this April.

Following this week’s service for Mr Warth, the couple’s family said it was a great comfort to know they were “united once more”.

They were married before the outbreak of war in 1939, having met at a dance in Reading, where they lived until moving to Wangford, near Southwold, almost 20 years ago.

In 2011, marking their 72nd wedding anniversary, they told this paper there was no secret to a long and happy marriage, only “understanding each other, making allowances and being patient”.

Mr Warth’s wartime service in the Royal Artillery was followed by 15 years in Territorial Army – for which he was awarded the MBE in 1958.

He went on also establish and present Hospital Radio Reading, where he provided football commentary for years to come.

Following retirement, the pair headed to north Suffolk, where their passion for dancing continued – performing with one of Britain’s longest-running big bands, the Joe Loss Orchestra, until as recently as eight years ago.

Mr Warth also became a trustee for the League of Friends of Southwold Hospital.

He was 97 when he died, following a stroke, on January 5, at Ipswich Hospital.

Mrs Warth died, aged 96, on November 20, at Norwood House residential home, in Middleton, near Saxmundham.

The Warths had two sons, Terry and Michael, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Granddaughter, Alison Swain said: “They were a very loving couple and spent so many happy years together. We all miss both of them very much.

“It’s a great comfort for the family that they are reunited once more. It was incredible that, after such an amazing time married, they should pass away so close together.”

Mr Warth’s funeral took place on Wednesday at Seven Hills Crematorium, Nacton, where he had attended a service for his wife before Christmas.

Donations were made to Reading Hospital Broadcasting Service – a charity established for the station Mr Warth founded, and where a studio is to be named in his honour.