What’s Kathy Wakile’s secret to a thriving relationship? Healthy communication and a shared sense of humor.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey alum took to Instagram this week to share an inside look at her decades-long marriage to Rich Wakile. The mother of two reposted one of her husband’s Stories in which she was seen at their Franklin Lakes home guffawing at one of his jokes.
“After 35 years I can still make her laugh,” Rich captioned the video.
How did Kathy and Rich Wakile meet?
Kathy and Rich met in the 1980s while on a flight from New Jersey to Florida. The couple recalled their first encounter in a 2018 video for Yahoo! Life, saying they had spent years running in the same circles in Paterson before their proper introduction.
“How did I miss those beautiful eyes of yours?” Rich asked his wife. “Best flight you ever took.”
Needless to say, the pair quickly hit it off and had their first date in NYC’s Greenwich Village. Rich and Kathy got engaged about a year later and exchanged “I do's” the following year.
“He made me laugh. I think that’s my favorite part about you,” Kathy said. “You’ve always managed to make me laugh.”
“You make it easy,” Rich responded. “You laugh at everything I say. Sometimes I’m wondering whether it’s really funny or if you’re just making me feel good.”
Kathy says laughter is essential to a long-lasting relationship
After tying the knot in 1993, the couple welcomed two children: a son, Joseph Wakile, and a daughter, Victoria Wakile. Fans got a close look at the family's tight-knit bond in RHONJ seasons 3-5, in which Kathy appeared as a full-time cast member. (She took on a friend role in the following two seasons.) Kathy spoke about her family’s dynamic in a 2021 interview with Us Weekly, reiterating the importance of quality time and laughter.
“Communication is key to any lasting relationship, whether it be a business relationship, a friendship or a marriage,” she told the outlet. “Communicate with an open mind and, more importantly, laugh at the stuff that really doesn’t matter that much. And we do a lot of laughing and joking.”
Kathy celebrates Rich on his special day: "My greatest blessing"
Kathy shared another marriage update back in January when she penned a sweet birthday message for Rich.
“Happy birthday to the man who has been my rock, my laughter, and my greatest blessing for the past 35 years,” she captioned a family photo. “From the moment we began our sometimes crazy journey together, you’ve filled my life with love, joy, adventure and countless memories that I treasure deeply.
You are not only my partner but also the most incredible father to our children,” she continued. “Your humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication have shaped our family into what it is today—a home filled with love and laughter. There’s never a dull moment with you in our lives. Thank you for being the one who makes me laugh when I need it most, who supports me in every way, and who loves me so completely. After all these years, you still have the ability to make my heart smile.”
Kathy and Rich kicked off 2025 with an ambitious home renovation. See what the couple had planned for their stunning Franklin Lakes abode.
