Nashville 83-year old allowed to marry despite dementia
A judge who had to decide if it was love or Alzheimer’s diseaseruled in favor of romance. Davidson County Circuit Judge Randy Kennedygranted permission Tuesday for an 83-year-old man who lost control ofhis financial affairs because he has a mild form of senile dementia tomarry his 48-year-old fiancee.
Relatives of the man, VicVarallo, have opposed the marriage saying his disease prevents him fromunderstanding what he is doing. They claim his fiancee, Sheila White,has kept Varallo away from family and friends.
Others see the ruling as upholding the rights of the elderly.
“Today’svictory for Mr. Varallo restored dignity to him as a person and as aman,” said Nashville attorney Paul Housch, who represented White. Thedecision affirms that people his age “can carry on a fulfilling life, ahappy life and be active and live in this world happy.”
Varallois a former Nashville councilman and lifelong bachelor. His name iswell-known in the city because his family once ran a popular chilirestaurant.
Another judge appointed a conservator forVarallo’s financial affairs three years ago. That judge’s orderprohibited Varallo from entering into contracts, including the contractof marriage.