What you can learn from the failed marriage of the McGreeveys is that if you have doubts about your future spouse, listen to your gut feelings.
The fairy tale marriage of James and Dina McGreevey quickly came to an end when he announced his gay affair in August 2004.
Although some felt sympathy for McGreevey for having to lie throughout his life, little was said about the sense of betrayal, pain, shock, shame, and confusion that Dina probably felt.
Here's information about the marriage and separation of James and Dina McGreevey. Information about McGreevey's partner, Mark O'Donnell, is included.
3/17/08: Amid allegations of a threesome relationship between Dina, Jim, and another man, the "acrimonious" divorce between Dina and Jim continues. Dina denied the allegations.
Source: Angela Delli Santi, SFGate.com
5/2/07: After joining the Episcopal faith on 4/29/2007, Jim applied and was admitted to the master of divinity program at the Chelsea section of the General Theological Seminary in Manhattan.
1/20/07: Dina Matos McGreevey published her memoir Silent Partner in Spring 2007.
9/19/06: James McGreevey was in the news again with the publication of his autobiography, The Confession.
James E. McGreevey: August 6, 1957 in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Dina Matos: 1966 in Cantanhede, Portugal.
Eight months after their engagement, Jim and Dina were married by a priest in a small, private, traditional, afternoon ceremony. The reception was at the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C.
James Kennedy was best man at the wedding. Dina wore a white strapless wedding gown.
Separation and Divorce:
In the process of getting a divorce, James and Dina are living in separate homes.- Jacqueline Matos McGreevey: Born December 7, 2001 (a premature birth) after her mother, Dina, had been hospitalized for six weeks.
- Morag Veronica McGreevey: Born October 27, 1992. Her mother is Kari Schutz.
McGreevey was previously married to Kari Schutz, aka Karen Joan Schutz, a librarian from Vancouver, British Columbia. Kari and James met while on a cruise in 1990 and married in 1991. Their marriage ended due to McGreevey's workaholic personality. They separated in 1995 with their divorce finalized in 1997 in Bergen County.
With his wife and parents standing beside him, Governor Jim McGreevey announced on August 12, 2004, that he was gay, that he had a consensual homosexual adulterous affair, and was resigning effective November 15, 2004.
Golan Cipel, an Israeli citizen once appointed by McGreevey as New Jersey's homeland security aide had threatened McGreevey with a sexual harassment lawsuit.
Mark O'Donnell, who enjoys cooking, contemporary art, and photography has been McGreevey's partner since September, 2005.
Mark, born in Australia, is an investment adviser and the chief financial officer of a private investment firm in New York City, First Spring Corporation.
James and Mark met at a cocktail party in Manhattan. McGreevey flew to Australia to meet Mark's family.
Dina: Former manager of Public and Professional Relations at Saint James Hospital, Executive Director of the Columbus Hospital Foundation in Newark, New Jersey.
In October, 2004, Dina Matos McGreevey purchased a three-bedroom, red brick ranch home in Springfield, New Jersey.
James and Mark purchased a historic $1.4 Million mansion in Plainfield, New Jersey. The 92-year-old Georgian Colonial home on 1.7 acres has 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5 fireplaces, solarium, swimming pool, and butler's pantry. The gardens were designed by the creator of Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted.
Source: NJ.com
Former Residence:
Drumthwacket, official residence of Governor. Their home city is Woodbridge Township, New Jersey.
Religion:
Both James and Dina were raised Catholic. James was an altar boy and a regular churchgoer. James joined the Episcopal faith on April 29, 2007.
Quotes:
Jack McGreevey, about his son's autobiography: "It's my understanding that Jim's attempting to educate the public that there are gays living among us, and for them it is a legitimate lifestyle due to their physical, mental and moral makeup. He's 500 years ahead of his time."Source: NY Post
Mark, about his relationship with McGreevey: "Jim and I have a healthy, loving, committed relationship which we share with our family and friends."
Source: NY Daily News
James, on announcing his affair with another man: "It was wrong. It was foolish. It was inexcusable. And for this, I ask the forgiveness and the grace of my wife. She has been extraordinary throughout this ordeal, and I am blessed by virtue of her love and strength."
Source: CNN
Pedro, friend of Dina, about Dina's first meeting with James: "In a little while, he came to ask if he could join us. The look on his face said everything. He was taken. He couldn't take his eyes off her."
Source: NJ.com
James, concerning his divorce from Kari: "Growing up in an almost quaint community, Kari was not ready for the rough and tumble of government and politics."
Source: Boston.com, 2004/08/13
Quotes from James McGreevey's 9/19/2006 Oprah Winfrey Interview
