On the eve of prison, Fumo pops the question

Former State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo, facing a potentially long prison sentence, popped The Big Question over the July Fourth holiday weekend to dress-shop proprietor Carolyn Zinni - and she said yes.

A source familiar with the engagement said Zinni had been wanting to get engaged for some time as a sign of her commitment to Fumo, who is scheduled to be sentenced July 14 in his federal corruption case.

"She loves this guy so much," said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Fumo was described as a bit reluctant - only because he did not want her to be in a position of being alone and engaged while he is in prison. "He didn't want to tie her down," said the source.

Zinni, a single mother of three sons who has a dress shop in Springfield, Delaware County, was at Fumo's side during his trial, which ended in March with his conviction on all 137 counts of conspiracy, fraud, obstructing justice, and tax violations.

The two were often seen holding hands, and Zinni hugged him for several minutes in the courtroom as he was reeling from the devastating verdict.

Since then, the two have spent much of the time together, and Fumo eventually came around to the idea of an engagement after consulting with several people close to him.

The formal engagement took place Friday night.

But no nuptials are likely at the moment, said the source, who emphasized that Zinni would not share in any Fumo assets.

Fumo "would like to get married," the source went on, but nothing is scheduled - or expected - before sentencing. "They'll get married when he gets out," said the source.