By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Last week, family and friends of Vincent Donato gathered for a celebration 100 years in the making. Born June 23, 1925, the longtime Pennsauken resident celebrated a century of experiences and memories.
Donato served as a bombardier in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, flying in B-24 Liberator bombers out of England and into Europe, including Germany.
“My father stayed home when I left. He was determined that I would never come back; he couldn’t bear to say goodbye,” explained Vince. “But I fooled him. He was happy about that.”
After the war, several colleges turned him away, because they felt he was too old. Vince ultimately attended Pennsylvania Military College, becoming an electrical engineer and working with Westinghouse in their steam turbine division. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jean, and in 1954, they bought the house Vince still lives in today. Vince had three children with Betty, Stephen, Susan, and Peter; and he is blessed with nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, with two on the way. When not celebrating 100th birthdays, the family gathers at Vince’s house on Saturdays for spaghetti dinner. He also enjoys watching TV and playing a lot of solitaire on the computer.
When asked about turning 100, Vince quickly joked that he was “not a fan.”
“I would say that the first 100 years were the hardest,” said Donato with a smile.
Vince doesn’t attribute any secrets to living a long life – although clean living and good genes play a part, as his “younger” sister is turning 98. Faith also plays a part, according to Donato, who is an elder emeritus of Grace Presbyterian Church in Mount Laurel. “The Lord decides.”
Vince’s party at his longtime home was a well-deserved celebration of a life well lived, full of service, faith, and love of family. Several generations of Donatos and a variety of loved ones spent time with Vince, not just to celebrate a century of accomplishments, but to honor who he is as a person and the amazing example he has set as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Pennsauken Deputy Mayor Jessica Rafeh also visited to present Vince with a proclamation honoring his 100 years on the planet.
“The Township of Pennsauken joins family and friends in honoring Vincent Donato for a century of extraordinary experiences, unwavering values, and a legacy that continues to inspire all who know him,” read Deputy Mayor Rafeh. “On behalf of the Mayor and members of Township Committee, we extend our deepest admiration and heartfelt congratulations to Vince on his 100th birthday. We are proud beyond measure to call him our neighbor and celebrate this momentous occasion with him.”
