A World War II veteran who celebrated his 103rd birthday last weekend shared his secret to a long and happy life.
Frank Pugliano Sr. of Washington Township, Pennsylvania, was surrounded by friends and family at Boyce Park outside of Pittsburgh to celebrate this incredible milestone.
“Best day of my life,” he told the local ABC affiliate. WTAE. ‘I never thought I’d be here at 103, considering what I went through. You never know. A lot of my friends never made it, but I made it.”
The seasoned veteran has lived a great life. At the age of six, Pugliano emigrated from Italy to the United States. He attended Penn Hills High School, where he met the love of his life, Mary Strough.
After graduating from high school in 1942, Pugliano immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for three years in the Pacific theater. He survived a torpedo attack by the Japanese on his convoy mission to Luzon in the Philippines.
World War II veteran Frank Pugliano Sr. of Washington Township, Pennsylvania, was surrounded by friends and family at Boyce Park, just outside Pittsburgh, to celebrate his 103rd birthday.
After graduating from high school in 1942, Pugliano (pictured) immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for three years in the Pacific theater. He survived a torpedo attack by the Japanese on his convoy mission to Luzon in the Philippines.
He was honorably discharged in 1945. After returning home from the war, Pugliano married his high school sweetheart and they raised two children together. They were married for 65 years before she died in 2011.
Now, after three years of being a centenarian, Pugliano is self-sufficient. He mows his own lawn, does his own housework, and plays several instruments, including the organ, harmonica, electric guitar, and saxophone.
He worked as a diesel mechanic, specializing in heavy equipment. In his last 15 years of work, he worked at the High View Acres 55+ residential community to maintain the clubhouse until he was 98 years old.
Now, after three years of being a centenarian, Pugliano is self-sufficient. He mows his own lawn, does his own housework, and plays several instruments.
On his centenary, Pugliano said TRIBLive who attributes his health to “good Italian genes” and staying active.
‘I keep myself busy. I cut my own lawn. My diet is what I want to eat, I eat it,’ he stated.
However, this year Pugliano revealed to WTAE two more American secrets to longevity and happiness: eating dark chocolate and drinking Coca-Cola.
“The doctor told me, ‘Whatever you’re doing, do it,'” Pugliano said.
