Frank Pugliano Sr., a World War II veteran living in Pennsylvania, recently celebrated his 103rd birthday, calling it the greatest day of his life. Dressed in his WWII veteran jacket and hat, Pugliano enjoyed the festivities with family and friends at Boyce Park. He credits his extraordinary longevity to drinking Coca-Cola and consuming dark chocolate. The Italian-born soldier immigrated to the US at a young age and served in the US Army during WWII, surviving a Japanese torpedo attack during his deployment in the Pacific theater.
Following his military service, Pugliano married his high school sweetheart, Mary Strough, and worked as a diesel mechanic specializing in heavy equipment. Despite his bad knees, Pugliano maintains excellent health and stays active by cutting his grass and managing his home. He remains technologically savvy, using an iPad daily and running his own Facebook account to stay in touch with relatives. Pugliano also worked until the age of 98, maintaining a clubhouse at a 55-and-over residential community.
In addition to his dedication to staying active, Pugliano enjoys his favorite dishes, such as three eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast, and coffee at Kings Family Restaurant, as well as pasta fagioli at The Olive Garden. His son, Frank Pugliano Jr., attests to his father’s remarkable health and youthful appearance despite his age. Pugliano credits his longevity to his good Italian genes and staying active throughout his life. His positive outlook and active lifestyle have contributed to his excellent physical and mental condition well into his centenarian years.
Another remarkable individual celebrating an advanced age is Vincent Dransfield, a former New Jersey volunteer fire chief who recently turned 110. Like Pugliano, Dransfield lives a healthy life with only mild knee pain. He lives independently, cooks for himself, walks around his three-level house, and even drives daily without issues. Dransfield maintains his health by staying active and self-sufficient, demonstrating the impact of a positive mindset and a commitment to physical activity on longevity. Both Pugliano and Dransfield serve as examples of how a combination of genetics, lifestyle choices, and attitude contribute to living a long and fulfilling life.
Pugliano’s experiences during WWII, including surviving a torpedo attack, highlight the resilience and courage of the Greatest Generation. Despite the challenges he faced during the war, Pugliano was able to build a successful life after returning home, getting married, and pursuing a career as a diesel mechanic. His commitment to staying active, engaging with technology, and staying in touch with loved ones underscores the importance of social connections and engagement in maintaining overall well-being. Pugliano’s positive outlook, sense of humor, and dedication to living life to the fullest continue to inspire those around him, proving that age is just a number when it comes to leading a fulfilling life.
As Pugliano and Dransfield demonstrate, age does not have to be a barrier to living a vibrant and active life. By choosing to stay engaged, maintain a positive attitude, and prioritize physical activity, individuals can enjoy a long and fulfilling life well into their golden years. These centenarians serve as reminders of the importance of resilience, perseverance, and a sense of adventure in overcoming life’s challenges and embracing the opportunities that each day brings. Whether it’s celebrating a milestone birthday, staying connected with loved ones, or simply enjoying a favorite meal, Pugliano and Dransfield exemplify the spirit of determination and optimism that can lead to a life well lived, regardless of age.
