In a corner of the Springfield Avenue McDonald’s in New Providence, one could see the tops of the mylar birthday balloons floating in the air above the booths. It was Phil Sapienza’s 100th birthday celebration for his special group of McD’s friends. You see, Phil has made it his choice to go to this particular McDonald’s every day for the last 10 years. Sometimes just for a coffee, sometimes for a meal (and if you knew Phil – you would say it was a “happy meal”), but always to run into a friend and/or acquaintance he’s made over the years. He is an active, totally with-it 100 year old man who is still completely independent. Phil’s family gene pool is one worth having because he looks not a day past 60 yrs old.
Phil’s close friend and neighbor, Pat Pallante, planned the McDonald’s celebration. There were balloons, a sheetcake with custom candles, and Phil was even wearing “that-all-important-I-am-100-years-old button pin.” Pat has known Phil since the late 60’s. They have been friends and neighbors in Berkeley Heights ever since Pat moved into the neighborhood.
Several people were in attendance. Wayne Pigna, a resident of Gillette and friend of Phil’s for many years; Ed Mueller, a resident of Warren Township; Ed DuCasse, a fellow resident of Berkeley Heights; and David Ingerman, a friend from the Summit area.
Phil knows many guys from the Warren American Legion and the Berkeley Heights VFW as well as other associations. Phil is a proud WWII Vet having served time in Europe for three years. It was so nice to witness the respect and admiration these men had for each other, and Phil was just tickled pink that everyone showed up for his party.
As we were cleaning up, I asked Phil how he intended to get home. He simply answered, “I’m going to drive.”
(above, top, l-r) Wayne Pigna, Ed Mueller (bottom, l-r) Phil Sapienza, Pat Pallante and Ed DuCasse.
(above) Phil and Pat – close friends and neighbors for years.
(above) David Ingerman drops by to give his good wishes.
