NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Firefighters, vets and neighbors surprised a New Haven man on the occasion of his 100th birthday.
Army vet and life-long New Haven resident Americo Mastrogiovanni got a home visit surprise Tuesday morning with a celebration organized by the New Haven Fire Department American Legion Post 132.
“I have a bit of advice. Don’t ever become 100. Go from 99 to 101, those two zeroes are too attractive,” said Mastrogiovanni, taking it in good humor.
“Really comes full circle, said Peter Callan of the American Legion Post 132. ” Being a New Haven resident, being a New Haven firefighter, serving the public and this is just another way we serve the public of the City of New Haven and the residents.”
“Just to show solidarity,” said David Zannelli, New Haven Police Asst. Chief. “We have a lot of veterans in the police department.”
John Alston, New Haven Fire Chief said firefighters wanted to celebrate and pay him to honor them for the sacrifices they’ve made.
Mastrogiovanni, a Yale and Harvard graduate served in World War II and survived a torpedo attack in the English Channel.
“We are losing World War II veterans at a rapid pace and they are very few and far between,” said Thomas Moore, Dept. of Connecticut American Legion Commander. “The Greatest Generation, I’ve always believed that since growing up so I think it’s important we recognize them now.”
Long-time friends joined the celebration.
“Trying again not to get emotional,” said Amanda Moreno, a neighbor. “When life wasn’t easy, or you were having a bad day or you were stuck on your homework when I was a kid growing up, I’d just go knock on the door and he always had that positive, we’re going to figure it out.
“We got a letter from Chris Murphy…” said Mastrogiovanni. “I never saw so much attention. I thank everybody.”
Angelo Bavaro is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at abavaro@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook and X.
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