Thursday, October 1, 2026
Gerald Savarese, a Navy veteran who served in World War II, marked his 102nd birthday on Feb. 4, surrounded by family members, fellow residents and caregivers at a patriotic celebration at Five Towns Premier Rehab and Nursing Center in Woodmere.
Born on Feb. 4, 1924, in the Bronx, Savarese enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served through the end of the war, in 1945, on the Xanthus-class repair ship, the USS Dionysus.
The staff of Five Towns Premier transformed the center’s third floor into a red, white and blue tribute with patriotic displays, and guests waved small American flags in honor of Savarese’s service.
“Today is a special day,” Cathy Byrne, a gerontologist at the center, said. “Gerald Savarese just turned 102 years young. To know Mr. Savarese is to love him.”
Balloons marking the occasion floated above the celebration as residents and staff gathered with Savarese; his wife of 76 years, Bernadette; and other family members.
“There are so many memories to add to our special book of moments,” Bernadette said. “We thank God for giving us this wonderful life.”
After serving in the war, Gerald worked as an insurance executive for Empire Mutual and American Transit Insurance Company, and retired at age 90. The Savareses raised a daughter and three sons, and have 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
“Mr. Savarese enjoys spending his leisure time with his family at Jones Beach and playing golf,” Byrne said. “He loves Italian food, and his secret to longevity is eating salads.”
Savarese was presented with citations recognizing both his military service and his birthday by Ralph Esposito, director of Nassau County’s Veterans Service Agency, on behalf of County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County Office for the Aging, U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen and Five Towns Premier Recreation Director Anthony Matese, who announced that Savarese had been named February’s Resident of the Month.
“You’ve reached a milestone of 102 years old,” Matese told the guest of honor. “We are making you Resident of the Month for February for celebrating a life milestone and for being a part of the Five Towns Premier community and family.”
“Not only is he a gentleman, but he’s got a sense of humor,” Matese said.
Residents and staff members offered their congratulations and thanked Savarese for his service while sharing cake, and the facility’s choir sang patriotic songs and the national anthem as well as “happy birthday.” “We are so honored to have you in our facility,” Byrne said. “Any veteran is a gift — you sacrificed so much for our country, and we wanted to give a gift of love to you. Singing is a gift of love and life.”
Savarese’s daughter, Susan Meriam, spoke for him, because he is hard of hearing and has dementia.
“He is thrilled at the moment, then he forgets he’s 102, because he was never somebody who acted old to begin with,” Meriam said. “He’s young at heart, and he’s sweet and easy-going all the time.”
Now that he is more than eight decades removed from his wartime service, Savarese’s birthday celebration offered a reminder of both personal longevity and the enduring legacy of those who served during one of the most consequential periods in American history.
“We’re lucky to have him — he’s a national treasure,” his daughter said. “He always had a good sense of humor, smart, and sat and did homework with me and my friends. He helped coach baseball and basketball teams. He was always there for us.”
“Words can’t describe how wonderful is it to be here and celebrate with him,” she added. “I’m very blessed, because I don’t know many people that have their dads still at my age. We’re happy that he’s still here.”
