Known and loved by everyone, this brand new centenarian has always lived his life with integrity and a unique sense of purpose.
He’s positive, forgiving, and never harbored resentment. He’s a good friend to all and makes it a habit to stay away from anyone who has a negative outlook on life.
What’s more, over the years he ate as healthy as he could and to this day still enjoys preparing a good home cooked meal. And he still manages a glass of red wine several times each week.
He’s “Uncle Louie” Lupinacci and on Sept. 13 — make that lucky No. 13 — he became the latest Staten Islander to have his name etched on the elite list of those who’ve reached the 100 year milestone.
Lupinacci was heralded twice at LiGreci’s Staaten — once during a birthday bash with famil and friends, and then during a dinner in his honor hosted by members of the North Central Kiwanis Club.
“The birthday boy” said he’s always had a diligent work ethic and tried to be the best partner to his wife, Nancy.
“We had a great marriage with lots of laughs and got through the hard times together,” he said.
TWO BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Vocalist Charlie Romo performed at the Staaten party, and guests were also entertained by a deejay.
The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Sofia Borgonone, Miss Richmond County Teen 2023.
The party and champagne toast was delivered by Denise Yarbrough, the honoree’s niece, the celebratory speech offered by Lupinacci’s nephew, Joey Mangino, and a blessing was bestowed by niece Francine Hillpot.
On display was a Medals of America shadow box filled with replicas of all of Lupinacci’s awards, badges and medals, along with his own Army jacket.
State Senator Jessica Scarcella Spanton presented the birthday celebrant with a Proclamation.
Dennis Mangiero, the North Central Kiwanis Club’s event chairman, explained: “The North Central Kiwanis supports many veteran organizations here on Staten Island. Louis Lupinacci was one of the 50 World War II Veterans that we had honored in 2017. And when we found out that he was still with us at 100 years-old, we thought It was only right to have him back and celebrate him only, for this very rare milestone. We have such admiration for Louis and all veterans.”
Mangiero said what made Louis even more special is that there are estimated to be a few thousand D-Day Veterans still alive today.
“There is so much talk about legends in sports, but the real living legends are about people whose sacrifices made us free. Louis Lupinacci thank you very much for your service,” he added.
Borough President Vito Fossella was also on hand and presented Lupinacci with a proclamation naming Oct. 9 Louis “Louie” Lupinacci Day on Staten Island.
“Louis Lupinacci epitomizes what is great about Staten Island and America. From his service during World War II to his selfless commitment to the much loved Kiwanis Club and the Staten Island community. Louis has led by example, with compassion, kindness, determination and persistence. Faith, family, friendship and freedom ate at the core of Louie. we re so luck that he is still going strong at 100,” noted Borough President Fossella.
“We do a lot for veterans, but we couldn’t do it if it weren’t for veterans like you. I wish you nothing but the best and another 100 years for you,” said Dennis Gable, Kiwanis lieutenant governor,
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Nicholas LoRusso noted that it was a tremendous honor for him to be attending the event. “Mr. Lupinacci I am honored to be wearing the same uniform that you wore in the U.S. Army. For you it was the “Day that will live in Infamy,” and for me it was 9/11. You are a real inspiration. I have been in the Army for 17 years and you exemplify the Army values of Loyalty, Honor, Respect and in World War II selfless service and personal courage.”
“I’ll never forget today as long as I live for another 100 years,” Lupinacci said to a rousing round of laughter. “It’s the work that the military do that I know of, and because of that I can sleep at night. That was a great generation. They fought so hard and had so much love for one another. By the time basic training was over you couldn’t split us up. And thank you to the guys who never made it home,” he said before asking everyone to rise to remember them.
A LITTLE ABOUT LUPINACCI’S LIFE
Born to Margaret (Pace) and Vincent Lupinacci on Saturday, Sept. 13, 1924, Lupinacci’s grew up at 57 Mott Street in the Little Italy neighborhood of Manhattan along with siblings, Vincent, George, Camille and Louis (who passed away at a very young) — “Uncle Louie” was named after him.
He enlisted in the US Army during World War II and trained in Fort Sheridan as a machine gunner. He landed in the first wave on Omaha Beach known as Easy Red as a machine gunner during the Invasion of Normandy on Tuesday, June 6, 1944.
Lupinacci explained it was a time when the beaches had to be secured so they worked their way through France, Belgium, Holland, Scotland, England and Germany.
After he returned home he became part of the 52/20 Club which meant that the U.S. government gave service men $20 per week for 52 weeks.
With jobs difficult to come by, Lupinacci took a position in a company that packed frozen fish, before his uncle offered him a job in a construction company where he worked his way up to foreman and then supervisor. Lupinacci retired from that job after 42 years of service.
He met his wife Nancy in 1948 when she worked — along with Lupinacci’s sister Camille — in the former Chemical Bank on Canal Street in Chinatown.
They Lupinacci’s would say their I’do’s on Jan. 20, 1951 in St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Rosebank — the commuity where Lupinacci lives to this day — followed by a reception at The Murat Club in St George.
Through the years Lupinacci was an usher in St. Joseph and St. Mary Immaculate R.C. Church.
The Lupinaccis spent their honeymoon in Quebec, Canada where they traveled by train. They were married for 56 years until she passed away in 2007.
SOME FUN FACTS
In 2008, at 84 years old, Lupinacci traveled to Hong Kong to visit his godchild, Veronica, and her family. From there they took a cruise on the Yangtze River and climbed 1,000 ft on The Great Wall of China.
Then in 2013 he traveled to Europe with Veronica and her husband Eddie and their first stop was France, where they visited the first tower he liberated. They would tour Normandy beach and went to the exact spot where Lupinacci landed during World War II and visited the cemetery and with grace & dignity a ceremony was held for him while the flag was raised
They also visited the village of Bayou where the native people thanked him for serving and went on to visit Paris, Venice, Florence and Rome.
The Lupinacci’s favorite dining spot for dinner was Forlini’s in Manhattan.
Lupinacci is a member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars LaBetti Post in Rosebank.
He bowled for many years up until the age of 96 at Rab’s Country Lanes in Dongan Hills.
His favorite pastimes include gardening and cooking along with taking trips to Atlantic City where he and his wife Nancy often played the slots.
He was an active member of St. Charles Seminary when it was open.
Throughout the years Lupinacci was a chauffeur, and still enjoys his trips to the casino.
He enjoys following new recipes, watching football and the New York Yankees
However, his greatest accomplishment was becoming a father figure to his nephews Bobby and Wayne, along with his many nieces and other nephews and creating precious memories with extended family and friends who’ve now grown to include their children and their children’s children.
Happy 100th birthday “Uncle Louie!”
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(c) 2024 Staten Island Advance
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