Vinnie Mulinaro turns 101 years old
Beach resident Vinnie Mulinaro believes in simple philosophies in life – such as dancing, kissing girls and being happy.
Those philosophies have extended his life into triple digits. The Carbondale, Penn., native recently celebrated his 101st birthday at the Bay Oaks Social Seniors Potluck Birthday Party at Chapel by the Sea. The event was a somewhat-surprise party (you do not want to fully surprise a 101-year-old man for obvious reasons) and sponsored by Senior’s Helping Seniors, an organization that provides Mulinaro’s care-giving service.
Not that the smiling man appears to need any help from anyone. With his fellow B.O.S.S. members, he has enjoyed playing bocce, playing cards (he won at speed rummy the day before his birthday bash) and singing. He is currently seeking a dancing partner to dance the night away. Any takers, ladies?
“I’m looking for a dancing partner. I’ll even buy her ticket,” said Vinnie, who named polka, cha-cha, rhumba, the twist and square dancing as some of his favorite dances. “That’s the secret of my longevity of life -philosophies.”
His list of philosophies sounded like those of a well-mannered boy scout.
“You try to do a good dead everyday. If you see a person without a smile, give him one of yours,” said Vinnie, who has been on the Beach for 38 years. “I never talk about anyone, only if they are present to defend themselves. And, I love to hear stories.”
Those around Vinnie know he can tell a few stories himself. He mentioned he was a Marine who fought bandits in Central America.
“That was a long time ago,” he said.
While getting ready to cut his birthday cake, he told a heartfelt story about being at his ailing wife’s bedside at Hope Hospice. Then, he proceeded to sing the song that he had sung to her.
“She died happy,” he said. “As I held her in my arms, she caressed my face. I gave her a lingering kiss.”
Mulinaro’s care givers said that Vinnie has no dietary restrictions and that he eats anything he wants. His favorite food is fried chicken, which he savored at the potluck.
When he was at Hope Hospice to spend time with his dying wife, the staff declared him an angel because he would help other people who were suffering with grief. The angel/ grief counselor seems to enjoy putting a smile on anybody’s face.
“I feel beautiful,” he said, when asked about his health. “I can get up and dance right now with any young lady who would like to dance.”
He remembers back when he was a young 94 years of age and had the opportunity to join B.O.S.S. for the first time. That thought brought a smile to his own face.
“The happiest day was when Laurie (Satalino, the former BOSS program coordinator) called me and invited me here. I’ve been happy every day since,” said Vinnie. “I love all my friends here.”
Mulinaro dances twice a month at Bayside Estates, where he is a member of the Bayside Men’s Club. But, he appears to enjoy it at B.O.S.S. functions as well, due to the solid ratio of more women than men.
“I just received a kiss from that beautiful young lady over there,” he said, pointing to someone across the table from him.
Vinnie said he retired from his own garment pressing business at age 62. He is one of 13 children, and the eldest of the four remaining siblings.
“I’ve got a sister in Boca Raton, a brother in Cleveland and a sister in Jersey,” he said.
Longevity doesn’t appear to run in his blood, though. He recalled his father passed away at age 51 and his mother died at age 72.
Those around the elder man call him “special” and “a joy to be around.” The current B.O.S.S. program coordinator calls her “gang” special as well.
“We all look at Vinnie and think this is great. I hope when I’m Vinnie’s age that I am dancing and having fun,” said Irma Divine, a Beach resident herself. “The whole gang gets together and helps him if he needs it. It’s very special.”
While age 102 may be close to a year away, Mulinaro will take it one day at a time.
“I say the secret of longevity is to be happy, have philosophies and tell stories and thank God for every day you wake up and see the sky,” he said.