Several Johnston residents found themselves in the spotlight during the 42nd annual Governor’s Centenarian Brunch held last Friday at The Bridge at Cherry Hill.
Emma Pezza, Angela McCord, Julio Rotondo, Rose DiOrio, Amado Cuomo, Louise Moreno, Orlando Ricci and Phillip DeVito represented the town, along with 49 other Rhode Islanders who are 100 years of age or older.
“Congratulations – you are the greatest generation of all time,” Gov. Gina M. Raimondo told the attendees.
Raimondo was also honored during the brunch. Mario Hilario, a news anchor-reporter for NBC 10 announced, that it was the governor’s birthday, as well.
Almost instantly, each and every attendee began singing “Happy Birthday” to Raimondo.
“All Rhode Islanders deserve an opportunity to design and live a fulfilling life,” the governor said. “They deserve the peace of mind that when needed, support will be there. I am working to promote healthy and fulfilling aging through valuable and proven programs and services.”
The event was held as part of Older Americans Month, and Raimondo spoke of the important of the state’s senior population.
“Rhode Island’s older population is increasing rapidly, with more than 30 percent of residents age 55 or over,” she said. “Moreover, the state has the highest proportion in the nation of [people] 85 and older, with a number of those older adults aging to, or past, 100 years.”
Raimondo let it be known that Emma Pezza, at 108 years old, was the eldest woman present. She also congratulated Emile Brassard of East Providence as the eldest gentleman at Friday’s brunch.
The governor additionally announced she will continue to include funding for transportation programs that serve older adults, expand home and community care programs and invest in the direct-support workforce in her state fiscal year 2020 budget. She also continues to support investments in Rhode Island’s healthcare and increased funding for seniors centers.
“We simply cannot do enough to recognize and celebrate the many contributions elders make to the betterment of our state,” Division of Elderly Affairs Director Rose Amoros Jones said. “We owe them our gratitude and a commitment to ensuring they have all they need to age healthfully and happily.”
Raimondo also presented several gifts, including one to Maryann Grace, the executive director at The Bridge at Cherry Hill – her former babysitter – who was assisted in co-hosting the brunch with sales/community relations manager Jen Burns.
Below are notes about the Johnstonians who were honored at the brunch.
Emma Pezza (108): Emma got married in 1931 during the depression. Her husband lost his job, so to save money they would just sit in the car in the sun. One day a family friend came by and gave them $1,000 to start a business. With the help of God and a lot of hard work, they developed a business and employed over 100 people. Her younger brother, Julio Rotondo, is 99 and will reach the century mark in December.
Rose DiOrio (104): Rose’s favorite memories are the birth of her two daughters and being blessed to have three great-great grandchildren.
Sue Mandato (101): Sue said marrying her wonderful husband, Joe, and the birth of her son are the highlights of her life.
Amado Cuomo (99): Amado said the most important point in his life was when he married his wife, Kathryn.
Louise Moreno (99): Louise loved raising her three children. She was also a caregiver for over 60 years for her mother, father, sister and husband.
Angela McCord (101): Angela’s most important day was the day she got married. She’s the sister of Emma Pezza and Julio Rotondo.
Orlando Ricci (104): Orlando, who is featured in a book of the nation’s top 100 centenarians, said the most memorable moment was the day he married his wife, Marie. Every day, he gets up, reads the paper from front to back, goes to the Johnston Senior Center for lunch and meets his friends to play cribbage. He’s also an avid golfer and has shot two holes-in-one.
Phillip DeVito (101): Phil was the happiest working in his yard, especially gardening. To this day, Phil always enjoys his daily cigar, weather permitting.
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