DeVito celebrates birthday during Manton Christmas Party

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The Manton Seniors, the state’s oldest operating independent senior citizens organization, upheld its storied holiday tradition recently with its annual Christmas Party at Twelve Acres Restaurant in Smithfield.
This year’s bash, however, may have been somewhat different from years past when many Manton members wished their long-serving and beloved President Lorie DeVito a heart-felt “Happy Birthday.”
“Where’s the cake?” someone queried to DeVito, who was born on Dec. 16, 1935, and has kept the parties and bowling league going throughout her 20-plus years as president.
“I’m 84 years old. I don’t need another cake,” she said.
However, the famed Calamari Brothers – which now includes Bill Moretti on keyboard, Tony DelSignore on drums and the legendary Vinny Lato on saxophone – gave DeVito a “Happy Birthday” tune along with music that people danced to throughout the afternoon holiday happening.
“Lorie is quite the lady,” said Tom Bianco, a one-time Manton Seniors treasurer who along with his wife, Donna, has been part of the group’s landscape for as long as DeVito, who has twice beaten a battle with cancer. “She has always made our parties special.”
Likewise, DeVito has been ably assisted by her daughter Joann Kryzek, who serves as treasurer and helps make events like the Christmas Party, Italian Gala and St. Patrick’s-St. Joseph’s Day parties special by way of the Manton Seniors raffles.
So on a recent Sunday, DeVito hosted yet what many folks called a “perfect party,” complete with music and best wishes.
“We will not be meeting again until Sunday, March 15, 2020, when we have our annual Valentine’s-St. Patrick’s Day Party,” DeVito announced. “The Calamaris will be back here; we’ll have the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner as well as scrod, and we’ll hold the crowning of our Manton Seniors King and Queen.”
Tickets for that event, she said, cost $30 per person. Those interested can call DeVito at 232-2499.
DeVito also announced in the “event of illness or a person’s passing” to please call Irene Calicchia at 944-1954.

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