New City Resident Turns 103

Every birthday is a milestone in the beginning of life. Then in middle age, people tend to ignore them, unless they are hitting a new decade-mark.

But for Vitorio Gonzales, the rules have switched back to the beginning. Every birthday is a marvel, as the New City resident has made it all the way to 103.

A big community celebration was held in his honor this past week.

“When we heard that Vitorio was celebrating such a milestone, we decided to bring the party to him,” Director of Public Relations at Community Home Health Care Brenda Schwartz said.

Community Home has been providing care to Gonzales for almost a year and he “has become part of the Community family,” she said.

Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann was among the luminaries who attended the birthday celebration.

Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Gonzales started helping to support his family from a young age by working in the sugar cane fields. He worked as a janitor in a school and assisted the mayor with his election campaign.

He was very involved at his church and volunteered to give driving lessons to teenagers. Gonzales lives with his daughter and is still very active. At 103 he is full of life and continues to break out dancing when his favorite songs are playing.