At the remarkable age of 103, World War II veteran Frank Pugliano Sr. recently celebrated his birthday, surrounded by loved ones in Boyce Park, just outside of Pittsburgh. Donned in his World War II veteran jacket and hat, Pugliano enjoyed a festive setup complete with tables adorned with small American flags.
During the celebration, Pugliano, who looked back on his extraordinary life, described the day as the “greatest day of his life.” Reflecting on his longevity, he shared with WTAE, “I never thought I’d be here at 103, going from what I went through. You never know. A lot of my friends never made it, but I made it.”
Born in Italy, Pugliano moved to the U.S. when he was six years old and graduated from Penn Hills High School in 1942. He soon enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving three years in the Pacific theater. One of the pivotal moments in his military career was surviving a Japanese torpedo attack during a convoy mission to Luzon in the Philippines, an event that unfortunately saw the loss of many young soldiers.
After being honorably discharged in 1945, Pugliano returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Strough. The couple shared 65 years together before she passed away in 2011. Professionally, Pugliano worked as a diesel mechanic specializing in heavy equipment.
When asked about the secret to his long and healthy life, Pugliano surprisingly credits his longevity to Coca-Cola and dark chocolate, highlighting that sometimes the simplest pleasures can have the most impact.
Previously, after his 100th birthday, he attributed his long life to “good Italian genes” and an active lifestyle, saying in a 2021 interview with TRIBLive, “I keep busy. I cut my own grass. My diet is whatever I want to eat, I eat.” His son, Frank Pugliano Jr., also remarked on his father’s exceptional health and youthful mindset, calling it “absolutely incredible.”
It goes to show that perhaps there isn’t one perfect formula for longevity, but a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and perhaps a bit of indulgence in one’s favorite treats. Whatever the case, Frank Pugliano Sr.’s story is truly inspiring.