Mayor Nutter Honors Roxborough, Mt. Airy 100-Year-Olds

With one century in the books, William Henry and Daniel Rendine have learned to mke their years count.

Henry, a 101-year-old Mt. Airy resident, transitioned from a driving school instructor to a career working for the School District of Philadelphia.

A robust 102-year-old from Roxborough, Rendine worked as an assistant district attorney, formed his own law firm and became president of the United Way.

The city honored these 100-year-olds and nearly 100 of their peers at the Mayor's 12th-annual Centenarian Celebration, held at Penn's Landing Caterers and the Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall Thursday.

Calling it "a celebration for the ages," Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter thanked and gave tribute to those in attendance.

"Each of you have contributed and shared so much of your lives to the City of Philadelphia," Nutter said. "You lived here, worked here, and raised your family here. For that, I thank you very much."

Philadelphia has 452 centenarians, according to City Representative Melanie Johnson, whose office hosted the event. She cited statistics from the Social Security Administration, which also helped with the event, saying the United States has the most 100-year-olds worldwide, with about 72,000 living.

Twenty-two Northwest Philadelphia citizens attended the lunch. Though a majority are from Germantown, the following local resident were also honored:

• Mitchell Atkins, 99, from Mt. Airy. Born in Florida.
• Josephine Cetera, 100, from Manayunk. Born in Pennsylvania.
• Eula Cousins, 109, from Andorra. Born in North Carolina.
• Gertrude Johnson, 100, from Mt. Airy. Born in Chester, PA.
• Frank Winkler, 99, from Roxborough. Born in Philadelphia.

Henry said there's no hidden gimmick to his longevity.

"When you reach my age, there's no secrets about anything anymore," he said.

He moved to Mt. Airy in 1977 and will turn 102 June 27. He has nearly 20 grand- and great-great children.

"I try to be active. Anything I get a chance to do, I'll try to do it."

The oldest man in attendance, Rendine was joined by his son and daughter-in-law. He lives on Bells Mill Road with his new roomate—his grandson recently began caring for him.

In addition to his career in public service, Rendine was an avid golfer in South Philadelphia and Bala Cynwyd.

"I have five hole-in-ones to my name and became a two handicap," he said. Rendine has two grandchildren, with one great-grandchild on the way.

He was joined at his table by 112-year-old Anna Henderson. The West Philadephian was the oldest person in attendance.