Anthony “Tony the Kid” Barrasso Honored on his 100th Birthday

Those who know 100-year-old Anthony “Tony the Kid” Barrasso will tell you the tough World War II veteran still has a lot of fire in his belly as he reached a special birthday milestone last Thursday at the Don Orione Nursing Home in East Boston.

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“Tony the Kid” Barrasso was honored last week during his 100th birthday celebration at the Don Orione Nursing Home.

Barrasso, a WWII veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and in General George Patton’s Army, was all smiles last week as elected officials and veterans representatives turned out wish him a happy birthday during a special celebration at the nursing home.

Citations, an American flag that once flew over the White House, veteran’s pins and other gifts were presented to Barrasso from the likes of Rep. Adrian Madaro, City Councilor Lydia Edwards, VA Boston Healthcare System Director Vincent Ng, Chief of Geriatrics and Extended Care Service Line of VA Boston Healthcare System Dr. Steven Simon, Mass Secretary of Veterans Services Francisco A. Urena, and the Don Orione’s Executive Director Tom Lynch.

The adult daycare room was filled to capacity with Barrasso’s friends and family as well as Don Orione staff and residents to watch Barrasso, dressed in patriotic red, white and blue receive the 100th birthday celebration he deserved.

“I’m blessed to be here to honor an extraordinary veteran named Mr. Anthony Barrasso who turned 100 years old today,” said Edwards. “Mr. Barrasso fought bravely in the Battle of the Bulge and in Gen. Patton’s army. His impressive life deserves an impressive birthday party.”

Madaro, who presented Barrasso with a citation from the House of Representatives added, “Today we are celebrating 100 years of life for Anthony Barrasso. Anthony is  a veteran of World War II, and that is an incredible feat that he is here today. But he’s also a son of East Boston, and so it’s very special to be surrounded by so many friends and family and fellow veterans to mark this incredible occasion.”

Following a series of speeches and gifts Barrasso, known among the Don Orione staff as quite the crooner, led the room in the Happy Birthday song.

Before being led back to his table to enjoy a fully catered lunch, Barrasso’s daughter, Denice, gave an emotional thank you to her father.

“Thank you daddy, for showing me respect, for showing me love . . . you and mommy showed me the world,” said Denice Barrasso. “You’re a good father, a good grandfather, a good husband, a good friend, you’re a good man, and I love you. And I’d like to take you another 100 years. I love you daddy.”

The 100-year-old Barrasso smiled, waved and saluted all who had come out to make his birthday a little more special.

Lynch remarked after the festivities that there will always be a strong connection between the Veterans Health Administration and the Don Orione Home.

“The History of these Health Care Providers is remarkable,” said Lynch. “The Veterans Health Administration began during the Civil War March 1865 and The Don Orione Home

started March 1949. Together we believe honoring our veterans and elderly will help us create a brighter future for all.”

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