California WWII veteran Sam Avolicino, who ran the Nuremberg Opera House during the war, celebrated his 103rd birthday last month.
Avolicino, known for hosting famous entertainers such as Bob Hope and Mickey Rooney, shared his secrets for a fulfilling life. He attributes his longevity to good food, good wine, and his "wonderful wife" Agnes, whom he has been married to for nearly 72 years.
Avolicino, who hails from the Calabria region of southern Italy, immigrated to the United States with his mother when he was just three months old. They settled in Oakland, California, where his father and other family members were already living. Avolicino grew up in the Bay Area and enjoyed a successful academic career, becoming class president and a yell leader.
During World War II, Avolicino volunteered in the Army Air Force as a physical training instructor. He trained troops in St. Petersburg, Florida, teaching them yells and songs. After attending the School for Physical Training in Miami, Avolicino was transferred to Fresno, California, then Glendale, California, and finally Fort Dix, where he prepared to go overseas. However, he arrived in France just one day before the war ended and was reassigned to special services. His CEO assigned him to the Nuremberg Opera House, where he entertained troops and coordinated performances by American entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jack Benny, and the Rockettes.
Avolicino also made arrangements with the Germans to allow them access to the opera house one day a week to put on their own operas and ballets. He even organized the first Christmas mass in the opera house in 1945, while many troops were still waiting to go home.
It was during his time in Glendale, before being shipped overseas, that Avolicino met his future wife, Agnes. They met at a party and connected through her family. Agnes kept their relationship alive through letters while Avolicino was overseas, and he saved those love letters to this day. After returning to California, Avolicino asked Agnes to marry him, and they have been together ever since.
The Avolicinos have four children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Despite his frequent travels for work, Avolicino always made time for his family. He worked as a baseball coach and even found time to mentor his son, Steve, in his own business ventures.
Avolicino's love for life and his family is evident to those who know him. He enjoys every day and is currently involved in three different football pools. He has also taken up making his own greeting cards with personalized sayings. His advice to younger generations is to focus on family, faith, and prayer. He recommends that children believe in God, attend church, and respect and listen to their parents, despite the challenges posed by outside influences in today's world.
On his 103rd birthday, Avolicino received the key to the city of Danville, where he resides. The mayor of Danville presented him with this honor, recognizing his service in World War II and his contributions to the community. Avolicino expressed his gratitude for the recognition, calling it a "great, great thing."
Sam Avolicino's remarkable life and his enduring love for his wife and family serve as an inspiration to all. His passion for good food, good wine, and a positive outlook on life are undoubtedly contributing factors to his longevity.
As he celebrates his 103rd birthday, Avolicino continues to enjoy each day, cherishing his family and embracing new hobbies. His advice to younger generations to prioritize family, faith, and prayer is a testament to the values that have guided him throughout his long and adventurous life.
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