UPPER DARBY — “I never wanted to attend this luncheon before,” confided Arlene Delozier, 105. “But, now that I’m here, I think it’s so wonderful. I wish that I came all those other years because it’s so nice!”
Delozier beamed with a great big smile, as she sat with family members at the 23rd annual Delaware County Centenarian Luncheon, held May 15 at The Drexelbrook Event Center.
Hosted by the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) and Delaware County Council, the event honors and pays tribute to county residents each year who will turn age 100 or older that year.
Delozier, whose birthday is Oct. 7, was the oldest honoree at this year’s luncheon.
Newton Meade, who will turn 102 on Aug. 23, was the oldest male attendee. He was also one of two WWII veterans who attended, with James McDaid, 100, also in attendance.
“In Delaware County, we are grateful for the thousands of older residents who contribute their time, talent and wisdom to enhance the lives of people in our communities to our businesses, our volunteer organizations, our veterans’ groups, schools, places of worship and many other valuable organizations where they invest their time,” said Monica Taylor, Chair of Delaware County Council. “We value them every day, but in May, we shine a spotlight on their contributions as we celebrate National Older Americans Month. In particular, Delaware County Council recognizes the numerous valuable contributions that today’s guests have given to our community over the past 100 years and we appreciate the contributions they continue to make every day. This luncheon is way more than just a meal. It’s an opportunity to honor our centenarians and say thank you to them.”
Taylor called the centenarians “living legends,” who have made Delco stronger. She gave thanks to them for building our neighborhoods and keeping them thriving.
The living legends were treated to a delicious lunch and dessert, as well as live music by The Legends Band and a photo shoot by a professional photographer.
Each centenarian was given a corsage or boutonniere to wear, and presented with an Exemplary Citizenship Award. Many guests brought along friends, family members and caregivers to share in their joyous celebration.
About 50 centenarians were able to attend this year’s luncheon. Taylor said an estimated 150 residents age 100 or older live in Delaware County.
The honorees couldn’t seem to say enough about the special event.
“This is such a nice celebration,” gushed Helen Angelina, 101, a resident of Lansdowne for over 50 years. This was her second opportunity to attend the annual luncheon. “It’s a wonderful day out and the food here is so good.”
Angelina was surrounded by the next three generations of family members, the youngest being only 2 months old, who helped her celebrate.
Ruth Besden, 100, and a resident of Broomall for more than 70 years, attended the luncheon with her daughter Cathy Besden-Showell of Longneck, Delaware.
“This event is fantastic,” Besden exclaimed. “I never expected this many 100-year-olds. I was really surprised when I saw how many were here!”
She said it was pure luck that she is living to be 100, and it is probably related to her genes since her parents lived until close to 90.
“I’ve lived a very good and happy life,” said Besden, a member of Overbrook High School Class of 1942.
Besden, who still lives independently and says she is in very good health, shared that she is still driving, mostly doing errands, like going to stores in her neighborhood.
“I’ve been driving for 80 years,” she said proudly. “I’m not ready to give it up yet.”
Gloria Saracino, 100, has lived 72 years in Broomall. She’s the mother of seven children. Accompanied by family members, she seemed thrilled to be honored at the luncheon.
“This event always feels warm and friendly,” Saracino shared. “The food and service are wonderful and everyone is so nice.”
Saracino attributes her longevity to her carefree attitude of “live and let live,” having “good stock” and “a good daughter” who takes care of her, Gloria Ingenico of Broomall.
Centenarians, honored by Delaware County in 2025, include Helen Angelina, Alma Bailey, Ruth Besden, Dorothy Brooks, Ruby Glenn Bullock, Mary Campbell, Marie Clarke, John Costanza, Jane Croghan, Arlene Delozier, Mabel DiTomo, Deenah Ersner, Louise Eyre, Philomena Ferriola, Sylvia Goldberg, Juanita Goss, Jean Hals, Fran Honesberger, Phyllis Huston, Ruthe Kabler, Helen Keltz, Viola Kilson, Sylvia Koban, Bernice Kuhar, Eleanor Kolajtowicz, Rosanna Lazin, James McDaid, Newton Meade, Theresa Minford, Madeline Mooney, Ann O’Grady, Betty O’Rourke, Anna Pace, Lucia Puleo, Gloria Rosanna, Gloria Saracino, Bruce Schwartz, Catherine Shaw, Gertrude Siglin, Agnes, Snead, Gladys Smith, Anne Taylor, Dot Thomas, Mary Travis, Arnel Walton, Clara Ward, Edith Witte and Marion Young.
“Each centenarian here today, challenges outdated narratives about aging,” stated Joanna King, COSA deputy director. “Their lives reflect a continued capacity to contribute, inspire and lead. They have lived through decades of change, and through it all, they have built families, supported communities and laid the foundation for future generations. As we celebrate these remarkable individuals, we also reaffirm a powerful truth: aging is not a decline, it is an achievement.”
