Borough President Vito Fossella Names 102-Year-Old World War II Veteran & His Wife as Honorary Co-Borough Presidents For The Day

Borough President Vito Fossella named Anthony Aquaro, 102-year-old World War II veteran and NYC's oldest living firefighter, and his wife of 79 years, Gloria, as honorary “Borough Presidents of the Day” at an intimate gathering in his office.

Mr. Aquaro served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1942 to 1945. He and Gloria married in 1944 while he was on leave. After the war, he was a firefighter with Engine Co. 69 in Brooklyn for 26 years.

Noting the coincidence that the ceremony took place on D-Day, Borough President Fossella called Anthony and Gloria two of the “greatest from the greatest generation.”

“Anthony served not only his country during the war, but he served his city as a firefighter,” said Borough President Fossella. “So, he wears two hats of service -- and that tradition is being carried out by his colleagues here in the Fire Department. We just thought it would be wonderful to take a moment to honor these two individuals and what they represent – family, faith, country, service. This touches our hearts. Anthony and Gloria, you really are role models for us.”

When Mr. Aquaro was called upon to speak, he said he was at “a loss for words.”

“In my wildest dreams, I never thought this could happen to me,” Mr. Aquaro said. “I can’t tell you how I feel so deep in this heart of mine to the people who got involved in this, particularly Vito. Thank you so much. I appreciate it.”

The couple also took a few moments to watch the Tottenville High School Symphonic Band who were performing as part of our Lunch At The St. George Plaza Concert Series.

To Anthony and Gloria Aquaro, we say thank you for inspiring us.