Celebrating Louis Lupinacci's Birthday: 'We're So Lucky That He Is Still Going Strong At 100'

Borough President Vito Fossella presented a proclamation to Louis (Louie) Lupinacci in honor of his 100th birthday during a centennial bash on Oct. 9 at the Staaten.

The proclamation declared Oct. 9 as “Louis (Louie) Lupinacci Day” in the “Borough of Staten Island.”

“Louis Lupinacci epitomizes what is great about Staten Island and America,” said Borough President Fossella. “From his service during World War II to his selfless commitment to the much-loved Kiwanis Club and the Staten Island community, Louis has led by example, with compassion, kindness, determination, and persistence. Faith, family, friendship, and freedom are at the core of Louie. We’re so lucky that he is still going strong at 100.”

Affectionally known as Uncle Louie, he was born to Margaret and Vincent Lupinacci on September 13, 1924, and grew up on 57 Mott Street in New York City. He enlisted in the United States Army during World War II and trained as a machine gunner at Fort Sheridan. He landed in the first wave on Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy and continued securing beaches throughout the European War Theatre.

Upon his discharge, Mr. Lupinacci returned home and was employed in a frozen fish packing company before his uncle secured him a job at a construction company.

Mr. Lupinacci met his future wife, Nancy, while she was working at Chemical Bank on Canal Street in Manhattan with his sister, Camille. They were married in St. Mary’s Church in Rosebank on January 20, 1951, and held their reception at the Murat Club in St. George. They traveled by train through Canada for their honeymoon and settled in Rosebank upon their return home. The couple were married for 56 years before Nancy’s passing in August 2007.

In 2008, at the age of 84, Mr. Lupinacci traveled to Hong Kong to visit his godchild, Veronica, and her family. In 2013, he traveled with Veronica, and her husband, Eddie, to France, where they visited the first tower he liberated and visited the exact spot where he landed at Normandy. During a visit to a World War II cemetery, a flag was poignantly raised in his honor.

​​(Photo courtesy of the Lupinacci family)