It’s their celebration
of the century

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

Most Philadelphia residents were still buzzing about the next mayor days after last week’s primary election.
But not Castor Gardens resident Harry Goldflam. Each year, he attends a special party hosted by the current mayor, John Street.
"Mayor Street’s my best friend," he said.
After all, turning 102 warrants a celebration with the most important of people.
On Friday, the city held a big birthday bash for more than 50 residents who are either turning 100 this year or who have already passed a century of living.
The Mayor’s Centenarian Celebration, which includes lunch, music and the cutting of a birthday cake, began in 2001 when City Hall turned 100. Since then, more and more centenarians have attended the party with their families.
"They love it, they look forward to it," Deputy City Representative Janis Pierce said of the event. "I got calls back in November."
The event honored the more than 500 centenarians that live citywide. The oldest resident in the city is West Philadelphia resident Anna Henderson, who is 107.
With 152 residents who are either over 100 or are turning 100 this year, the Northeast boasts the largest number of centenarians. The oldest are 106.
Bustleton resident Anthony Brusich, 103, emigrated from Croatia in 1927 and did maintenance for the Reading Railroad.
Brusich, who has smiling eyes and a quick laugh, loves the Phillies and the Eagles, but not the fact that the latter team can’t make it to another Super Bowl.
"I think that they don’t want it (enough)," he said.
Somerton resident Abraham Keyser will turn 100 on Nov. 8. He offers a rhyming response to anyone who asks him how he’s doing:
"I’m fine and dandy like a piece of candy."
Keyser, who wore a dapper hat bought by his only child specifically for the occasion, said he keeps active by going on trips and exercising in bed every day. The former machine shop worker and grandfather of two also plays bingo, visits with his rabbi and participates in a men’s club.
"I feel very good," said Keyser. "I keep moving around. You have to keep moving your muscles."
Former Lawndale resident Marie Gerdelmann, who turns 100 in September, eagerly anticipated attending the celebration.
"I didn’t sleep," she admitted.
The never-married Gerdelmann stays active by doing word puzzles, reading and participating in other activities at Deer Meadows retirement community.
Antoinette DeCristoforo came to the event dressed in a pink sweater and pearls with her younger sister Connie Ucciferri and niece Jackie Mullin.
DeCristoforo, who lives in St. John Neumann Nursing Home, got married at age 15 and worked the assembly line for Philco Ford. She’s stayed 100 years young by looking the part, she says.
"People ask, ‘How did you get rid of your wrinkles?’ I say, ‘Don’t be silly, I never had wrinkles,’" she said.
Goldflam, a retired entrepreneur and travel agent, still lives like he did in his double-digit ages. He has outlived his wife and two children and is a great-great grandfather, to 3-month old Evan.
"He still drives; he lives alone; he makes his meals," said grandson Steven Goldflam.
Goldflam emigrated from Poland to Cuba and moved to Philadelphia after the Depression. He speaks seven languages and is credited with opening the first kosher restaurant in Cuba. Throughout his life, he’s maintained a generosity that still touches his grandson.
"No matter who it is, he wants to give you something," Steven Goldflam said. "He always gives to others."
As he bustled around the room waiting for the mayor, who was due to arrive later in the afternoon, Goldflam showed everyone that he encountered a copy of a 2006 Northeast Times article that featured a picture of him with his favorite politician. He keeps the clip in his pocket along with pictures of his family members, according to his grandson.
Steven Goldflam thinks his grandfather keeps going by always having something to look forward to. It certainly seems that the centenarian still has a lot more life to live.
"Heaven can wait," Goldflam said. ••
Reporter Lauren Fritsky can be reached at 215-354-3038 or lfritsky@phillynews.com