Dominick Sanzo, a Central City native and World War II veteran, celebrated his 100th birthday May 19 at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

HOLLIDAYSBURG — A Central City native and World War II veteran known for working hard and caring deeply for his family was honored with a surprise 100th birthday party at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home on May 19.

Dominick Sanzo was born in 1922, the same year the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated and the first radio was introduced in the White House by President Warren G. Harding.

He’s a proud first generation American who was born in Central City to Elizabeth and Veto Sanzo, an Italian immigrant, said his family.

He’s also a proud veteran, having joined the Army in 1942 and served as a medical technician in Central Burma — known today as Myanmar — from 1944-46, holding the rank of Staff Sergeant.

“He was a medical technician in WWII, so it’s more than just being a medic,” said Hollidaysburg Veterans Home Commandant Samuel Dunkle. “It’s a higher grade.”

Honorably discharged in 1946, Sanzo was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, a Good Conduct Medal and a Victory Medal, Dunkle said.

“I know he’s one of the only World War II veterans left in Central City,” his great-granddaughter, Jayda Ferko, said. “It’s an honor … we’re proud of him for what he’s done for everyone and everything.”

After the war, Sanzo married Mary Ethel Harclerode in 1949 and the couple made Central City their home, raising four children: Robert, Richard, Donna and Theresa.

Mary passed away in 2019, after 72 years of marriage, the family said. Richard, Donna and Theresa also passed away, “but are remembered and loved by their father,” the Sanzo family said.

After an honorable discharge from the Army, Sanzo went on to work as a coal truck driver and equipment operator.

For a brief period, he was part owner and operator of an excavation company as well, the family said.

“He was constantly working,” said his son, Bob. “He had over 70 years in the United Mine Workers of America and I think he worked close to 50 years for Wright’s Coal Company.”

The family prepared Sanzo’s biography prior to the party and in the piece, Bob recounted his father’s retirement at the age of 65.

“Dominick lined up his hard hat, thermos and lunch box on the ground and drove over them with a payloader to officiate his retirement,” Bob said.

Sanzo didn’t slow down after retirement, though, his family said.

Faith and family were always important — he’s a lifelong member of Our Lady of Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Central City — and he enjoyed being outdoors and talking with friends over a cold beer, they said.

A lifelong member of the American Legion, he is also the last charter member of the VFW Post 7457, attending VFW meetings until he was 96.

With a smile on his face, Sanzo said he was enjoying his party, where he received letters from Gov. Tom Wolf, state Sen. Judy Ward and state Rep. Lou Schmidt.

But, while Sanzo received gifts, he gave one, too.

As part of the festivities, Sanzo received replacements for the military medals he lost over the years.

Sanzo looked at the medals laid out in a shadow box and then passed them down to his grandson, Brayden Sanzo, for “safekeeping” and for him “to be proud of,” he said.

Looking at the medals, the 8-year-old said he was proud to have them.

“I love him very much, and I’m thankful that he gave me them,” Brayden said.

Working with veterans is special, Dunkle said.

“A lot of people compare it to a fraternity or sorority,” Dunkle said. “There is no rank amongst the veterans. We just consider ourselves brothers and sisters in arms.”

“I’m very proud of him,” Bob said of his father.

Mirror Staff Writer Rachel Foor is at 814-946-7458.

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