SOUTH BOSTON, MA – World War II Army Veteran Ottavio Cerullo rang in his 100th birthday in style on April 26th alongside his sister and the residents and staff of Compass on the Bay in South Boston. Affectionately known as Ott, the Memory Support Assisted Living community pulled out all the stops for his birthday, including a giant cake made by the community’s dining team, balloons, a surprise birthday video with all of his friends, and special citations from State Representative David Biele and Boston’s Commissioner of Veterans Services Robert Santiago recognizing Ottavio’s service.
Local Southie residents may remember Ottavio after a request for cards for his 99th birthday last year drew widespread attention and a celebratory car parade down Columbia Road. While Ottavio did get to enjoy some time on Compass on the Bay’s porch over the weekend, waving to well wishers driving by, he was most excited to spend the milestone birthday with his sister Yolanda, who also lives with him at the community.
“It’s such an honor to be able to celebrate Ottavio’s life like this, and we’re so grateful to the members of our community who pitched in to make his day so special,” said Compass on the Bay’s Executive Director Jenna Petrenko. “This was an event that I know I’ll never forget.”
Located on Columbia Road for more than 25 years, Compass on the Bay is an Assisted Living Community dedicated exclusively to those with Memory Loss. For more information on Compass on the Bay, visit www.CompassontheBay.com. To view more photos and videos from Ottavio’s birthday celebration, visit www.Facebook.com/CompassontheBay.