Party of the century

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It is not very common to find an individual who has lived to see their 100th year, or even their 95th. It’s even less common to find these rare people living on the same block. Such occasions are surely a cause for celebration and that is exactly what occurred on the 1800 block of Ritner Street.

Margaret DiPiero, who turned 100 March 10, and James P. Zaccaria, who turned 95 July 15, have seen a lot during their lifetimes. Though neither was born in South Philadelphia or even Pennsylvania, both share their fondest memories on the block they now call home.

July 18, to celebrate these two individuals, neighbors came together for a party that was a month in the making. About 200 people, including some from New Jersey, joined in the festivities.

"The whole block got together and everyone cooked something. We bought kegs and soda and had a DJ impersonating Frank Sinatra," Annamaria Ferriola, one of the organizers, said. "Our dessert table looked like a wedding. Everyone came out for the party. We wanted to make this as amazing as possible for them."

The event was a surprise until the last minute.

"I was very pleased with the turnout and the friendliness of the people. It made me feel young again," Zaccaria said.

James P. Zaccaria, 95, second from left, stands with Rev. Joseph Kelley of St. Monica’s Church, his daughter, Patricia Postorivo, and son, Joseph on the day of the party.

The guests of honor have ties to the Abruzzo, Italy. DiPiero was born in Chieti, and Zaccaria’s parents were from Vasto, though he was born in Baltimore, Md. Both have spent a majority of their lives in the area, with DiPiero occupying the very same house she does now, a home her grandmother purchased in the 1930s. She was the first Italian to live on her block, she said. Her family chose the location due to its proximity to St. Monica’s, 2422 S. 17th St.

DiPiero, the youngest of 11 children, spent her childhood, along with her twin sister and older siblings, at a convent school in Italy. That is where she became an accomplished seamstress, a skill that helped her keep steady work during The Depression.

"She did a lot of sewing for my sisters and I when we were kids and I especially remember some really lovely Halloween costumes she made for us" niece Bernadette Casiello said.

Zaccaria also worked in the clothing business for more than 50 years as a factory supervisor. He was also an amateur boxer.

"I enjoyed the sport and I was doing very well until I came home one day and my father saw me with a cut lip," Zaccaria said. "He begged me to stop and I stopped immediately. I was 19 at the time."

Zaccaria bypassed serving in World War II, he said, although "my brothers were, but I was allowed to stay home to take care of my parents. I was on call, if needed."

DiPiero and Zaccaria were sure to notice some changes to their neighborhood. People come and go, places change, but both assure the kindness of their neighbors has been consistent.

"Today, we’re very fortunate to be getting an influx of very friendly younger people," Zaccaria said.

The most glaring change is the number of cars in the neighborhood.

"My aunt always remarks about how many cars are on the street and how crazy the parking is," Casiello said.

"We could play ball, but now you can’t even move. The parking situation is outrageous but people manage. Everyone seems to manage somehow," Zaccaria said.

And there are always new ways to enjoy life. DiPiero, who employs a live-in aide, spends time with her 12 nieces, nephews and grandnieces and -nephews, some which reside in other countries. When she was younger, she would take care of her sisters’ children to the point where they would refer to her as a second mother.

"No matter what anyone in the family needed, Aunt Margaret was always there. She helped everybody. We used to call her the Energizer Bunny; she’s not even 5-feet tall," Casiello said.

Family-orientated Zaccaria, who doesn’t drink or smoke, is active in his community. He was founder and a president of the Fathers and Sons of St. Monica’s Parish and holds the title of lifetime executive chairman. Founded in 1956, the organization meets weekly to participate in sports and other activities. Zaccaria is still a man about town, taking the bus to the casino, as well as going out to dinner and the theater.

Whether the source of longevity is family, friends or God, as Zaccaria believes, or something as simple as eating hot peppers with everything, which is DiPiero’s secret, these individuals are living long — and full — lives. Zaccaria has a simple formula:

"Enjoy living, and enjoy life. Keep on going," he said.