With his loved ones by his side, Tarascio marked the milestone with the sense of gratitude that has long defined his days. For him, the secret is not luck, nor exceptional genetics, but the ability to recognise the value of each day lived.
“It’s gratitude and love for my family that have always guided me through life,” he once told me quietly, sharing what he calls his “secret to longevity”.
In the lush greenery of his garden, Tarascio celebrated alongside his beloved wife Pina and their four children (Adriana, Marisa, Salvatore and Nadia), his eight grandchildren and his 10 great-grandchildren.
It was a day filled with warm words, heartfelt hugs and lasting memories, honouring a deeply loved father, grandfather and great-grandfather—a symbol of courage and dedication.
“Thank you for the love and respect you have always shown him,” his wife Pina said emotionally during the celebrations.
“He earned all of this through his good manners and his positive nature. Credit where it’s due.”
To those closest to him, Tarascio has always been “a great example of love, positivity, kindness and humility, justice, compassion, honour and respect”.
Even today, he continues to pass on the values of a life lived with integrity and purpose, while keeping a youthful spirit. Perhaps that, more than anything, is his secret—a man who still watches the world with curiosity, lives with a full heart and never stops being grateful or resilient.
“My life has been a constant struggle,” he said, visibly moved. “Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate the years I’ve lived—hard years, difficult years.
“My youth was marked when I was 20. I was at war, part of the 35th Bomber Wing,” he recalled.
“My life depended on two fragile wings that took us into the sky every day. Each morning, I left without knowing if I would return.
“That was my life as a young man, but today I’m happy to be here with you, celebrating this day.”
