The nation, and world, had been in the throes of the flu pandemic of 1918, as well as World War I when Al Billitier made his entry into the world on March 11 of that year.

On Sunday, Billitier, a resident of the Chapel Ridge assisted living facility in Bradford, celebrated his 100th birthday with friends and relatives at his side during a special party with cake. Attending the celebration were his son, Mike Billitier of Meadville, and his niece, Jerrine Ford from Michigan. Al Billitier also invited a good friend and neighbor of his from Chapel Ridge, Ursula Paes, to attend his birthday party.

Mike Billitier said his father was born in Hazel Hurst, likely at home. After graduating from Hazel Hurst High School, he enlisted in the 82nd Airborne, as well as the 8th Infantry and 13th Airborne Division, where he trained as a glider. He served in Germany and France, received four Battle Stars as well as a Purple Heart.

“When he came out (of the war) he got married to Mom, Stella Infantino,” Mike Billitier said. “They were married for 60 years before she died in 2007.”

He said his parents lived in Smethport during their lifetime together. For his livelihood, his father worked as a lab technician for 35 years at Quaker State Oil Refinery.

“His hobbies were hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and tinkering, stuff like that,” Mike Billitier said of his dad. “He didn’t ramble with the gang and drink, he was pretty much home and puttered in his workshop.”

He said his father lived at his home in Smethport until the age of 98 before moving to Chapel Ridge.

“He’s been here a little over a year and he loves it here,”  Mike Billitier said of his father’s new home at Chapel Ridge.

When asked what he attributed his longevity to, Al Billitier said he really didn’t know.

“I eat, drink, sleep like everybody else, and work and play — that’s all I can tell you,” he said with modesty.

He did note his late father, Michael Billitier, was 96 when he died, which could also be a genetic factor in his long life.

In addition to his son, Al Billitier has a daughter, Maria Kingston of Erie, who was unable to attend the birthday celebration, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.