OCEAN VIEW – Ralph Passarelli marked his 105th birthday March 7 with family and friends at Autumn Lake Healthcare in Ocean View.
Born March 7, 1914, Passarelli was drafted at age 20 into the Army where he served under Gen. Goerge Patton. During that time he provides mail and rations to soldiers during World War II. In the European theater he served in France, Belgium and Italy. During that time he survived several close calls on the road.
According to a release, when Passarelli returned statawide after the war he bought a factory in Vineland located next to the railroad that had supplied electric for trains.
He turned that facility into a toy factory where a wide variety of stuffed animals were produced including lions, Teddy bears, cats and dogs.
He eventually relocated the business, Garden State Toy and Novelty, to Mays Landing where it operated for about 30 years.
The toys produced there were quite popular, due in part to buyers who sold many of the toy dogs based on a popular song at the time, “How Much Is That Doggy in the Window?”
Much of the credit for his success he attributed to his hard-working, dependable staff of 75 employees.
He remembered taking four of the team to the New York World’s Fair in Long Island and later having dinner at a Broadway restaurant. While there they met Jack Dempsey the famous prizefighter.
Passarelli was married for 68 years. The two met at a party and began going together. They wed and had two sons.
“I had a good life with my wife,” he stated, “She helped my i the office. I made all kinds of toys, stuffed animals, bears and lions. I liked it. I made them all. You name it, I made it. You learned by doing things.”
He enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed time in ITaly where his parents were born.
His key to living a long life includes: “Stay busy all the time, eat good food and drink good scotch.”
The birthday party was planned by Marie Mele, activity coordinator, Eliezer Finkelstein, administrator at Autumn Lake, and Holy Redeemer.
Eileen Ready, the volunteer coordinator for Holy Redeemer, presented Passarelli with a veteran’s Certificate of Recognition and a pin.
Also present was Deni Regensburg of Quilts of Valor who presented Passarelli with a quilt for his years of military service.
Lower Township – Who are these people that are obvious experts on trash cans and leaf pick-up? Maybe they don't have any trash to put out or leaves in their yard!!
