NORTH CAPE MAY – According to popular myth, St. Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus, was born in the year 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey.
Rudy Terruso isn’t quite that old and was born in South Philadelphia, but at 90 years of age, he still does a wonderful job as Santa each year at the Victoria Commons Christmas party in North Cape May.
According to Victoria Commons Activities Director Carol Valentine, Terruso has previous experience as one of Santa’s helpers at Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township.
According to Terruso, “I was a printer all my life and worked for R.W. Rexford Co. My family had a house in Sea Isle City where I lived until Sandy sent me to this residence.”
“I was never married because no one would have me” he stated with a wink and laughed out loud just as anyone would expect from Santa.
He expressed his gratitude to the people at Storybook Land for employing him at such a wonderful place for children and adults.
As grandchildren and great-grandchildren waited to visit with him, it was clear that Terruso got as much joy from his presence at the Christmas party as they did.
When asked what is the best thing about playing Santa, even at the age of 90, he simply stated: “It’s for the kids; I love to see them happy.”
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.
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