The Delaware Valley Veterans Home on Monday celebrated resident Charlie Podhaizer’s 100th birthday.
The crowd sang Happy Birthday while the Karen River Band provided music and residents enjoyed cake.
Patti Leneghan brought a citation on behalf of state Rep. Martina White. Bruce Trimmer presented Charlie with a letter written by U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick.
U.S. Rep, Brian Fitzpatrick presented Charlie with a citation and thanked the World War II veteran for helping save civilization with his bravery and heroism.
The Marine Corps League presented Charlie with a Happy Birthday poster and a challenge coin.
Others in attendance included Pat Deon, a Bucks County businessman and the former longtime chairman of the SEPTA board, and David Christian, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and veterans advocate.
Charlie, the son of Polish immigrants David and Tilly Podhaizer, was born in New York on March 23, 1926. During World War II, he participated in the Battle of the Bulge.
He married his high school sweetheart, Florence Weiss, in 1947 and they had three sons, Gary, Steven and Todd. Florence passed away in 1963.
In 1965, Charlie married Betty Sheridan, who was the mother of two girls.
That year, Charlie moved to Yardley. He operated the Big C department store in Fairless Hills, Trevose and Trenton. Later, he became an auctioneer. Active in local charities, he was named Bucks County Man of the Year.
Charlie has 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. ••
