PHOTOS: A retired, 29-year Middletown firefighter and WWII veteran marked his 102nd birthday this weekend in style, with a large vehicle parade and a visit from several state and local officials.
John Cyrulik Sr.’s family decorated his front yard, and bundled him up in a blanket under a tent on the cold, rainy Saturday afternoon. Cyrulik, surprised by the visit, told officials his plan was to live until 105. “He enjoys life. He’s happy to wake up and enjoy whatever it has to offer,” according to his daughter-in-law Leslie Cyrulik. The centenarian, who lives alone in the house he has owned for 62 years, enjoys daily visits from wild turkeys in his backyard, she said.
Two-dozen fire trucks, police cruisers, local and state dignitaries, family members and friends drove by Cyrulik’s home Saturday, beeping their horns and thanking him for his military service.