MAHOPAC – Josephine ‘Dolly’ Perricone may have celebrated her 100th birthday last Thursday but the Mahopac woman admitted, “I don’t feel like I’m 100 because I have a lot of living still to do.”
Dolly is a daily visitor to the William Koehler Senior Center in Mahopac where her second family calls her an inspiration.
She and her late husband were married for 66 years and were blessed with two children, five grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.
Dolly isn’t much of a television person. “I love to read novels and when I am not reading, I bake and cook. My favorite is ‘Dolly’s coffeecake,’” she said with a wry grin.
Mary White, director of the county’s RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) described the centurion as an “amazing woman. She is glamorous every day wearing her ‘bling’ and glamour of a young person. Dolly takes pride in the way she looks and acts. Besides she is so sweet to everyone.”
When asked about her secret to long life, Dolly piped up, “I have a drink every day at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. My favorite is vodka and tonic and once and a while I slip a little bit of Sambuco in my coffee.”
Audrey Smith, who calls Dolly “my dearest friend,” admitted “falling in love with her the first time we met. She is the most caring and giving person I know, always concerned about others rather than herself.”
When queried if Dolly felt blessed having all her friends with her on a daily basis, White chimed in, “We are the ones blessed because she brings a positive attitude and sense of style. Dolly is always smiling. We love her.”
Michael Cunningham, director of the Office for Senior Resources, agreed that Dolly was “amazing. In my two years as director, today marks our sixth 100 birthday celebration. I am astounded what all our centurions have experienced in their lifetimes yet still give back to our community. People like Dolly Perricone are treasures.”
Perricone’s children, Anne Mormile and Anthony Perricone, agreed that their mother is truly astonishing. “Mom is incredible and unbelievable and was placed on this earth to help others. She cooks for everyone and even in her younger days made deliveries of her cakes and cookies to shut-ins,” said Mormile.
Anthony agreed. “The world has been a better place with our mom in it. She has helped tons of people over the decades and we have been blessed as her children. God Bless her!”
