Joliet World War II Hero Turns 100: Italian Club Throws Party

JOLIET, IL — The American Italian Cultural Society is party central this weekend for Joliet resident Ted Micci as he celebrates his 100th birthday in style.

Micci is an Italian immigrant, a World War II hero who flew 25 B-17 missions over Germany and the owner of Joliet's De Franco Electric from 1950 until 1988. More than 60 people attended Friday night's party for Micci at the club. On Saturday night, Micci will be the recipient of another birthday celebration at the club.

The one for family and friends is expected to draw about 95 people.

Micci is living life to the fullest. He told Joliet Patch that he recently renewed his Illinois driver's license for another year.

"I keep my fingers crossed when I go," he said. "I did good enough to get into the next century."

On Friday night, Micci got a bottle of Peroni beer from the bar to enjoy with his meal.

The American Italian Cultural Society dished up lasagna, Italian sausage, homemade pasta, ravioli, salads and cannoli for Micci's 100th birthday celebration.

Tony Brandolino provided the music entertainment.

Patch asked Micci the secret of living to 100 years old.

"I can't tell you," he answered. "My doctor asked me that question, too. I couldn't tell him."

Micci said he continues to smoke fine cigars. Club members told Patch that they expected Micci would receive some cigars as birthday presents.

"I'm not settling down yet," he remarked.

Three of Micci's daughters, Maggie, Evelyn and Geri, attended Friday night's party to honor their father. Many of the relatives will travel to the Joliet area for Saturday's party.

As Brandolino began playing the accordion, Micci was standing at the front of the dance floor looking for a female dance partner.

"I used to be a good dancer," he told several people standing nearby.

His daughter Maggie posted on Facebook: "My father he is 100 years old today and kicking all the way ... He raised four daughters, ran his own business and has spent his retirement in a grand way. He and my mother were married for 68 years before her death in 2013. They were Italian immigrants and lived their Italian heritage to the fullest.

"Happy birthday to my one and only father. Today is your day. You are my heart."

American Italian club president Dave Margliano told Patch that Micci has led an amazing life, exemplified by his miraculous feat of flying 25 successful B-17 missions over Nazi Germany during World War II. "He was in the first group of flights over Germany," Margliano said. "The normal amount of missions was seven to 10 because they would die and get blown out of there.

"He's a true hero, and he can still tell you what he did there."