People who live to celebrate their 100th birthdays belong to an elite club. Less than one-tenth of one percent of the population in the United States makes it to triple digits. As we get ready to celebrate National Centenarian’s Day on September 22, it’s important to take the time to listen to and share the stories of these remarkable individuals. Each centenarian has a unique story and wisdom that comes with a century of life. Their stories can inspire younger generations!
In honor of National Centenarian’s Day, Marple Friends & Neighbors is celebrating Anna and Albert Squilla, two local elite individuals who not only reached the 100-year mark, but they’ve also been happily married for nearly 82 years.
Anna and Albert Squilla live right here in Broomall in the same home they purchased in 1957. The couple met as teenagers in South Philadelphia in a story that sounds like a romantic comedy. Anna was literally “the girl next door.”
Albert and Anna both grew up in South Philly. Albert was one of 13 children and was only six years old when sadly his dad passed away. Several years later, his mom remarried and Albert and his siblings moved to Garrett Street in South Philly. It was then that Albert was introduced to Anna, who lived next door with her parents and four siblings.
When they were teenagers, Anna and Albert’s friendship blossomed into romance. They went on their first date at age 16, a walk down Broad Street in South Philadelphia. “My parents didn’t approve of us dating or getting married because we were so young,” Anna said. Despite this, the couple married on Nov. 7, 1942 at Annunciation BVM Church in South Philadelphia when Anna was 18 and Albert had just turned 19.
Shortly after they were married Albert was drafted and served as an Army staff sergeant in World War II. Stationed in the South Pacific, Philippines and Japan, he was among the first troops going into the country once it surrendered. While Albert was overseas serving, Anna worked a second-shift job at Crown Can, where she worked on the elevators of planes.
After the war, Albert found work as a tile setter and later owned his own tile-setting business, as a sole proprietor, until his retirement at age 65. Anna stayed home with their three children for many years until the age of 54, when she decided to return to the workforce. She worked in the medical records department of Bryn Mawr Medical Specialists, until retiring at age 94.
Albert and Anna purchased their Broomall home in the Lawrence Park section of Broomall in 1957 and still live there today. Albert explained how they found the home. “My work took me to many suburban communities where I worked on bathrooms and kitchens,” he said. “Marple was a beautiful community and I couldn’t wait to show Anna.” One day after work he came home and said to Anna, “Let’s take a ride out to the country.” Anna was also impressed with the community and her sister Toni even moved in next door. The sisters have enjoyed being neighbors for nearly 67 years.
The Squillas enjoyed raising their three children Albert Jr., Lou and Debra here. Their house was also a hub for all of their extended family. “Each weekend many of our relatives from Philadelphia would come visit and my mom would cook a big dinner,” Lou said. “My parents loved entertaining everyone in their home.”
Lou also fondly remembers how his parents enjoyed being active in the Marple community. “My dad loved baseball and joined a few men’s leagues,” he said. “And both my mom and dad enjoyed bowling and played in leagues over the years.” The couple are also longtime members of St. Pius X and the St. Francis Club in Springfield.
Lou’s daughter, Lisa, said she has been lucky to spend so much time with her grandparents. “We lived close to them so as a young girl I spent a lot of time at their house,” she explained. “I have fond memories of riding my bike over to their place just to watch TV with them. Almost all of my childhood memories include them, they’re two of my favorite people!” Lisa said that now her own children are blessed to have so many memories
with their great grandparents. “They always want to be part of everything their grandkids and great grandkids are doing,” she added. “They never want to miss a thing!”
Anna and Albert say the secret to becoming centenarians and a long, happy marriage is an ordinary life. “We never needed anything fancy,” she said. “We led an ordinary life, but we enjoyed it.” Anna still enjoys cooking three meals a day for \Albert and that always includes her homemade pasta. When we asked Albert what he thought was a secret to a long marriage, he replied jokingly, “She got lucky!” Anna’s response: “No I think you’re the one who got lucky!”
Thank you to the Squillas for sharing your story. Your Marple Friends & Neighbors wish you good health and continued happiness!
Do you know a local centenarian? Send me an email at hstupak@bestversion media.com with their name and date of birth and we will send them a birthday card!