The St. Jerome Parish senior citizens group recently held its annual Christmas party and used the occasion to celebrate member Jake Ruser’s 100th birthday.
A Mayfair resident for 75 years, Ruser will turn 100 on Friday, Dec. 27, with a celebration to follow the next day at the Mission BBQ location at 11000 Roosevelt Blvd.
Ruser is a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Fellow seniors sang Happy Birthday and presented Ruser with a birthday cake, a crown with the number 100 and balloons in the shape of 100.
“It was a surprise. I wasn’t expecting any of this, the cake and all for me,” he said.
Ruser, who still drives during the day, was one of the grand marshals of the 2023 Philadelphia Veterans Parade.
Earlier this year, he was interviewed by David Muir, of ABC News, for a story on the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
In addition, he traveled to France in June for a D-Day ceremony and met President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden.
Early next year, he is scheduled to travel to New Orleans, home of the National World War II Museum, which has a permanent D-Day exhibit.
“I’ve been pretty lucky,” he said.
More than 100 people attended the St. Jerome party, which took place on Dec. 12 at Brookside Manor at Somerton Springs, in Feasterville-Trevose.
The party featured lunch, a DJ, a photo booth and an appearance by Santa Claus. ••
