Still Shining at 105: Phil Schwartz celebrates more than a century of life and laughter
Smiles packed the community room at Coleman House as Phil Schwartz approached the microphone, joyfully leaning in while three candles flickered beside him to commemorate more than a century of life.
Schwartz—a World War II veteran, father and grandfather, devoted husband and the “unofficial mayor of Coleman House”—celebrated his 105th birthday Tuesday afternoon, surrounded by three generations of relatives and countless friends.
Turning 105 is an impressive feat. Doing so with laughter and curiosity makes it all the more rare. A resident of Coleman House for nearly 21 years, Schwartz is one of the most cherished members of the community.
“I don’t know anyone who exemplifies living life in radical amazement as well as you do,” said Amy Schechtman, chief executive officer of 2Life Communities.
“People call him their role model for how to age well because he sees the positive in every day,” she added.
The positivity was tangible as family members took the microphone to share misty-eyed stories from their youth—from his years fighting in World War II to his eventual return to his hometown in New Jersey where he opened a sandwich shop that kept his family and others well-fed.
Along with relatives, several elected officials attended, including Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem, a representative from U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss’ office and Newton Mayor Marc Laredo, who delivered personalized messages to Schwartz and his family.
“I don’t know how you get to 105,” Laredo joked.
“A good wife,” Schwartz interrupted.
Much of the celebration centered on Schwartz’s 71-year marriage to his late wife, Miriam, who died in 2012. The couple had two sons, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
“Every young couple that met my parents fell in love with them,” Schwartz’s son, David Schwartz, a retired IT salesman, told the crowd.
For Schwartz, his connection with Miriam was love at first sight.
“We met when we were 16 … and then we just couldn’t get away from each other,” Schwartz told the Newton Beacon, reflecting on the moment nearly 90 years ago.
“The way you talk about Miriam is a model for all of us to invest in marriage,” said Peg Coles, resident service director at Coleman House.
Equal attention was given to Schwartz’s military service in North Africa and Italy. In a recorded video message, Auchincloss thanked him for “being such an outstanding representative of the Greatest Generation” and for helping defend democracy during one of history’s most pivotal moments.
Schwartz was stationed in Italy for three years during World War II. Reflecting on that time, he recalled the scale of loss and the lessons he carried home when he returned to the United States.
“We have to help each other, and we have to support each other,” Schwartz said. “I was lucky enough to have that in my life.”
When Schwartz took the microphone, he remained characteristically humble.
“I’ve always been lucky to have good people around me,” he said. “I don’t know how it happened.”
After his remarks, generations of family members gathered around the three candles to sing “Happy Birthday.”
At 105, Schwartz continues to remind those around him that life is measured not simply in years but in service, love and connection.
By: Celine Hijazi
Source: The Sun Chronicle