Just over 50 years ago, Vincenza Sarrica came to New York from Castelbuono, a small commune in Palermo, Sicily. Last Saturday, Sarrica celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by friends, family and public officials at Sirico’s Catering Hall in Dyker Heights.
The Boro Park resident married young and had four children with her husband Santi who died at a young age. Despite the hardships however, Sarrica was determined to give a better life to her children and that is when she and her family came to the United States in 1966.
From the time she arrived, Sarrica was a hard worker and always provided for her family. For Sarrica, family is very important so when it came time for the milestone birthday party, family was the focal point of the occasion.
“My cousin Frank who orchestrated the entire night was able to have together almost the entire family,” said Nancy Sottile, Sarrica’s niece. “Many cousins and nieces from her brother and sisters were there united after years.”
In addition to the love being shared by her family, Sarrica’s centennial was recognized by State Senator Marty Golden, Assemblymembers William Colton and Peter Abbate, District Leader Nancy Tong, and Councilmember Mark Treyger.
Sirico’s is located at 8023 13th Avenue.