World War II Pearl Harbor Survivor Turns 101

Happy (early) Birthday to Ellwood City’s Joseph Michael Gasper, who is turning 101 on Tuesday, April 23. He is our area’s last World War II Pearl Harbor Survivor.

Gasper, who has lived in Ellwood City ever since he was discharged from the Army in 1945, is still very sharp and enjoys talking with his friends and family. Last year he was feted to a grand centenarian birthday party that included a gun salute from the Veterans Guard.

He received dozens of cards from all over the world and birthday greetings from television and other entertainment stars. This year will be a more quiet event.

His grandchildren are trying to get him 101 birthday cards to celebrate the momentous occasion.  If you would like to send Gasper a card, please print larger as it is hard for him to read the small print at his age. Any cards can be sent to:

Joseph Gasper
1082 Joffree Street
Ellwood City PA 16117

Don’t worry if it doesn’t get there on his birthday, Gasper received cards through May last year and was happy each day.

“At 100, most of what I get in the mail is junk or bills, “ he said. “It was nice to get cards.”