Guy Prestia Celebrates 100th Birthday

Guy Prestia was listed as the ‘most ambitious boy’ of the outstanding seniors in Lincoln High School’s 1940 Ellwoodian.

Now, 82 years later, ambitious still describes the World War II veteran as he celebrates his 100th birthday, which is Tuesday, April 26.

The Ellwood City native, now a North Sewickley Township resident, still drives around Ellwood City, remains active at Park Gate Baptist Church, is a frequent speaker at veterans gatherings and speaks to students in area schools. He receives letters and pictures from people throughout the United States.

When he was honored at the Ellwood City Area Historical Society Saturday afternoon, he continued his tradition of leading the audience in the pledge to the flag. Then he listened as area residents recognized him for his service to the country.

Joe Fisher and Pete Maietta of the local American Legion post, Ellwood City Mayor Anthony Court, Lawrence County Commissioner Dan Vogler and Sen. Elder Vogel presented citations and commented on Prestia’s accomplishments over the years. The historical society provided a box for the flag given by the Legion. Vogler mentioned his father also served in World War II and “what they did resulted in a free nation.”

The honoree responded by remarking about his war experience, starting after he was drafted into the Army in 1942. He served in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany, where he was involved in many battles while his unit was in combat for 511 days. He participated in the liberation of more than 31,000 men, women and children at the Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. He described it as a “terrible place to see.”

Recipient of several military awards, including a Purple Heart, as well as the French Medal of the Legion of Honor, he was among 120 veterans honored by President Barack Obama and Gen. David Patraeus at the holocaust museum in Washington, D.C. in 2010.

Prestia commented he “keeps praying that we don’t get in another war. It would be bad.”

Everett Bleakney, historical society president, remarked Prestia “has lived an incredible life.” He also introduced the honoree’s daughter, Patty Partington.

The program concluded with the singing of “Happy Birthday.”

Refreshments included cupcakes decorated in a patriotic theme and placed in the shape of the flag.

Prestia’s birthday observance continued over the weekend as family members traveled from Seattle, Wash., New Mexico, Maine, Michigan and South Carolina to visit him. He is the father of six sons and two daughters who have given him 23 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. His wife, the former Patricia Dawson, who he married in June 1957, died in 2011.

Guy was born April 26, 1922 to Joseph Prestia and Madeline (Violante) Prestia.

He was drafted in May 1943, and served in the 45th Army Division, Co. E, 157th Regiment. They were in combat 511 days, and during that time, they liberated the concentration camp of Dechau, near Munich, Germany. During the 6 months in Army occupation after the War, Guy took the opportunity to visit is grandparents in Italy.

Guy serves on the Board of Park Gate Baptist Church, west of Ellwood City, and was instrumental in building the current building in the 1960s.