Neighbors, firefighters, town officials and others turned out Sunday to help celebrate the birthday of Huntington’s oldest resident.
Rosalia Zona turned 108 on June 17. Sitting in a wheelchair at the foot of her driveway on Sunday and wearing a tiara, she waved and commented as a parade of firetrucks and a police car, officials and passersby stopped to wish her happy birthday. She’s known as the Queen of Huntington for her friends, accomplishments and longevity.
In turn, she handled questions about her life and occasionally sang, including “Besame Mucho (Kiss Me a Lot), and the National Anthem.
Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci, Town Clerk Andrew Raia, Councilwoman Joan Cergol and Receiver of Taxes Jillian Guthman along with members of the own’s Senior Center Adult Day Care staff and Huntington Manor Fire Department and representatives of participated in the celebration.
The former model, artist and mother of five was born in Manhattan on June 17, 1912. She raised her family in Queens before moving to Long Island.
Her longtime housemate,Mary Ann Romano, 78, and Julia Frangione, director of the senior division for Huntington Town, organized the celebration at her home in Huntington Station.