Saint Francis Country House resident, Sergeant Major Alfred DeSerio, will be honored as America's oldest living retired United States Marine as he celebrates his 102nd birthday on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia nursing facility.

11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
U.S. Marine Corps 102nd Birthday Ceremony
Tuesday, November 25
Saint Francis Country House
1412 Lansdowne Avenue, Darby

Sergeant DeSerio, who lost his eyesight due to glaucoma, is a decorated veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. General James T. Conway, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, will conduct a special flag presentation and honors ceremony that will be attended by several active Marines stationed in Pennsylvania.

Mr. DeSerio was born and raised in South Philadelphia as a member of Epiphany of Our Lord parish. His service to his country as a United States Marine began with his enlistment in 1940 and assignment at Camp LeJune in North Carolina. His wife, Mary, passed away in 1984. Mr. DeSerio has been a resident under the care of St. Francis Country House since December 2002, after suffering a stroke.

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Kevin Mulligan
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