World War II veteran John Tulli, who served our country in the invasion of Omaha Beach in Normandy, was feted on the occasion of his 100 birthday Feb. 3 in the Grand Ballroom of the Historic Old Bermuda Inn.
Nearly 200 revelers witnessed the milestone and rose to their feet as the war hero entered the Rossville banquet hall.
Among those who offered congratulatory greetings to the new centenarian were his three children, Terry Tarangelo, Rita Sirabella and John L. Tulli, along with his eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
The crowd also included Frank Siller, president and CEO of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Tower Foundation, Assemblyman Michael Reilly, and representatives from the offices of State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and District Attorney Michael McMahon.
Also on board were members of the Joseph F. Merrell/Father Vincent Capodanno American Legion Post, who hosted the party along with Tulli’s family, and members of the Rolling Thunder.
“I had a wonderful time at my 100th birthday party and I was so excited I didn’t sleep at all the night before,” said John. “And I was so happy to see so many family and friends there to celebrate with me.”
His daughter Terry called the event “A fantastic day with family and friends to celebrate my dad with so many people who love and adore him. He made a good life for our family and we are so grateful to him for that. Still being able to share these precious moments with him like today is truly a blessing.”
When asked about Tulli’s secrets to longevity, his daughter shared her dad has adopted a healthy diet and drinks wine every night at dinner. But he makes sure to dilute it slightly. And sometimes he indulges in a lunchtime beer.
GUESTS OFFER CONGRATULATORY GREETINGS AND WELL WISHERS
Frank Siller: “Not everyone makes it to 100 — and a World War II hero in the Battle of the Bulge. My uncle Fred Siller was also in that battle. And their greatness inspires me. I’ll never forget the sacrifices these men made. I’m proud to say John and his daughter, Terry, have been part of the Siller Tunnel to Tower Foundation for the past 22 years. And all of Staten Island has been part of the foundation, all God loving people who understand we live in the greatest country that ever existed. God bless you John Tulli.”
Assemblyman Michael Reilly: “Congratulations to John Tulli. Spending time with Mr. Tulli and his family celebrating his 100th birthday was so inspiring. And a U.S. Army verteran who served in World War II. They don’t make them like that anymore. Men like John made me want to serve in the U.S. Army. The love and support I felt in that room was amazing. He has a beautiful family, friends and a community that really treasures him. Thank you to all the veterans in the room and to all those we lost. And a shoutout to the Rolling Thunder. And thank you to the American Legion Merrell Post and the Father Capodanno Post for hosting the event. It was an honor and a privilege to have time to spend with John and celebrate such a momentous occasion.”
Anthony LoCasto, a fellow member and friend of Merrell and Capodanno American Legion Posts: “I’ve known John for 15 years. I know that he is a veteran of World War II and fought in Normandy. He’s a great guy. When he was 98 we told him we would have a big party for him for his 100th birthday. He has all his faculties. He will hopefully will be going to Normandy in May and he’s looking forward to it. He’s an avid golfer and a character who loves to joke around until this day. We became friends and I became friends with his daughter Terry. She brings him to the meetings on the first Tuesday of every month.”
Jean Ringhoff, a friend and golf buddy: “I have known Terry since 1995 during her days at the former Staten Island Savings Bank and I had the pleasure of golfing with her dad. It was a wonderful experience. We thank him for his service and for his patriotism. And we congratulate him on his 100 years.”
John Scalia, owner of the Historic Old Bermuda Inn: “I am so honored to be here to celebrate John’s 100th birthday. And it’s great he’ll be part of the 80th anniversary of D-Day in May. Congratulations John on your magnificent milestone.”
Al Lambert, entertainer and longtime friend: “John’s been in my life for close to 50 years when he was a jeweler on New Dorp Lane and then a terrific friend of the South Shore Rotary with his daughter Terry attending all the fundraisers. He’s one amazing hero who deserves this honor that he’s sharing it with all of us here today. I’m very proud to be here. Salute!”
A LITTLE ABOUT TULLI’S ILLUSTRIOUS LIFE
Felice John Tulli, who was named after his paternal grandfather but known as John, was born Feb. 3, 1924 to Italian immigrant parents. He was raised in Harlem with his brothers, Ed, Hugo, Danny and his sister, Ida, who are all deceased.
John never completed high school. As the story goes he lied about his age in order to enlist in the US Army during World War II — and also as a way to be closer to his brother, Danny.
John’s brother, Hugo, was also a member of the military, serving as a U.S. Marine during World War II, and he was stationed in the Pacific.
John was a private first class in the 29th Infantry Blue & Grey Division’s 116th Battalion of the U.S. Army. When he enlisted on Feb. 13, 1943, he was sent to England for training in preparation for the stealth launch of “Operation Overload” — better known now as D-Day.
He landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, on June 8, 1944, two days after the D-Day invasion.
They were the first replacements for their 29th Infantry Divisions second wave in Normandy. In fact, both brothers were in the second wave of the invasion of Omaha Beach in Normandy.
When they were advancing to the Cherbourg Peninsula they were bogged down by fighting from hedge to hedge and experiencing great difficulty in capturing Saint-Lo.
John was assigned to a Listening Post during the advancement. He was wounded on Sept. 14 and then shipped back to England for surgery.
The Battle of the Bulge began on Dec. 16, 1944 until Jan. 25, 1945, the last resistance on American troops to end the war.
John was injured in the Normandy Invasion and became a Purple Heart recipient. Both brothers were fortunate to return home to the United States.
After the war he received a 10-day pass to Denmark for the displaying of the troops and exhibition of tanks from all the Allied Countries. He also visited Paris and then came home aboard the Liberty Ship.
He received an honorable discharge on Dec. 11, 1945, at Fort Dix, N.J.
John’s decorations and citations include: Purple Heart, French Legion of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Combat Infantry Badge, World War II Victory Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
CIVILIAN LIFE
Upon returning to the states, John enrolled in a trade school, where he learned the art of watchmaking and jewelry repair. He married Catherine (Kay) Dorothy Napoli on June 23, 1951, and the couple would become the parents of three children — Terry, John and Rita.
Upon relocating to Staten Island from the Bronx in 1957 to be near his brothers and their families, he opened the doors to Tulli Jewelers in New Dorp, a family business he operated for 36 years, working alongside his wife.
Upon the couple’s retirement, they spent winters in Florida, where they played golf and traveled the world with friends.
The Tullis were married for 66 years until Kay’s passing in April 2017, after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
In 2014 the French Republic presented John the French Legion of Honor Award in to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of D-Day.
The Tulli family is looking forward to an upcoming trip to Normandy mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June.
John’s greatest joy is spending time with his family, especially his eight grandchildren — Michelle, Michael, Kasandra, Nicholas, Christopher, Candice and twins Daniela and Alessandra — and eight great-grandchildren — Matthew, Juliette, twins Delia and Natalie, Andrew, Nicholas, Amelia and Mattea.
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