One of Pittsburgh's oldest residents turns 102

One of Pittsburgh’s oldest residents celebrated their 102nd birthday Monday.

Anthony Tedesco was born on Nov. 2, 1913, in Spigno Saturnia, Lazio, Italy. The century that would follow would be filled with a plethora of stories and adventures.

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At 11, Tedesco’s father sent him off to Gaeta, a seaside town in Italy, to become a painter’s apprentice. From there, he developed a passion to paint and would help paint churches and homes for the wealthy For many years, that would be his main source of income.

When he turned 21, Tedesco was conscripted into the Italian Army. During his tenure in the army, he would serve in World War II and spent some time as a prisoner of war to Germany. He would later be liberated by Americans.

After his extensive time in the military, Tedesco traveled back to his Italian hometown to find it in ruins so he moved to the U.S. with his family.

The Tedescos made it to the U.S. during the summer of 1952. Upon arrival, Tedesco began working odd jobs for $10 per day. Eventually, Tedesco purged on with his passion of painting. He started his own painting business three years later.

He now paints for recreational purposes.

Now, as he celebrates 102 years, over 40 friends and family members will make their way to Pittsburgh to celebrate his birthday.

WPXI