WILKES-BARRE — Over 130 people gathered at the Genetti Hotel and Conference Center in Wilkes-Barre to honor and celebrate the 100th birthday of Rosalie Smith.

Mrs. Smith, daughter of the late Guisseppi (Joe) Saitta and Anna Maria Alu, is a life-long native of the Oregon Section of Pittston.

Celebrants included Mrs. Smith’s brother and sister, Cataldo and Carmella Saitta; her children, Joseph and Claire; her grandchildren and great grandchildren and cousins and friends.

The large gathering enjoyed a family-style sit down dinner, platters of homemade Italian cookies from Café Valenti and bottles of homemade wine brought as a gift by Charles Adonizio.

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Rosalie amazed the large crowd by blowing out the 100 candles adorning the Victorian-styled birthday cake created by Bakery Delight. Throughout the four-hour party, guests sang and danced along to traditional Italian music played by Danny Argo and Friends.

The evening also included time to recognize and honor Mrs. Smith’s long life. Councilman Danny Argo presented a commemorative plaque from the City of Pittston. Kathy Cunard, Pittston City treasurer, acting on behalf of Rep. Mike Carroll, delivered a similar honor from the State of Pennsylvania. Rosalie’s grandsons read aloud a birthday greeting sent by President and First Lady of the United States, Barack and Michelle Obama.

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Information submitted by Claire Smith.