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Susie Veneziano will be celebrating her 100th birthday on July 18.

 Ridgway native preparing for 100th birthday.

By Nicole Guth

Special to The Ridgway Record

Blowing out 100 candles might seem like a daunting task, yet Susie Veneziano is looking forward to it.
Born on July 18, 1909, in Ridgway, Veneziano will be celebrating her century of life surrounded by friends and family in Erie, where she now resides with her son Barney Veneziano.
A luncheon is being held in her honor and family as far away as Nevada and Arizona will be in attendance, according to her granddaughter, Judy Parsons of Summerville, S.C.
Barney said he’s been in charge of the party planning and expects between 50 and 60 people.
He also reveals that she is very excited about her upcoming birthday and has been anticipating it.
“She always said she wanted to make it to 100, because her dad almost made it,” Barney said. “He was 99 [years old] when he died.”
Veneziano claims that a breakfast of prune juice and oatmeal is her secret for a long life. 
She also keeps busy by crocheting blankets which she donates to local charities, according to Parsons.
Barney states that she’s also a “TV bug” and watches the Hallmark movie channel, old comedy shows featuring Bill Cosby, and game shows, her favorite being “The Price is Right.”
Veneziano is in good health except for poor hearing, in which she wears hearing aids, according to Barney.
“She goes to the doctor every three months and every three months he chases her home,”  Barney said.
Born Asunta (Susan) Ann Mann, Veneziano was the daughter of Samuel and Asunta Mann. 
She moved to Erie in 1956. 
Her husband, Salvadore Veneziano, passed away in 1984. 
Veneziano has six children, 35 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.