ANCONA – Clear eyes, straight back, soft smile. Antonio Neri, now 100 years old, is incredulous and happy at the reception he received this morning at the Palazzo del Popolo together with a representative of his large family. Antonio, born and residing in Torrette, was invited to the Town Hall, where he was received on behalf of the Mayor and the entire Council by Councilor Ida Simonella, who presented him with a medal with the Coat of Arms of the Municipality of Ancona and a few sunflowers.
“A life model for several generations,” emphasized the family: He, who was just 19 years old in Vercelli to the 363 Bad Sulza concentration camp, where he spent 22 months and survived hardship and atrocities. Antonio, who lost his only child in a car accident at a young age and most recently his beloved wife, faces life with dignity, honesty and an enviable good humor. “It is he who gives us courage and hope – grandchildren and great-grandchildren confirm – gets the positive out of every situation.”
Farmer, porter and laborer as a boy, waiter at the Admiralty of Ancona since the post-war period, Antonio Neri never got a driver’s license and always got around on foot and by public transport: this is perhaps his secret Longevity coupled with optimism and a loving nature. If it is true that Covid “has brought several friends to heaven”, the new centenarian, who proudly lives alone in complete self-sufficiency, has not lost heart and spends a few hours every day or almost a few outdoors overlooking the sea Torrette Hill.