World War II veteran celebrates 95th birthday with surprise parade in St. Charles

Posted June 08, 2020 11:00 pm

Daily Herald report

Al Centafonte of St. Charles celebrates his 95th birthday with a surprise parade of visitors to his St. Charles cul-de-sac. Courtesy of Dennis Carr

A parade of almost 100 vehicles traveled through a St. Charles neighborhood to wish World War II veteran Al Centafonte a happy 95th birthday.

Cars and motorcycles parade around a cul-de-sac as part of a 95th birthday celebration for World War II veteran Al Centafonte of St. Charles. Courtesy of Dennis Carr

The surprise drive-by birthday celebration was held Wednesday, June 3, for the St. Charles veteran who served as a U.S. Navy communications specialist during the war.

The well-wishers honked and waved their way through the cul-de-sac, brightly festooned with American flags.

A long line of cars gather for the birthday parade "staging" area at the Norris Center parking lot on the St. Charles East High School campus. Courtesy of Dennis Carr

Centafonte, who is recovering from chemotherapy treatments, was surprised by the tribute from his family, friends, and longtime colleagues in the Tri-Cities Exchange Club.

Once his health issues are resolved, Centafonte is eager to return to the club's weekly meetings, which have been on hold during the pandemic.

Al Centafonte, a World War II veteran and longtime member of the Tri-Cities Exchange Club, waves to his friends during a surprise birthday parade. Courtesy of Dennis Carr

For decades, Al was the chef for the club's popular spaghetti dinner fundraisers.

Arcada Theatre's Ron Onesti joins the 95th birthday parade for his longtime friend Al Centafonte of St. Charles. Courtesy of Dennis Carr

It's not the first time Centafonte has been the subject of a noisy and joyous tribute. Back in early 2019, he was one of a group of veterans honored during the traditionally boisterous "Star-Spangled Banner" opening at a Chicago Blackhawks game.

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