Wood Dale's Nicholas Moorad turns 100
In 1921, Congress passes a joint resolution officially ending U.S. involvement in World War I; Albert Einstein wins the Nobel Prize in physics; Coco Chanel launches her Chanel No. 5 perfume; and Nicholas Moorad is born in Flint, Michigan.
Celebrating his 100th birthday in Wood Dale on Dec. 8, Nick (as he's known) has enjoyed a robust and interesting life. He was an energetic youth who participated in a variety of sports at Lane Tech College Prep High School in Chicago.
By the time Nick was 19, he entered the U.S. Army in November of 1942 to protect the country during World War II.
After serving in the European Theater and the Asian and Pacific Theater, he was discharged in 1946.
Nick's postwar career included working at O'Hare International Airport - back when it only had one runway.
Today, O'Hare has eight runways, more than any other airport in the nation.
As a union electrician, Nick was also employed at White Way Sign. The family-owned company helped create the iconic marquees on the Chicago Theatre and at Wrigley Field.
While working full-time for nearly 40 years, and since his retirement, Nick has remained an avid golfer.
He has even played alongside some of the most famous pros in the sport, including Arnold Palmer!
In addition to golfing, Nick loved traveling and spending time with friends and family through the decades. He was married and widowed twice. Yet despite his losses, he retains a zest for life.
According to his friend Diana Arvia, "Nick's secret to longevity is his sense of humor. It's helped him meet life's challenges and achieve great things. He is an American to be proud of."