Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 11, 2023 Saugus High 1938 graduate Gloria Prezioso celebrates 103 birthday By Tara Vocino S augus High School 1938 graduate Gloria Prezioso turned 103 at the Holiday Maplewood Place by Atria in Malden last Friday. Gloria Marano was born in Saugus on Aug. 4, 1920, to parents from Italy. She was the 11th of 12 children. She graduated from Saugus High School in 1938 with honors and married Canio “Guy” Prezioso on August 10, 1941, at age 21. “We met when I was walking home from Saugus High, and he offered to take me home,” Prezioso said. “We got married at Saint Margaret’s Church.” Her husband joined the United States Navy during World War II and continued in the United States Navy Reserve and the United States Air Force National Guard. He was a carpenter. Prezioso was a substitute teacher and owned her own alteration shop called “Gloria’s Alterations.” Together, they had two children: Robert, 80, of Saugus, and Gloria, 74, of Fort Myers, Fla. She has three grandchildren, Robert, Joseph and Ricky, and six great-grandchildren: Ricky, Giovanna, NichoHappy 103rd birthday! Shown from left to right: Seated: son Robert, birthday girl Gloria Prezioso and friend Persefone Gergoudis; standing: State Representative Steve Ultrino, Malden Mayor Gary Christenson and Malden Ward 6 Councillor Stephen Winslow. las, Anthony, Kendra and Vincent. In her younger years, she loved dancing at Wonderland Ballroom in Revere and going to the Italian-American Club. She has traveled to Italy, Greece, Hawaii and Florida. Prezioso moved to Holiday Maplewood Place by Atria on Oct. 31, 2019, after living in her 8 Althorn St. home for 79 years. She said Saugus is a nice, little town to this day, but has been built up by Route 1 developments. “I remember going to Hilltop and waiting in line for lobster,” Prezioso said. “Everyone wants to move to Saugus.” Her son, Robert, who lives Gloria Prezioso was all smiles as Malden Mayor Gary Christenson and State Representative Steven Ultrino wished her a Happy 103rd Birthday at Holiday Maplewood Place. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Last Friday afternoon at Holiday Maplewood Place by Atria, Mayor Gary Christenson said we can all learn from her wisdom. five miles away from the Althorn Street home that he grew up in, said going to Hilltop was one of her greatest memories along with always being there for her family. “She came from a family of 12 children and most had a long life,” Robert Prezioso, who visits the Malden senior living complex weekly, said. “I knew that she’d at least get into her 90s.” Her secrets are to do everything in moderation, don’t smoke, and be kind to people. She does yoga, tai chi, boxing and rock and roll and ballroom dancing. Prezioso also loves to read and was active in the Garden Club at Saugus High School. Gloria Prezioso with the 103 balloons State Representative Steven Ultrino said we’ll see her at her 104th birthday. Ward 6 Councillor Stephen Winslow presented Prezioso with a birthday gift – a bouquet of roses.
11 Publizr Home