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Peter Camenares, sitting center, celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by his family in Sunrise Senior Living of Staten Island in Concord. (Courtesy/family photo)Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Reaching a century of life is always a significant milestone and a symbol of tremendous resilience, wisdom and a life rich with experiences.
Peter Camenares, Staten Island’s newest centenarian, attributes his longevity to a combination of genetic inheritance and the love and support manifested by his caring family — especially by his daughter, Diane Vourderis, with whom he is especially close.
A LITTLE ABOUT CAMENARES
Camenares made his debut into the word on Christmas Day in 1925, a time when the Jazz Age was in full swing, and Mount Rushmore was on its way to becoming a lasting U.S. memorial.
Popular figures like Malcolm X, Johnny Carson and Margaret Thatcher were also born.
The birthday celebrant has seen the likes of 17 different United States presidents — beginning with Calvin Coolidge and continuing through the second term of President Donald Trump.
Four generations, from the left, Diane Vourderis, her daughter, Melissa Scotti and granddaughter, Sienna Scotti with Peter Camenares. (Courtesy/family photo)Staten Island Advance
During his younger years, Camenares lived in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn before relocating to Tottenville in 1991 and later to Huguenot.
He became a resident of Sunrise Senior Living of Staten Island in 2022.
In this vintage family photo, standing from the left, are, Costas Camenares, Nick Camenares and Athena Camenares. Sitting from the left, are, George Camenares and Peter Camenares. (Courtesy/family photo)Staten Island Advance
From the left, Stella and Peter Camenares and their children Dean and Diane. (Courtesy/family photo)Staten Island Advance
Peter and Stella Camenares and their granddaughter, Melissa. (Courtesy/family photo)Staten Island Advance
Peter Camenares smiles for the camera beside his celebratory cake to commemorate his 100th birthday. (Courtesy/family photo)Staten Island Advance
An image of Peter Camenares is imprinted on his celebratory birthday cake to mark his 100th birthday. (Courtesy/family photo)Staten Island Advance
From the left, Diane Vourderis and her cousin Karen Azcuy, smile for the camera with Peter Camenares, the family patriarch. (Courtesy/family photo)Staten Island Advance
Camenares was a decorated U.S. Navy veteran who served his country during World War II.
He wed Stella Camenares on Sept. 24, 1950. The couple were married for 44 years until Stella’s passing in 1994.
Pater and Stella Camenares on Sept. 24, 1950, their wedding day. (Courtesy/family photo)Staten Island Advance
The couple had two children, the late Dean Camenares and Diane Vourderis.
Camenares has five grandchildren, Melissa Scotti, Dennis Peter Vourderis, Devin Camenares, Christopher Camenares, the late Michael Vourderis, and three great-grandchildren.
Peter Camenares with his grandson, Dennis Peter Vourderis. (Courtesy/family photo)Staten Island Advance
Peter Camenares and his grandson-in-law, Bruno Scotti. (Courtesy/family photoStaten Island Advance
The “birthday boy” shares a special bond with his 9 year-old great-granddaughter, Sienna Scotti, who’s the apple of his eye.
Peter Camenares, 100, takes a selfie with his granddaughter, Melissa Scotti and great-granddaughter, Sienna Scotti. (Courtesy/family photo)Staten Island Advance
THE EARLY YEARS
Camenares enjoyed a successful career in the insurance industry before retiring to join the ranks of the leisurely during the early 1980s.
He enjoyed his retirement as a gentleman farmer, proud of his vegetable gardens and extremely green thumbs, recounted his daughter Diane.
“And wherever he lived, he always had a garden,” Diane continued.
Camenares also loved to gamble and looked with enthusiasm toward a number of excursions to Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Even today he’s known as the “Bingo King” of Sunrise Senior Living.
After his wife’s passing, Camenares lived with his daughter Diane before moving to Sunrise, where according to Diane, it didn’t take long for him to become the most popular resident in the facility where he’s loved by both residents and staffers alike.
Happy 100th birthday, Peter!
CELEBRATIONS – JAN. 11 TO JAN. 17
JAN. 11
The happiest of birthdays Sunday to Maria DeSantis, a former Miss America Outstanding Teen and Miss Staten Island, who shares a birthday with Noreen Lapcevic, Angelina O’Connor, Lynn Guilfoyle, and John Fields.
JAN. 12
Birthday greetings Monday go to former Borough President James Oddo, to Jean Cuccurullo, to John Paul Giordanella who turns 42, Sophia Selletti, Jennifer McDonald and John Gaugh.
JAN. 13
Tuesday is birthday time for Ken Filmer and his sister Jean Delile, for Jessica Pulizzano, Brian Kraker, and twins Sean and Brian Meade.
JAN. 14
Happy birthday Wednesday to Retired New York State Supreme Corut Justice Charles A. Kuffner Jr., Richard Guarasci, former president of Wagner College, to Dominick Rinaldi, Teresa Colvil, Alyssa Costa, Marge Sorge, Ann Quinlan, twins Ashley and Nicole Vera and twins Joseph and Amber Larsen. ¶
Happy wedding anniversary Wednesday to Bonnie and Richie Nielsen.
JAN. 15
Thursday is birthday time for Dawn Cangro, Andrew Oefelein, Vincent Priolo, Tracey Acevedo and Mallory Reiss.
JAN. 16
Birthday greetings Friday to Bea DeRoss, Annie DelMaestro, Michael Allocco, Lauren Seton, Annie DelMaestro, Marissa Schwab, John Crawford, Rich LaGrotta, Sherry Passante and Katlyn Nicole Rabold.
JAN. 17
Celebrating birthdays on Saturday are Tony Palumbo, Bob DeSantis Jr., Mary Jane Carr, Linda Marone, Kathy Motola, Joanne Mahoney, Joseph Thompson and Taylor Riccardi .