WWII veteran celebrates 96 years of life surrounded by his family in Hawthorne

A South Bay World War II seasoned spent his 96th travel astir the prima surrounded by his household this play successful Torrance.

David Botelho, who lives successful Hawthorne, was treated to a astonishment by youngest child, Ron, connected Saturday, Aug. 28, with each 5 of his children making the trek to Torrance to observe his birthday.

Botelho began his work successful the United States Army successful 1943, landing successful Glasgow, Scotland, conscionable days aft the Normandy Invasion, often referred to arsenic D-Day. He was trained to articulation the vessel division, but earlier helium could beryllium deployed, helium was transferred to service arsenic a subject constabulary officer.

That power to service arsenic an MP, his eldest lad David believes, saved his father’s beingness arsenic his archetypal vessel battalion was wiped out.

“Then helium got to unrecorded successful Paris for a year,” his lad David said. “And he’ll archer america each astir the beauteous French women helium met there.”

After returning to his archetypal homestead successful Massachusetts, Botelho met his would-be woman Julia.

After having their archetypal son, David, the household moved to California wherever they would besides go parents to Ron, Gary, Greg and Russ. Julia died successful February of this year, months earlier the mates would’ve celebrated their 67th anniversary.

Botelho opted for a elemental beingness aft serving successful the military, made fulfilling done his galore hobbies including woodwork and painting.

“Me and (Ron),” Botelho said. “We built this full room together,” referring to his son’s house.

Botelho, surrounded by his kids and their families, was affectional to person them each nether the aforesaid extortion for his celebration.

“It’s conscionable truthful wonderful,” helium said. “It’s truthful uncommon I get to spot them each together.”

When asked however 96 years has treated him, Botelho said that helium is “feeling damn good.”

Sign up for The Localist, our regular email newsletter with handpicked stories applicable to wherever you live. Subscribe here.