Athenaeum resident celebrates 103 years
BY Jason Gabak
Editor
When Ann Cirincione celebrated her 103rd birthday at the Athenaeum on Aug. 16, she took it all in stride.
“It was like any other day,” Cirincione said. “Except all my family was here.”
That family includes three children, including her son Jim, who lives close to the Athenaeum, as well as nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Cirincione was born and spent much of her life in Schenectady before moving to the Athenaeum in 2011 to be closer to her son Jim, who she said visits her regularly.
“It was a six hour drive down to Schenectady,” Cirincione said. “Now he is across the street and he is here all the time.”
Spending the past few years at the Athenaeum has been a good experience according to Cirincione.
“The girls here are all nice,” she said. “They are all nice to me.”
Cirincione said she has also made friends with several other residents over the years.
Village Trustee Sue Dove was in attendance to deliver a special proclamation on behalf of Mayor Marty Hubbard honoring this milestone year in Cirincione’s life.
Cirincione said it was nice to have the gathering of friends, family and well wishers, but she is not one to seek the limelight.
Cirincione stands by the old adage made famous by Andy Warhol which says everyone will have 15 minutes of fame.
“It was my 15 minutes,” Cirincione said. “It was a nice get together, a nice little ceremony.”
But Cirincione was most proud of all the signs and cards wishing her well that were hung around her room that came from her family.
Cirincione expressed a certain passion for and interest in politics, particularly this year’s presidential election.
She pointed to one card in particular depicting Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump.
This hand drawn card was one of the most special to her.
“My great grand daughter made that,” Cirincione said. “She is nine. She is very smart.”
Being born 1913, Cirincione has lived through some of the biggest moments in recent history.
She lived through some of the darkest times in history including World War I and II and the Great Depression.
She has also seen some of the greatest triumphs of history, from the first moon landing to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Through all she has seen and lived through, Cirincione said she has discovered one secret that works for her.
“Just be a good kid,” Cirincione said. “Everything in moderation that is the secret.”
Cirincione said getting older is not easy, she has experienced great moments and has also experienced loss, but through it all she can look to her family as the one thing she is most proud of.
“It is my family,” Cirincione said. “I am proud of my children. I have two doctors and my daughter, in real estate, was picked as the best sales person in the country. I am very proud of my children.”
