Ideal resident offers wise advice as she turns 100

Hazel Dentico has made a lot of wise decisions in her life, including learning to play the piano, going to work for IBM, marrying Joseph Dentico and buying a red Chevy Malibu SS with a white interior.

Those decisions are among the memories Mrs. Dentico is sharing with friends these days as she gets ready to celebrate her 100^th birthday on April 20.

And many friends and family members will be joining her on April 19 and 20 for special birthday celebrations in her honor at her current residence, UHS Senior Living at Ideal.  UHS has proclaimed April 20 as Hazel Dentico Day across the UHS healthcare system.

Members of the news media have been invited to interview her during a birthday party for her to be held on April 19 at Ideal.

Mrs. Dentico was born and raised in Endicott, N.Y., and cherishes her childhood memories of riding the popular West Endicott merry-go-round in the Southern Tier, Carousel Capital of the World.

She graduated from Union-Endicott High School in 1942, then worked diligently for many years at several jobs, including time as a waitress at the former Sheraton Hotel in Binghamton, and as an employee of a local factory and IBM.

She and Joseph were married for 27 years, until his passing, and together they had three children: Ted, Bonnie and Debbie.

Mr. Dentico was an accomplished pianist who blessed the hearts of others by playing hymns in her church.  She said her proudest moment came when she was able to buy that very cool Chevy Malibu, and her happiest surprise was when her children honored her with a party the day she turned 90.

Her wise advice to others for a long and happy life is simple:  “Think twice. Make sure it is what you want—especially with marriage.”

The residents and caregivers at Ideal wish Hazel Dentico all the best as she approaches her special day, recognizing what a great person she is and how much she has accomplished during her long life--through perseverance, hard work . . . and wisdom.