POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — “A hundred is just a number,” says Joseph Sarkissian — though what a number it is.

Family and friends gathered this weekend to celebrate Sarkissian’s 100th birthday, honoring a life defined by service, faith, and love of family.

Born on Nov. 2, 1925 — when a house cost about $6,000 and a new car just $300 — Sarkissian came of age during the Great Depression. At 18, he was drafted into World War II and served proudly in the U.S. Navy.

“I sailed three quarters of the world — from England to South America,” he said. “It’s my country. My obligation to join the country.”

After the war, the GI Bill helped Sarkissian earn several degrees, including a master’s from Columbia University. It was at a church dance that he met his late wife. The couple moved to Boca Raton in 1985 to be closer to their two daughters.

“We’ve been planning this for about two years now,” said daughter Rose Brcey. “We wanted him to make it to a hundred — especially after all he’s lived through.”

Sarkissian’s family describes him as a devoted community member and man of faith who still reads the newspaper and watches the news daily.

“He never imagined he’d live to be 100,” said daughter Liz Gassew. “The most amazing thing is he still has his mind — and his humor.”

Among the special birthday surprises were a signed Miami Dolphins football, a blessing from the Pope, and a proclamation from the mayor of Pompano Beach declaring Nov. 2, 2025, Joseph Sarkissian Day.

And when asked his secret to longevity? Sarkissian’s answer was simple: “Prayer. Be faithful.”

Longevity seems to run in the family — his great-grandfather reportedly lived to be 119.

As the crowd sang “Happy Birthday,” one thing was clear: for Joseph Sarkissian, a hundred is much more than a number — it’s a testament to a life well-lived.

Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.