WIFR, BYRON, Ill. On Sunday, dozens of friends and family members celebrated Vincenzo Costa’s 104th birthday at Costa’s Pizzaria and Restaurante in Byron.
After relocating to Rockford in 1966, Costa reared five children, one of them is his son Saro, who operates the eatery where the celebration was hosted.
“The crazy thing about it is that I learn new things about him every day from talking to him, and he never forgets anything,” Saro remarked. Sometimes we wish he would forget things, but his mind is always there. We are fortunate. In other words, we are really proud.
Silvana Hilger, Vincenzo’s daughter, goes on to say how fortunate they are to be able to honor her father. She thinks a daily glass of wine and lots of olive oil are the keys to his long, happy existence.
Hilger stated, “His values are to work hard and to take care of the people you love.” He has always been a wonderful dad. Nice. If you need it, he will give you his shirt.
Vincenzo grinned and replied simply, “Happy,” when asked how he felt to be surrounded by all of his loved ones on such a momentous day.
