World War II veteran Ed Hodas celebrates 90th birthday at Warwick Valley Seniors Club

WARWICK — Another active member of the Warwick Valley Seniors Club just joined a rapidly growing exclusive group of people in that organization.
On Wednesday, Jan. 9, the Club members held a belated 90th birthday celebration for Ed Hodas, who was born in the Bronx on Jan. 5, 1929.
That was also the year of the stock market crash that ushered in the Great Depression, which was followed by World War II.
Hodas was only 17 when he joined the U.S. Navy in 1946 and, although hostilities had ceased in 1945, veterans who served in the active United States military from Sept. 16, 1940, through July 24, 1947, are considered World War II veterans.
And having served in a combat zone he was also eligible for his membership in both Warwick's VFW Post 4662 as well as American Legion Post 214.
When Hodas returned from military service he met and married his wife of 67 years, Marge, whom he hadn't known growing up although she just lived across the street.
Today the couple can boast of their two children, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Hodas, who drove trucks for a living, has been a Warwick resident since 1964.
This year he will have served 25 years as chair for American Legion Post 214's Flag Placement Committee and liaison for the Boy Scouts who currently help the veterans place the flags on the graves of veterans before Memorial Day.
He is also a member of The Knights of Columbus and is active in the Church of St. Stephen, the First Martyr, where he serves as an usher.
Hodas gave up smoking and drinking any alcohol beverages many years ago. And when asked to what he attributes his longevity, he responded, "Somebody up there likes me."
He then admitted that he borrowed that line from middleweight boxing legend Rocky Graziano.
The celebration, serving cakes and refreshments and everyone singing, "Happy Birthday," took place at the spacious and modern facility that is the Warwick Senior Center, adjacent to the Town Hall on Kings Highway.
Anyone interested in joining or wanting additional information should call Marie Sisti at 988- 0793.
- Roger Gavan