Turning 100 with 'The Breakfast Club'

For George Mezzone, the morning of Sept. 10 started with a familiar ritual.

The Goldens Bridge resident starts almost every morning with an egg-and-cheese sandwich and an extra-sweet coffee from the McDonald’s in Mahopac, alongside more than a dozen other locals who have dubbed themselves the “Breakfast Club.”

But that morning was a little different.

Mezzone was joined by more than 50 guests, including his two daughters, Georgie and Susan, members of the Mahopac Rotary Club and even the Hamburglar, as friends and family pulled out all the stops for a birthday celebration.

And not just an ordinary birthday. Mezzone has now officially begun his second century.

“I’m flabbergasted,” Mezzone said. “These people are unbelievable. They’re the best.”

One notable guest was missing from the festivities: Mezzone’s identical twin brother, Louis. The two were stationed together in Corpus Christi, Texas, during their service in World War II. George reflected on the brothers’ lifelong bond, saying they had been “inseparable” until Louis died just two months ago.

Mezzone’s secrets to longevity are simple.

“Be honest. Enjoy what you do. And be happy with what you choose,” he said.

Perhaps that advice is best summed up by the motto his friends and family often hear him say: “It is what it is.”

Attendees enjoyed a generous spread of charcuterie, desserts, a massive cake and, of course, McDonald’s.

Mahopac Rotary Club President Dr. Chris Perrone spoke briefly at the party.

“We are really happy to be a part of this special event. I aspire to be you, not just to live to be 100, but because of who you are—a true gentleman,” Perrone said. “We appreciate all you’ve done and all you will do, because you’re not done.”

Perrone concluded his remarks by naming Mezzone an honorary member of the Mahopac Rotary Club, an honor Mezzone said he appreciated from the bottom of his heart.

Putnam County Legislator Amy Sayegh presented Mezzone with a proclamation and Dr. Joy Carlos Wong, owner of the Mahopac McDonald’s, and his wife, Lupe Wong, contributed a $1,000 donation to the Rotary Club in Mezzone’s name. The donation will help fund community projects.

“I love this guy," Wong said about Mezzone. "He’s like a dad to me. We want to create a nurturing and caring environment for everyone. “We’re all in this together, and [the party] is just a way we like to give back."