Fountains at RiverVue's Lucia Mastrodomenico Turns 100

Tuckahoe, N.Y. Dec. 21, 2021- Lucia Mastrodomenico, known as “Lucy” to her friends and family, marked her 100th birthday on Sunday, Dec. 12 at the Fountains at RiverVue, where she has lived for the past seven years. At a party the following day, she was presented with a proclamation from Tuckahoe Trustee Cara Kronen, acknowledging Mastrodomenico’s 100th birthday as a day worthy of celebration.

And, the party was just that: a celebration of Mastrodomenico’s life! Her family and friends from throughout the Fountains at RiverVue gathered at the community on Monday, Dec. 13 for live music provided by singer Frank D’Ambrosio and, of course, cake. Mastrodomenico has taken advantage of just about every opportunity presented by the community – and has even developed her own – to continue thriving into triple digits.

The friends who gathered in Mastrodomenico’s honor have enjoyed time with her playing Bingo and cards; attending excursions, entertainment and other activities on the community calendar; and participating in the many lifelong learning courses presented through Watermark University, a signature offering of all Watermark Retirement Communities.

“Lucy joins everything we plan here, always upbeat and ready to engage with her neighbors; she says it keeps her mind and body sharp,” added Reghan Giannelli, Fountains at RiverVue community life director. “I can attest that she is, indeed, sharp. She is someone I look forward to talking and laughing with each day.” Giannelli said she often gets ideas from Mastrodomenico, who previously ran a travel club at her former residence, which was a 55+ community.

Even during the early months of COVID-19, Mastrodomenico kept busy, tending meticulously to her patio garden. When restrictions loosened a bit, she socialized distantly with her neighbors, mixing drinks for them in the halls and catching up.

Born in the Bronx, Mastrodomenico grew up during the Great Depression, which has helped her remain optimistic about getting through the challenges presented by the pandemic. She worked right out of high school for Sears on Fordham Road before moving with her late husband, Patsy, to Mahopac. She raised a daughter, Margaret, who visits her daily. She also has two granddaughters and three great grandchildren who motivate her to keep active to ensure her age really is just a number.

And, Mastrodomenico says her personal “secret to a long and happy life” is “lots and lots of wine – but it has to be red.” She embraces the red varieties of her Italian heritage and has much to raise a glass to and celebrate as she reaches 100 years young.