2 Lower Bucks War Veterans Honored For 100th Birthday

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA —They gave their service to their country. So not only were two Lower Bucks County war veterans recognized in separate ceremonies as heroes, but they also received accolades for hitting the century mark.

At its recent meeting, Warminster Township Supervisors issued a proclamation honoring former resident and U.S. Navy veteran Walter Blowitski for his service and for turning 100 years old.

Meanwhile, U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick recently honored World War II veteran Earl Sonnie of Feasterville on his 100th birthday.

Blowitski was given a proclamation by Warminster supervisors that was accepted by his grandson Chad Edwards. Blowitski did not attend the meeting.

"Congratulations to your grandfather on a long-lived life," Supervisors Chairman Kenneth Hayes said at the meeting.

Blowitski grew up in the Frankford section of Philadelphia with his older sister, Marie, and his parents, who had immigrated from Ukraine. He graduated from Northeast High School in 1941, and began working for General Electric before joining the Navy the following year.

At age 20, he joined the Seabees, a construction battalion, whose average age was 35.

Blowitski served in the naval campaign in the Gilbert Islands in the South Pacific as part of ACORN 13 (Aviation Construction Ordinance Radar Navy). He then would train officers before studying at Cornell University after the war.

He worked for 45 years at General Electric and met his wife Stella out dancing in 1949. They would go on to have five children in a 71-year marriage.

"Walter was always involved with his children, his parish, and the community," his grandson said. "Walter enjoys things like stamp collecting and gardening. He is the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation to help. He is a diehard Eagles and Phillies fan. He still enjoys spending time with his 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren."

Fitzpatrick recently attended the birthday celebration for World War II veteran Earl Sonnie of Feasterville.

Sonnie served during World War II, earning the rank of sergeant, Fitzpatrick said.

During the war, Sonnie instructed pilots, co-pilots, navigators, and bombardiers on instrument flying and precision bombing.

"Thank you to Earl’s family for inviting us to be part of this amazing milestone for a true American hero," Fitzpatrick said.