Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured is Gusty Arrigo with friends and family and VA Staff..

The Warren County VA Clinic, part of the Erie VA Health Care System, recently honored a local hero in a celebration of both service and longevity.

Gusty Arrigo, a Youngsville resident and proud U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, turned 100 years old on Friday.

Arrigo’s milestone was celebrated in advance by staff at the Warren County VA Clinic, who shared their admiration for a man whose life is marked by courage, dedication, and quiet strength. Born in 1924, Gusty served his country with honor aboard U.S. Navy landing ships in the Pacific Theater, helping transport soldiers to key islands during pivotal moments in the war.

Landing ships, like those Gusty served on, were crucial to the Allied efforts in the Pacific, carrying troops to shore under dangerous and often heavily contested conditions. Veterans of those missions rarely spoke about the hardships, but their bravery helped shape the outcome of the war and laid the groundwork for peace.

After leaving the Navy, he came back home to Clarendon. Under the GI Bill, he attended Edinboro College briefly to become a physical education teacher but quit school and worked at a factory in Warren. Then, he attended

school in Erie to become a barber for the rest of his career until retirement.

After retirement, he continued to cut hair for hospice patients in Warren until his late 80s. He also volunteered a lot with his church. He received a medal from the Pope for his service to the community. He also volunteered at the Warren General Hospital.

“Mr. Arrigo is a living testament to the Greatest Generation,” said a representative from the clinic. “His service during one of the most critical times in our nation’s history is something we are incredibly grateful for, and we’re honored to be part of celebrating his 100th birthday.”