92-year-old Ohio man celebrates 23rd Leap Day birthday
KENT, Ohio (WJW) – Like a Presidential election, Leap Day comes around once every four years.
For those born on Leap Day, technically, their birthday is just as infrequent. That’s a big reason why one senior community wanted to be sure to take the time to celebrate one of their own.
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George Greenlee is technically 92, but being a Leap Day baby, he’s celebrating his 23rd official birthday at Tamarack Ridge Health Center, where 60 of his closest friends showed up to celebrate.
“This is very unique to me and is something that I’ll always remember,” Greenlee said. “Today I’m 92, and I’m looking forward to another two.”
Greenlee is a retired Private First Class with the U.S. Army Airborne serving in the Korean War. He said that’s when he was actually 23, a difficult time that brings tears to his eyes in reflection due to his disdain for conflict.
Greenlee’s goal is to make it to 100, which is another two Leap Day birthday celebrations. His wife Bee Greenlee said her husband certainly has the spirit of a 23-year-old.
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“Don’t I wish,” George joked.
Greenlee is an avid bike rider, one of the things he said is a key to a long life, but he does have a sweet tooth, especially for chocolate.
Organizers said Greenlee is one-of-a-kind.
“George is kind of an example for people he’s had a lot of experiences and he’s so active,” Foundations Health Regional Marketer Rebecca Moore said. “I think that is the key to aging.”
Theresa Summers is the Coordinator of the Streetsboro Senior Center, a facility that serves 2,300 seniors. She said Greenlee has been one of the driving forces behind the construction of a new senior center, which opens on March 13, 2024 – aligning with his key to living a long and healthy life.
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“An active lifestyle, hard work, good rest, no alcohol or drugs, no tobacco,” Greenlee said.
Greenlee wishes for peace in the world amid conflict, but also wants to see more people adopt positive attitudes and use kindness toward others.
“Keep a positive attitude all the time,” he said. “Life is what you make it. Don’t let anybody else dictate your life for you. You live your own life but live it to its fullest.”
Bayada Home Health Care is one of the primary sponsors of the party.
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