Emilio Iasimone celebrates 100

Family, friends and residents paid tribute to Emilio Iasimone as he became the newest member of Rhode Island’s Centenarian Club. Iasimone is a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

“Emilio is a remarkable man,” Akshay Talwar, owner and operator of Briarcliffe Manor, exclaimed while watching Iasimone joke with Mayor. “We are all thrilled to help celebrate this great day.” Iasimone lives at Briarcliffe Manor.

Polisena congratulated Iasimone, as his daughter Helene Manish and granddaughter Marissa Rose stood behind the decorated vet amid festival birthday balloons.

“Be it hereby known to all that the mayor’s office and the Town of Johnston, Rhode Island hereby offer most sincere congratulations to Emilio Iasimone on his 100th Birthday Celebration,” read Polisena.

Applause filled Briarcliffe’s second floor dining room, but Polisena asked for another moment of silence, saying, “Emilio, make that many, many, many more years of good health and well-being.” Polisena continued to talk with Iasimone and his family about a man who the mayor noted “has lived a rather interesting and unique life.”

Iasimone grew up on Providence’s Federal Hill, then served with the 29th Infantry Division in World War II. After the war ended in 1945, he was walking down a street in Brussels, Belgium and met a lady who later become his wife, Marie, known to family members and friends as Mimi.

An entrepreneur who owned and operated several businesses, including Leo’s on The Hill and the Original Bread House franchise in Johnston, Iasimone, his daughter noted, “was also the first sales representative for Little Debbie Foods on the entire East Coast.”

Iasimone, who proudly wore his World War II veterans hat, has three children and four grandchildren. He is a long-time Johnston resident who currently resides at Briarcliffe Manor with his wife.