A fair call because Tom recently celebrated his 101th birthday.

Tom did expand on the question saying he had no plans and that every day was a gift.

With his beloved wife of 76 years, Olive by his side, and two glasses of wine every day, it’s easy to comprehend why Tom has been blessed with a long and healthy life.

And, Tom maintained owning and fruit and veggie shop and keeping a healthy diet, which of course include fresh produce every day, had helped him along the way.

Tom arrived in Australia from Panarea, a small Italian island, in May 1925 after finishing his school studies as a 10-year-old.

Before opening a fruit shop in the Sydney suburb of Croydon, he lived with and worked for an uncle for more than a decade.

During WWII he served with the 7th Australian Infantry Battalion and was posted to the Solomon Islands and Bougainville.

Tom is the last of his siblings, and he has three children aged 75, 68 and 59.

He keeps his mind active by reading the newspapers daily, gardening, playing bowls and walking.

He celebrated his birthday with the obligatory birthday cake and a party at his Estia Health Tuncurry home with family and friends.