Long Island senior Gene Scala, or “Gene the Bowling Machine” as he is known among friends, recently celebrated a 105th milestone birthday while living his fountain-of-youth at The Arbors Assisted Living Community at Westbury.

To celebrate his colorful life, of which he spent the majority living in East Islip and working as a barber, musician (he still plays the saxophone) and tailor, and to recognize all of his achievements, including the distinction as the “oldest active bowling member in the United States”, The Arbors at Westbury’s residents and staff hosted a special birthday event for Scala.

Much like Scala’s handmade beaded hats and ties that are sported by the young-at-heart Arbors’ residents, the festivities were rolled out in true style, featuring live music, entertainment, and drawing many of Gene’s friends and extended family from across the country.

“Gene is an amazing, larger than life individual who has seen and done it all,” says Melissa Schuhmacher, Director of Community Relations at The Arbors at Westbury. “It’s a privilege for The Arbors to organize this celebration so everyone could appreciate all that Gene has achieved and continues to accomplish in his life. He is an inspiration to us all.”

Long before most people on Long Island were alive, Scala was born in Naples, Italy, in 1905. When he turned 14 he came to America to work as a barber and a tailor in Brooklyn. A seasoned musician for 70 years, Scala played in several bands and performed in a symphony orchestra.  He still plays the saxophone and clarinet today, and can be found every Wednesday showing off his bowling skills at the local bowling alley.

Scala is representative of only a few Long Island centenarians who have reached 105 years of age. The sole survivor among his five brothers and two sisters, he has been married three times and has had three children as well as one grandchild, all of whom he has outlived.