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Westchester Man Celebrates 107th Birthday

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. -- In his 107 years, Gunter Lorenz, who lives in Ossining, has seen it all.

Gunter Lorenz.

Gunter Lorenz.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Gunter Lorenz when he was three years old. He turned 107 this week.

Gunter Lorenz when he was three years old. He turned 107 this week.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron

Lorenz celebrated his 107th birthday Wednesday at the JCC Mid-Hudson in Tarrytown, where a party was thrown in his honor and cake was served. Lorenz celebrated his 106th birthday at the same location.

"I feel fine," Lorenz said. "I couldn't feel better."

The centenarian was born in Poland in 1910 and moved to New York in 1940. He worked as a camera lens specialist and later went into medicine, where he had a practice in the Bronx. Lorenz moved to Scarborough Manor in Ossining in 1977 when he took a job at the Montrose VA.

Lorenz credits his longevity to his wife, Sylvie.

"She makes my life livable and very happy," Lorenz said. "I feel very good. Whatever help I need, I get from my wife."

Lorenz jokes that he chose his parents very carefully to ensure he has good genes.

Sylvie said she loves her husband and loves to take care of him. The two met in Scarborough Manor. Both widowed, Lorenz asked her out in the elevator.

"Can't we go out for dinner?" Lorenz said to Sylvie. "I'm an old cracker, you don't have to worry."

The couple has been married for 17 years.

Lorenz gets up between 8 and 9 and has oatmeal with bananas. He spends most of the day reading the newspaper and rides on a stationary bike 20 minutes a day and walks in the hallway. He presents lectures at the JCC and has spent the last year trying to develop a lecture on silver.

He loves going out to eat to King Buffett in Cortlandt Manor.

Sylvie credits her husband's longevity to his temperament.

"He's very balanced," Sylvie said. "He doesn't burn himself out. He's very bright and logical. He has a good attitude."

Lorenz has a daughter, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Linda Gerstman, Lorenz's daughter who also lives at Scarborough Manor, said she loves having her father around.

"It's great," Gerstman said. "My father's always been unusual, he has his hobbies and interests. We've spent many Sundays at the zoo or the Museum of Natural History. He has a great attitude toward life,  he's very relaxed."

Lorenz will be having four birthday parties this year and Sylvie has booked him a special appointment with a massage therapist.  Lorenz said he doesn't need anything for his birthday.

"I have everything I need," Lorenz said. "My wife takes excellent care of me." 

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