POINT PLEASANT BEACH: It was a wonderful day for a parade. Numerous people lined up on Elizabeth Ave in Point Beach to drive by 101 year old WWII Veteran Dan Passarella’s house.

Dan is a Brick resident who stills lives in his own home. He turned 101 on August 7. He and his late wife, Virginia, had 6 kids, 16 grandkids, and is soon expecting his 16th great grandchild. His parents and brother were born in Italy and came to Chicago where Dan was born. He stormed Utah Beach on D-Day with the 101st airborne division of the army. He was eventually hit by shrapnel and sent home. However, he didn’t receive his Purple Heart until about 10 years ago when one of his granddaughters did a school project and discovered he probably should have received one. His granddaughter wrote to Representative Chris Smith, and he was honored with his Purple Heart over 60 years after the war! He never goes a day without a donut or pastry of some kind with a half a cup of black coffee. His children are dedicated to making sure he gets the care he deserves, even if he refuses it sometimes because he loves his independence and that’s what keeps him going!

Approximately 100 cars came through today with less than 24 hours of planning. Thank you to everyone who came out to support this hero.