Living August 21, 2019

98-year-old bag boy’s surprise birthday party pays tribute to his WWII service

WATCH: 98-year-old bag boy’s surprise birthday party pays tribute to his WWII service

Who doesn’t love a surprise party?

Bartolomeo "Bennie" Ficeto, a 98-year-old World War II veteran, received a special surprise from his co-workers for his birthday.

Bennie Ficeto has worked at Stop & Shop for 10 years as a bagger.

Ficeto works two shifts a week as a bag boy at his local Stop & Shop in Edison, New Jersey, and insists on not taking a break.

"Why would I take a break when I only get to work four hours?" Ficeto said.

Editor's Picks
Bennie loves to chat with customers as he bags their groceries.

Ficeto has worked at Stop & Shop for 10 years, and is beloved by customers and staff.

"Bennie's a joy," manager Sal Marconi previously told ABC New York station WABC. "He's full of life, he's happy."

Stop & Shop celebrated Bennie Ficeto's 98th birthday with a surprise party.
(MORE: Uber driver gave woman 400-mile ride to her aunt's 100th birthday party)

To celebrate his special day, his co-workers surprised him with a party during his shift.

"What do we have here?" Ficeto asked. "This is for me?"

Along with his colleagues, family and some community members came out for the occasion. The celebration kicked off with food, music and, of course, cake.

There was even a performance by the USO Show Troupe, serenading Ficeto with a special rendition of "Happy Birthday" and tunes from the WWII era.

WWII Veteran Bennie Ficeto, received a birthday surprise from the USO Show Troupe.
(MORE: This WWII veteran asked for 100 cards for his 100th birthday -- now, he wants 1,000)

During the war, Ficeto served in the Army Air Forces as a gunner on a B-25 Mitchell bomber.

He shared stories from his time in the service, recalling one experience in particular when he missed a day and his plane was shot down.

"The Lord always took me home," he said.

Bartolomeo Ficeto
Bennie Ficeto served in the Army Air Force during WWII.

Since leaving the military, Ficeto has held many different jobs, such as being a barber to working for a cosmetics company.

As for retirement, Ficeto doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon. He said he will continue until he’s 100.

"I love working here," he said. "I love the people here."