Celesta DiLeonardo marked her 107th birthday on Wednesday with a celebration organized by Burlington County officials, the Department of Human Services, and the Borough of Palmyra.
Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo and Palmyra Mayor Gina Ragomo Tait joined a group of well-wishers to honor DiLeonardo. “Celesta is believed to be our county’s oldest living resident, and we are excited to help celebrate her remarkable life with her family, friends and neighbors,” said Commissioner Brolo. He presented DiLeonardo with a county proclamation, card, flowers, balloons, and her favorite lunch from the Meals on Wheels program.
Other attendees included Shirla Simpson, Director of the Burlington County Department of Human Services; Malikah Morris, Deputy Director; Bryan Barnes, Director of the Office on Aging; and Carla Fynan, Office on Aging Dietician. Council President Tim Howard and members of Palmyra’s Police and Fire Departments also participated in the event.
DiLeonardo is one of over 500 residents who regularly receive meals from Burlington County’s Meals on Wheels program. The service delivers nutritious meals at no cost to homebound residents aged 60 or older. Voluntary donations are accepted to support continued service for as many clients as possible. The program is managed by the Burlington County Office on Aging.
Last year alone, more than 120,000 meals were delivered through this initiative. “Meals on Wheels is one of our most important and successful County services,” said Brolo. “The nutritious meals and daily interactions are difference-makers for hundreds of our county’s seniors. Celesta is the perfect example of the program’s success.”
Born in South Philadelphia before moving to Palmyra across the Delaware River, DiLeonardo worked at Home Lite Company in Philadelphia for over two decades. She raised three children with her late husband and has been an avid dancer throughout her life. She attributes her longevity to good Italian food, dancing, creativity, and strong connections with family and friends.
Burlington County covers 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area according to its official website. The county operates under a Board of Commissioners made up of five at-large members led by Administrator Eve Cullinan (source). There are 40 political subdivisions within Burlington County: three cities, six boroughs—including Palmyra—and 31 townships (source).
Residents interested in learning more about Meals on Wheels can call 609-265-5069.
