by Sasha Tobago

A few years ago, I road tripped to San Diego with a camera in hand. After a hike in Torrey Pines nature reserve, I drove to a popular taco shack nearby.

I parallel parked and, not seeing a parking enforcement sign, I approached an older gentleman seated outside a classic Italian restaurant. He wore a black veteran's hat and a green Army jacket.

A silver harmonica danced upon his lips.

"Hi, sorry to bother you," I said. "Is it okay to park there?"

The man greeted me with the warmest and widest of smiles. I soon discovered his name was Johnny Pernicano. He was 90 years old. And he was one of the nation's oldest-living World War II vets.

"Wow, you look fantastic," I said. He truly did. "Thank you for your service."

I told him my grandfather also served in World War II. He told me the story of his life.

How he survived a plane crash and has lived every day to the fullest ever since.

How he opened a local chain of restaurants with his brothers in the 1950s. Their Sicilian-style pizzas were an instant hit, and people would journey for miles to get a taste.

"My kids want me to retire. But I can't, I love this place too much."

I nodded with understanding. One of the secrets to longevity is staying active by doing what you love.

I spent over an hour chatting with Johnny. At one point, he took me inside Pernicano's, his pride and joy for 60 years. It was closed till dinner service, so the place was quiet and dimly lit with streaks of sunshine.

Once my pupils adjusted, the first thing I saw was a giant, seaworthy gondola in the center of the restaurant. Because... why not!

There was a piano to my left where Johnny entertained diners with his favorite melodies. And autographed wall photos of celebrity patrons past, including Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, and Michael Jackson.

Johnny passed away two years later. His joie de vivre lives on in his family, his patrons, and in me. I am so very glad our paths crossed that day.