Posted June 3, 2011
Virginia “Jean” Palumbo Introcaso loves to cook Italian dishes for herself and her family. To reach 100 years of age, she lives by this motto: “All foods in moderation — but no diet soda!”
She was born on May 22, 1911, and orphaned at an early age. She grew up in New York City with her siblings Albino, Vera and Freddie Palumbo. In 1929, she took a job as a switchboard operator for New York Bell.
In 1936, she married Joseph Introcaso, and they had three children: Virginia Thuransky, Richard Introcaso and Joanne Trainor, all of Bethel Park, and Mrs. Introcaso has four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Introcaso worked for the New York City Transit Authority until 1954, when the family moved to Whitehall and he took a job with Westinghouse. Mrs. Introcaso worked for Telephone Answering Service and raised her family. She was an active member of St. Elizabeth’s and St. Gabriel’s parishes. Her husband died in 1984 after 48 years of marriage.
Mrs. Introcaso enjoyed painting, travel, knitting, reading and card playing. She was an active member of OASIS and performed in many of its plays. She visited her family home in Calabria, Italy, and at age 85, she rode in a hot-air balloon over New Mexico.
She currently lives a very independent lifestyle in an apartment. Two parties were held in her honor — an open house at her apartment and a celebration at the LeMont Restaurant on Mount Washington.
If you or a friend or a relative recently turned 100 or will soon do so, the Post-Gazette would like to hear from you. On an occasional basis, the Magazine section will feature short stories on people marking their 100th year. To be included, send the honoree’s biographical information and your phone number to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Century Club, Attn: Kevin Kirkland, 34 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh 15222. Fax: 412-263-1313. E-mail: kkirkland@post-gazette.com.
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