“The secret to longevity is dancing,” said centenarian Gene Willem at a 100th birthday party in his honor last Friday at the Big Band Dance at the Vero Beach Community Center.
Willem said he has been cutting a rug since he was 7 years old. “When the radio would play music, my aunt would grab ahold of me, and we’d dance. I was a square dancer for over 50 years. That’s how I met all three of my wives,” he shared.
Willem only leaves the dance floor when the Accidentals Band takes a break, explaining that he is concerned about leaving his lady friend, Alicia Callander, for too long, lest she finds another dance partner.
The Accidentals Band plays at the thrice-weekly dances at the Community Center hosted by the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department.
“He still dances about three days a week, and he loves to teach the newbies,” said Lorely Ridge, president of the USA Dance Board Vero Beach Chapter, which hosts monthly dances the third Thursday of the month at the Heritage Center. “Until a few years ago Gene would attend the monthly dances at the Heritage Center, too.”
Willem said that hitting the century mark is pretty common in his family, commenting, “My mother was 102 and in good shape when she died.”
“We all hope we reach that age in good health,” said his 94-year-old brother Bill, who organized the party.
Born in Philadelphia on April 23, 1917, Willem was a successful tool and die maker before he retired at age 62. He moved to Vero Beach a few years later after honeymooning here with his third wife.
“I’ve been very fortunate. I think living a healthy lifestyle, going out with younger women and having a little bit of luck is how you do it,” advised Willem.
“He doesn’t take any medicine,” said friend Mariangela Risso. “He’s an inspiration for people that are old.”
“The only things Gene complains about are his hearing aids,” added Laurence Farley.
“First you have to get to 99; then just live one day at a time. Oh, and keep dancing,” said Willem as the band began to play and he headed off in search of his dance partner.
Want to give it a whirl? The dances, $2 per person, are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Vero Beach Community Center.
