The Leechburg community gathered Sunday to celebrate a huge milestone for one of its own.
Almost 200 guests filled the ballroom at the Marconi Club in Leechburg to celebrate the 100th birthday of Leechburg native Ufemio “Fem” Biagioni.
A proud Navy veteran and former Leechburg business owner, Biagioni celebrated several hours, visiting with friends and family, dining on hearty Italian fare and personalized sugar cookies decorated with “100”s and later blew out the candles on his cake during a birthday serenade.
“I feel privileged to have lived so long. I don’t know where the time went,” Biagioni said.
Leechburg Mayor Wayne Dobos was on hand to celebrate what he called “Fem’s Day.”
Dobos said he’s known Biagioni for more than 60 years and said Fem is a great conversationalist.
“I like to listen to him talk about history. His memory is absolutely fantastic,” Dobos said.
Granddaughter Chrissy Zimmerman said the family relies on her grandfather’s memory for family events.
“When we can’t remember someone’s name, call Grandpa. He’s something else,” Zimmerman said.
Born in Lucca, Italy, Biagioni had to quit school in the ninth grade to go to work.
He immigrated to America via Ellis Island on April 6, 1926.
A World War II veteran, he enlisted in the Navy and served as a storekeeper on the U.S.S. Boise, surviving many campaigns including the Battle of Cape Esperance and Battle of the Philippines, which Biagioni described as “horrific.”
Upon his return to home after the war, Biagioni found work as a milkman in Leechburg for almost a decade.
He was married to his beloved wife, Rose, until she died in 2010.
He owned Fem’s Beer Distributing in Leechburg before retiring.
Biagioni resides with his daughter Karen Zimmerman and son-in-law Tim.
Karen Zimmerman said her dad remains in very good health.
He enjoys reading about history, espionage and comedy.
“Gunsmoke” is his favorite television show.
His longevity is credited by relatives to good family genes.
“His Uncle Ralph lived to almost 102,” Karen Zimmerman said.
Biagioni’s celebration included a nod to his favorite fast-food restaurant, Burger King, with numerous well-known paper crowns displayed on a birthday table at the party.
His daughter said his go-to meal at Burger King is a Whopper Jr., fries and a Diet Dr. Pepper.
Biagioni also enjoys outings with his brother to Dairy Queen, shopping and viewing new construction sites.
“To me, my dad still looks 35,” Karen Zimmerman said. “He has such a sense of humor and makes me laugh every day.”
The Lions Club International Foundation made a donation in honor of Biagioni to thank him for his dedicated service to the Leechburg-Gilpin Lions Club from 1958-2021.
“My father has a love of community and served with the Lions for 58 years. He’s very dedicated to the Lions causes,” Karen Zimmerman said.
