Happy 100th Birthday, Harold Mack

On Tuesday, one longtime resident celebrated a significant milestone—his 100^th birthday. So just how long is a long time? Harold Mack has lived in Hillsborough and Burlingame for the past 95 years, after moving from New York as a child. He now lives at in Burlingame.

“They put on a very good show for me and everybody congratulated me,” Mack said. “It was very, very nice.”

Mack moved to Hillsborough with both of his parents, but they divorced soon after arriving in California and his father moved to Carmel.

While growing up, Mack attended elementary and middle school in Hillsborough and later attended Burlingame High School for two years. He also attended Menlo College for a year and a half.

Although Mack said he wasn’t a good student due to liking to fool around too much, his time spent in grammar school paid off. Mack married his grammar school sweetheart. The pair was married for 70 years until her death in 2003. They had two children.

Over the years, Mack held various jobs, from working as a stockbroker to a kennel owner to a photographer.

When his wife died, Mack sold his house and moved into Atria.  Now, he said, he just wants to relax.

“Most of my friends are dead,” said Mack. “I’ve outlived them, which is a big mistake.”

However, he said he does still have a couple of friends, and said his son has been wonderful at taking care of him and his affairs.

While he said the birthday celebration was nice, he said he was happy he wouldn’t have to do it again. His only response when asked why was, “When you’re 100, you’ll find out.”

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