Chemist Holds B-Day Party for Centenarian

Bhanu Gadde, owner and principal pharmacist at Long Beach Chemists on West Park Avenue, thought it would be fitting to hold a birthday party for one of the store’s favorite customers, Irving Spitalnick, a long-time Long Beach resident and a new centenarian.

The pharmacy’s dozen or so employee and friends of the Gadde family watched as Spitalnick cut his 100^th birthday cake on March 26.

“It’s good to honor the elderly and we are all very fond of Irving,” Gadde said. “Now we celebrate his 36,000-plus days.”

Children played the viola, violin and piano for the 100-year-old birthday boy, who was also serenaded and feted.

“Everyone wants to throw a party for me,” Spitalnick said.

Just last week, the Long Beach Housing Authority held a party for Spitalnick.

Born in Russia in 1911, Spitalnick came to America as a young boy. He and his wife have lived in the Canals neighborhood for many years, and he was a master electrician in his day. He said he loves living in Long Beach for the beach and ice skating.  

Mona Goodman, vice president of the Long Beach City Council, kicked off the party at Long Beach Chemists with a citation honoring Spitalnick.

“It’s a privilege to share Irving’s 100^th birthday with him and all his friends,” she said.