Albert Fraind, of Allentown, known as “dad,” “pop,” “uncle,” and “great-uncle” turned 100 years old on Feb. 6.

His birthday party was held at a local restaurant and family from across the country came to help him celebrate.

Fraind, who has given public presentations about his life, which he has devoted to helping and protecting others, discusses the challenging times he has survived.

A WWII veteran, Fraind, who served under Gen. George S. Patton, was with the 15th Engineer Combat Battalion, 9th Infantry Division and took part in eight major campaigns, including in North Africa, Sicily and Normandy.

A combat engineer, Fraind’s job was to locate mines.

In March 1945, he was awarded a Bronze Star and also received a Soldier’s Medal for saving the lives of two fellow soldiers.

When the war ended, he started a new life and he and his late wife, Norma, operated a corner grocery store in Allentown for many years.

Fraind was also a deputy fire chief and fire inspector and arson investigator in Allentown for 30 years.

Soon after he retired from the fire department, Fraind became an ombudsman and medical caseworker for Lehigh County.

He recalled taking classes on how to help families and find care for their aging parents. He continued working in this position into his 80s.

Fraind considers himself a people person who enjoys talking to people, but says he avoids discussing politics and religion.

He says that was one of the things that has helped him reach age 100.

Fraind keeps active. He wakes up early everyday to go to the gym.

He used to swim and work out daily at the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, Allentown.

There his pool miles and distance were recorded and he received certificates for swimming the length of the English Channel several times.

Fraind said he is a healthy eater and continues to cook for himself daily in addition to doing his laundry and watching the news to keep up with current events.

He takes life as it comes and accepts the changes it brings, such as aches and pains, and the deaths of friends or relatives.

Raised a Catholic, Fraind said he believes in the power of prayer and feels this has helped him get through the difficulties in life.

He was asked his advice to others seeking a long life - stay active, eat healthy, take life as it comes, pray, stay current with the world and be social with people.