HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY Rose Silvestri Waterford's newest centenarian is celebrating 100 years in Connecticut. She is a first-generation Italian American born in Hartford. Rose & her sister, Millie, were orphaned at a young age and moved to New London in 1939 with their Stepmother, Nancy Spinnato. Rose survived polio and became an advocate and fundraiser to end polio through research. She was honored for her efforts by the March of Dimes and the New London Polio drive. During this time, she graduated from Williams Memorial Institute and the New London Business College. She married her husband in 1950 and shortly after they moved to Waterford. She celebrates today with her 6 children, 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and their children. 100 100 100 HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY Rose Silvestri Waterford's newest centenarian is celebrating 100 years in Connecticut . She is a first - generation Italian American born in Hartford . Rose & her sister , Millie , were orphaned at a young age and moved to New London in 1939 with their Stepmother , Nancy Spinnato . Rose survived polio and became an advocate and fundraiser to end polio through research . She was honored for her efforts by the March of Dimes and the New London Polio drive . During this time , she graduated from Williams Memorial Institute and the New London Business College . She married her husband in 1950 and shortly after they moved to Waterford . She celebrates today with her 6 children , 8 grandchildren , 7 great grandchildren , many nieces , nephews , cousins and their children . 100 100 100