Parx Casino Throws 100th Birthday Party for World War II Veteran

Posted on: August 15, 2024, 07:06h. 

Last updated on: August 15, 2024, 11:28h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

Parx Casino located just north of Philadelphia helped a member of The Greatest Generation celebrate his centennial last week.

Parx Casino Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Parx Casino’s exterior digital displays welcome Joe DeMarco, a World War II veteran, to his surprise 100th birthday party. The casino is located just north of Philadelphia. (Image: Parx Casino)

Parx Casino in Bensalem aided the family and friends of Joe DeMarco in ringing in his 100th birthday. DeMarco served in World War II in the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

Known to fancy a trip to Parx, DeMarco’s family accompanied him to the gaming venue last Friday where he was surprised with a birthday bash with his many friends and fellow veterans in attendance. The event featured Bucks County’s US Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Bensalem Township Mayor Joe DiGirolamo, and state Sen. Frank Farry (R-Bucks).

It went fast,” the former US Marine said reflecting on his century of life.

Parx’s digital exterior displays welcomed DeMarco by displaying photos of him in the service as well as from his childhood.

Pearl Harbor Prompted Service

After watching the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, DeMarco decided to forge his parents’ signatures so he could enlist in the USMC at the age of 17. A lifelong Philly native, which on Friday he called “the best place around,” DeMarco was sent to Camp Lejeune for basic training.

His father found him at the North Carolina military base and withdrew him from service. DeMarco reenlisted six months later when he turned 18.

DeMarco served in WWII, primarily in the South Pacific. He was later stationed in Panama to protect the canal.

After the war and his service ended, DeMarco returned to Philadelphia and became a presser in a tailor shop. He made his living in the garment industry and worked part-time as a waiter and beer vendor at Phillies games.

DeMarco says he lived well, enjoying Philly sports, Dean Martin, and Nat King Cole throughout his many years. He’s also long enjoyed a bet.

During his WWII days, he was punished with the task of cleaning the barracks with a toothbrush by his sergeant for shooting dice. After retiring, DeMarco says he’s always enjoyed a trip to the casino.

After enjoying lunch at Parx’s Liberty Bell Beer Garden, the 100-year-old shot craps on Friday.

“Never in the history of the world has any soldier sacrificed more for freedom and liberty of total strangers than the American soldier,” said DiGirolamo. “Your service to our country is commendable.”

Veterans’ Partner

Parx Casino is owned and operated by Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment. The casino has long sponsored veterans and is the presenting sponsor of the Bucks County Tour of Honor.

The program provides police-escorted transportation for military veterans from the Parx Casino to Washington, DC, to visit memorials and sites, including Arlington National Cemetery, the WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and Vietnam Memorial Wall. Upon return to Bensalem, veterans are treated to a “Welcome Home” dinner celebration hosted by the casino.

We value our freedom and the rights of being an American, so thank you for protecting that for us,” said Eric Hausler, Parx CEO, told DeMarco.

Parx is the top casino among the 17 brick-and-mortar casinos in Pennsylvania. The casino generated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $588.2 million on its physical floor last year.