A South Bay World War II veteran spent his 96th trip around the sun surrounded by his family this weekend in Torrance.
David Botelho, who lives in Hawthorne, was treated to a surprise by youngest child, Ron, on Saturday, Aug. 28, with all five of his children making the trek to Torrance to celebrate his birthday.
Botelho began his service in the United States Army in 1943, landing in Glasgow, Scotland, just days after the Normandy Invasion, often referred to as D-Day. He was trained to join the tank division, but before he could be deployed, he was transferred to serve as a military police officer.
That switch to serve as an MP, his eldest son David believes, saved his father’s life as his original tank battalion was wiped out.
“Then he got to live in Paris for a year,” his son David said. “And he’ll tell us all about the beautiful French women he met there.”
After returning to his original homestead in Massachusetts, Botelho met his would-be wife Julia.
After having their first son, David, the family moved to California where they would also become parents to Ron, Gary, Greg and Russ. Julia died in February of this year, months before the couple would’ve celebrated their 67th anniversary.
Botelho opted for a simple life after serving in the military, made fulfilling through his many hobbies including woodwork and painting.
“Me and (Ron),” Botelho said. “We built this whole kitchen together,” referring to his son’s house.
Botelho, surrounded by his kids and their families, was emotional to have them all under the same roof for his celebration.
“It’s just so wonderful,” he said. “It’s so rare I get to see them all together.”
When asked how 96 years has treated him, Botelho said that he is “feeling damn good.”