WINCHESTER, Ky. — A Kentucky man has experienced 100 years of history. He had a whole day dedicated to him in celebration inside a senior living center in Winchester.

“It’s hard to believe, 100 years doesn’t seem that long. In fact, I still don’t believe I’m 100 years,” Rupsis said.

Years that Joseph Rupsis said have been an exciting ride.

“That part didn’t bother me. I don’t know why. Maybe I expected to get here,” Rupsis said.

He celebrated alongside his family and his wife of 15 years, Mary.

“I’m just going along with what the boss wants to do,” Rupsis said.

And even at 100 years old, he has a relationship full of love and jokes. 

“I think one day she pulled up in a big, shiny, new looking Cadillac. And I said, ‘Boy, I got to latch on to that,’” Rupsis said.

Rupsis says he’s experienced and lived out more events than most people.

“Well, I don’t think it was any different than the average person, other than a couple of wars. That was not real special for me. Something I had to do and I did,” Rupsis said.

In interviews from years prior, he was a well-known veteran in the community, serving in World War II and the Korean War. 

And with Rupsis’s contagious laugh, his son, Joel Hemingway, says positivity is the one thing he will always remember about his father.

“It’s probably the last memory that he’ll leave behind when it’s his time to go,” Hemingway said. 

And he said his dad is living his life with no complaints. 

“I think of a guy with a little block on his desk just saying no complaining. That kind of stops you before approaching,” Hemingway said.

A celebration of 100 years full of joy, love and family alongside Patsy Cline and fried bologna sandwiches.

Joseph Rupsis turned 100 on March 15, 2022 at Boonesborough Trail Senior Living, where the Mayor declared a proclamation on that day in dedication to Rupsis.