104-Year-Old WWII Vet and Saxophone Player Shares Longevity Tips

Dominick Critelli, a decorated World War II veteran, wowed a crowd with his rendition of the national anthem and credits his healthy diet and active lifestyle for his longevity.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Dominick Critelli, a 104-year-old World War II veteran, recently played the national anthem on his saxophone in front of thousands of people at an NHL hockey game. Despite his advanced age, Critelli's health is described as 'perfect' and he continues to live independently, play music daily, and travel internationally. Critelli shares the keys to his longevity, including a Mediterranean diet, a lifelong passion for music, and strong family connections.

Why it matters

Critelli's story provides inspiring insights into maintaining health and vitality well into the later stages of life. His dedication to a nutritious diet, regular exercise through music, and close family ties offer valuable lessons on longevity that can be applied by people of all ages.

The details

Critelli, who immigrated to the U.S. from Italy as a child, has played the saxophone since he was 13 years old. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at 22 and served in Europe during World War II. After the war, he worked in construction, trucking, and as a high school teacher in Brooklyn. Critelli still plays the saxophone for at least an hour every day, which helps keep his lungs healthy. He has never had cancer or heart disease and still maintains a driver's license, though he no longer drives.

  • Critelli was born in April 1921.
  • He enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 22 during WWII.
  • Critelli recently played the national anthem at an NHL hockey game in December 2025.

The players

Dominick Critelli

A 104-year-old World War II veteran and saxophone player who lives independently and maintains excellent health.

Nancy McLaughlin

Critelli's daughter, who describes her father as a 'force of nature' and shares details about his longevity habits.

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What they’re saying

“When we came here, we loved this country, and I still love this country, and that's why I love 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' 'The Star-Spangled Banner' means a lot to me. When I play it, I play it from the heart, believe me, because I believe in this country.”

— Dominick Critelli (TODAY.com)

“He just kept going and going and going. He's a force of nature.”

— Nancy McLaughlin, Critelli's daughter (TODAY.com)

What’s next

Critelli plans to continue playing the saxophone and traveling internationally, including his annual trip to the Netherlands as part of Mission Margraten Plus, a nonprofit that takes World War II veterans to visit a U.S. military cemetery.

The takeaway

Critelli's story demonstrates that maintaining a healthy diet, active lifestyle, strong family connections, and lifelong passions can contribute to exceptional longevity. His dedication to music, patriotism, and adventure serves as an inspiration for people of all ages to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.