Brook Park centenarian Violet Heintz honored by city

City leaders celebrate Heintz's 100th birthday with resolution recognizing her century of life

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:03pm

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Brook Park, Ohio officials joined family members and residents to celebrate Violet Heintz's 100th birthday, presenting her with a city resolution honoring the centenarian's remarkable life journey from Aberdeen, Scotland to Cleveland and eventually Brook Park.

Why it matters

Recognizing residents like Violet Heintz who reach the age of 100 reflects the close-knit community values that define Brook Park, where officials aim to honor both the city's youth and its seniors as the 'foundation' of the town.

The details

Violet Heintz was born in 1926 in Aberdeen, Scotland to Italian parents. She later moved to Cleveland, met and married her husband Dan, and raised three children in Brook Park. Now 100 years old, Heintz is known for her creativity, warmth, and positive outlook on life, which has included hobbies like knitting, reading, playing bingo, and cheering on the Cleveland Guardians.

  • Violet Heintz was born on March 8, 1926.
  • Heintz celebrated her 100th birthday on March 1, 2026.

The players

Violet Heintz

A 100-year-old resident of Brook Park, Ohio who was born in Aberdeen, Scotland and later moved to Cleveland where she met and married her husband Dan, raising three children.

Rick Salvatore

The Brook Park City Council President who introduced the resolution honoring Violet Heintz's 100th birthday.

Ed Orcutt

The Mayor of Brook Park who issued a proclamation recognizing Violet Heintz's 100th birthday milestone.

Peter Heintz

Violet Heintz's 65-year-old son, who is her only surviving child.

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What they’re saying

“She called me up and said, 'We got Violet Heintz, and she's going to be 100 years old. You think you could do something for us to honor her?' I said absolutely, and that's how it all began.”

— Rick Salvatore, Brook Park City Council President (cleveland.com)

“Mom was always full of laughter and a huge influence on the imagination. She would make up the most wonderful bedtime stories that even my father would listen to and enjoy.”

— Peter Heintz, Violet Heintz's son (cleveland.com)

“She claims she's not deserving of such an honor. Her mother survived to 105 years and her father 99 years, so longevity seems to be in her bloodline, but a huge testament goes to mom's outlook on life. The only thing to worry about is the people you love.”

— Peter Heintz, Violet Heintz's son (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The city of Brook Park plans to continue honoring other centenarian residents in the community, demonstrating its commitment to valuing both its youth and its senior citizens.

The takeaway

Violet Heintz's remarkable 100-year life journey, from her Scottish roots to raising a family in Ohio, is a testament to the power of positivity, community, and the enduring human spirit. Her story inspires us to cherish our elders and the invaluable wisdom they offer.