Is this all for me?" asked Howard "Pat" Clark as he walked into his 101st birthday party held on July 12 at Tel Hai Retirement Community in Honey Brook. Among those in attendance were Tel Hai staff members, Clark's children and other family members and state Rep. Dan Williams, who was there to present Clark with an honorary citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Clark was born in 1923 in Flushing, N.Y. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University in Tennessee and was a pilot in the United States Army Air Corps. He worked in the liquor industry as a service executive until the age of 92. Clark lived independently until he moved to Tel Hai in May.

Clark marred his wife, Martha, on April 30, 1955, and they were married for 60 years before her death in 2015. Clark and his late wife, who resided in Elverson, have three children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

During the party, Clark was surrounded by a display of artwork that he had created, and his birthday cake featured an artist's easel. Clark still paints and sketches.

"My grandfather was an architect, and my father loved art as well," said Clark's daughter, Kim Esposito, who was accompanied to the event by her brothers, John and Clay Clark. "He started drawing and painting, and it is a hobby (that he continues)."

Clark said that he attributes his long life to "good genes." "His mom and dad both lived until 95, and he worked and kept himself stimulated and healthy," said Esposito. "He was always trying to do the best for himself, his health and others."

Following the singing of "Happy Birthday," Williams presented Clark with the citation, which read, in part, "We recognize individuals whose wisdom and experience have contributed to the enrichment of succeeding generations. (Clark) has demonstrated the highest ideals of citizenship and truly deserves special recognition. He has generously contributed to the well-being of others and (the Pennsylvania House of Representatives) offers the very best wishes to his future happiness."

Williams also commented on Clark's life, including his artwork. "As I look at this art, I recognize that he has been a gift to us. It's not so much that we are honoring him; he is honoring us," said Williams. "We are not just celebrating the years. We are celebrating and counting a life well done."