Local
Newport firefighter Hugo DeAscentis celebrates a century of life and service
Hugo DeAscentis turned 100 on Oct. 25, marking the milestone with family, friends and members of the Newport community. Hired by the city’s fire department in 1951, he later became a lieutenant and responded to fires at Newport mansions.
NEWPORT, R.I. — Hugo DeAscentis celebrated his 100th birthday on Oct. 25 with family, friends and neighbors from the city where he has spent his life. At the gathering, he was recognized as Newport’s oldest living firefighter.
“I was nothing special,” DeAscentis said, describing his surprise at the celebration. “But to have this happen to me is unbelievable.”
DeAscentis joined the Newport Fire Department in 1951. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1972 and retired in 1977. During his career, he responded to fires at Newport mansions in the 1970s.
His son, Andrew DeAscentis, said his father was widely recognized around town. While driving along Broadway, he recalled, people would wave and call out to Hugo, sometimes in cars he did not know.
Retired Newport Lieutenant Tim Manning praised DeAscentis as even-tempered and called him “the best person in the world” and “our number one star.”
DeAscentis received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and the Medal of Honor from Newport’s mayor. He recalled the city as a place where people looked out for one another, saying it felt “like a big family.”
Asked about reaching 100, DeAscentis offered a concise answer: “Moderation and patience. If you have that, then you’re doing all right.”