All were full of joy and happiness as they celebrated Harry Danos’ 98th birthday in East Lyme on May 14.

“By the powers given from the Board of Selectmen and First Selectman Kevin Seery, I do proclaim that today, May 14, 2022 be known as the official Harry Danos day in East Lyme,” screamed Richard Steel, who was reading in place of First Selectman Kevin Seery.

Additional citations were given from leadership in Hartford.

Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney also provided an official citation from the Connecticut State Government thanking Danos for his dedication to the community, state, and country over his 98 years.

Danos is an acclaimed architect, artist and WWII veteran. Some of his more famous projects include the Veteran monument in New Britain, the Civic Center in Hartford and the Niantic Village masterplan.

Still, at 98, Danos beams with an ear to ear smile.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you all for coming,” Danos wholeheartedly exclaimed to those in attendance.

Friends, family, and community leaders traveled as far as Illinois and Massachusetts to celebrate the life of Danos.

Danos’ younger brother, Lenny, serenaded everyone numerous times with his talents on the harmonica.

Lenny and Harry speak on a daily basis.

”He’s a typical engineer,” explained the elder Danos. “You give him positives in and he gives positives out,” he said of his younger brother.

Harry was stationed in Iwo Jima during World War II, and became very fond of the Japanese, whom he describes to this day as “very friendly and helpful.”

Danos continues to live life to its fullest by being involved in the local Greek community, teaching watercolor classes with fellow veterans, and attending veteran coffee houses from time to time.

At 98, he’s still living and driving on his own. This is the kind of independence that helps keep him young in his self-designed house in the village of Niantic. The house even includes a flight of stairs from the main floor to the second where the panoramic view of the marshes on Long Island Sound are breathtaking.

Harry acredits his longevity, in part, to the fresh salt breeze. So much so that he sleeps with the window open throughout the year.

Harry has shown that he takes life to new levels and new floors.

Cate Steel was instrumental in helping to organize the party in collaboration with the East Lyme Veteran Representative, Brian Burridge.

Danos can go on for hours recalling wartime stories, his comrades and the intricacies of magnetic induction.

And of course, he likes to quote Einstein along with several Greek mythical characters.

He is proud. He is jovial. He loves his country.

“We first connected around education and our common time in Omaha, Nebraska,” Cate Steel said.

Danos was stationed at the Strategic Air Command just outside of Cate’s hometown of Omaha.

“And now he helps to keep the sunny side up for me and those around him,” Cate continued. “We’ve been lucky to have him in our life and to spread his example of living life to its fullest, I consider Harry to be part of my family,” she concluded.

“I don’t really care if you’re Republican or Democrat, I’m just so glad to be here together with fellow Americans who love our country and one another,” Danos proclaimed.

Irving Steel lives in East Lyme.

Lives of our Times is a regular feature. To submit, email times@theday.com.