Fountain of Youth
World War II veteran Dominic Critelli claims he found the fountain of youth through music. At 104, he still plays the saxophone beautifully every day.
Critelli’s talents were on full display Saturday night when he played the National Anthem before the puck dropped for the New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers hockey game at UBS Arena on Long Island.
Decked out in a custom-made blue and orange Islanders jersey with No. 104 sewn on the sleeves and back, Critelli took a seat near the boards, with a stand and sheet music in front of him. Proudly wearing a World War II Veteran baseball cap, Critelli wet his lips and began playing the National Anthem on his beloved sax. As he approached the end and the “home of the brave” portion of the song, Critelli hit a long, drawn-out high note, proving those 104-year-old lungs are still strong and healthy.
When he finished, the 17,255 fans that packed the UBS Arena gave the World War II veteran a standing ovation. Eyes twinkling, Critelli beamed with a smile as he saluted the Islanders’ faithful.
“When I’m playing, I feel energized,” Critelli told Fox 5 News in New York. “I feel like, oh jeez, I’m young again.”
Not only was the crowd treated to Critelli’s delightful National Anthem rendition, but the hometown Islanders blanked the rival Rangers 2-0.
Playing Sax for Decades
Critelli is a throwback to a bygone era. He was born in 1921. President Warren G. Harding resided in the White House. Margaret Gorman, from Washington, D.C., was crowned the first Miss America. Babe Ruth, in his second season with the Yankees, was ascending to his throne as king of baseball.
Critelli came to the U.S. with his family as an eight-year-old boy. When he was about 13, he picked up a sax and started learning music. It sparked a love affair that’s spanned more than 90 years.
To put it into perspective, Critelli was already 86 years old when Islanders rookie and first-round draft pick Matthew Schaefer was born in 2007.
Critelli said he’s fortunate to be around still more than a century later.
“I’m glad I’m alive,” he said.
In 2024, to honor his military service, he was appointed a Knight of the Legion of Honor by French President Emmanuel Macron.
“He gave me a kiss on the cheek,” Critelli said with a laugh. “I could have done without that.”
Despite performing in front of more than 17,000 hockey fans on Saturday night, Critelli didn’t seem nervous or anxious before taking to the ice. He said he’s never really had stage fright because he enjoys being in the public eye.
“I like people, you know,” Critelli said. “But that’s a lot of people.”
In a 2024 interview, Critelli said the secret to a long life is drinking a little olive oil and enjoying a glass of red wine regularly.
“And it’s gotta be good wine,” Critelli said, his New York accent heavy and thick.
At his age, the World War II veteran appreciates every day. And he doesn’t sweat small details.
“I don’t worry much about the future,” he said.
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