PEABODY — John Driscoll got a birthday cake yesterday fit for the occasion.
The staff of the Peabody-Lynnfield YMCA surprised their oldest and perhaps most inspiring member yesterday for his 93rd birthday.
"You are the perfect example of what happens when people have a good attitude, work hard and live healthy," Greg Griffin, the Y's executive branch manager, said over the building's public announcement system.
Driscoll, a man with a constant smile, visits the Lynnfield Street gym three times a week, spending two to three hours on the equipment.
"I really enjoy it," the Lynnfield resident said.
But he stays away from the weights and heavy lifting.
"I'm not trying to be like Johnny Weissmuller," Driscoll said of the actor best know as Tarzan.
As he's aged, the former construction worker has avoided a sedentary lifestyle.
"I think that once the people start to get a little old, they crawl up in the rocking chair," Driscoll said. "This keeps you away from the rocking chair."
YMCA maintenance worker Dick O'Callaghan, 73, said he and Driscoll often talk about the "good old days" in the military.
"I'm amazed," O'Callaghan said of Driscoll. "You don't see people 93 years old working out in health centers."
Maria Ryan, a fellow Y employee, said she tells everyone about Driscoll.
"We're in awe of John," she said. "His attitude. He's always upbeat."
Driscoll said he feels more like 70 than 93. His fountain of youth?
"My wife is the one that keeps me young," he said.
He and Mary Virginia Driscoll, 90, were married 68 years ago and raised three children.
"We live a good life," he said. "I guess the guy upstairs has been good to us."
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