First Posted: 5/11/2015

CLARKS SUMMIT — Michael Altier, a Clarks Summit Senior Living (CSSL) resident, celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends Friday, May 8 with a party in CSSL’s Tavern.

When asked how it feels to be 100, he replied, “Never felt better.”

And the secret to his longevity?

“Good genes, good living, positive outlook on life and the good Lord above,” he said.

The Scranton native is the middle and last surviving of 13 siblings. His wife, Louise Altier, died approximately six years ago. Although the couple never had children, Altier has 35 nieces and nephews.

A philanthropist, Altier is a member of The Commonwealth Medical College’s (TCMC) Founders Society. Scholarships are established in his name at both TCMC and The University of Scranton.

He spent 15 years in engineering at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and 30 years in the jewelry business at Altier Jewelers, Inc., Scranton. He retired from the family business in 1985.