Citrus Heights WWII Veteran Emil Giusti Celebrates 100 Years

A lifetime of military service, hard work, family, and helping others was celebrated in Citrus Heights this month as longtime resident and World War II veteran Emil Giusti marked his 100th birthday.

Giusti was born on September 13, 1926, and grew up on Twin Oaks Avenue in what would later become Citrus Heights. Family members and longtime friends gathered on the same property where he spent his childhood to celebrate the milestone.

From Citrus Heights to World War II

Giusti was still in high school when he was drafted into the military during his senior year.

He went on to serve in the U.S. Army as a corporal during World War II before returning home and building a life in the community where he grew up.

After his military service, Giusti met his future wife at a barn dance. Both were graduates of San Juan High School, and the couple eventually married and raised five children.

45 Years on the Railroad

Giusti later spent 45 years working for the Southern Pacific Railroad, including work as a snow plowman in the Truckee area.

His long career also placed him close to one of the region's most dramatic historical events. After the 1973 Roseville railyard explosions, Giusti immediately went to help at the rail yard, while his wife helped shelter a family that had been forced to evacuate.

Decades of Helping His Community

Service continued well beyond Giusti's military and railroad careers.

His family was deeply involved with Holy Family Catholic Church on Old Auburn Road, where Giusti joined the Knights of Columbus in the 1950s and later served as Grand Knight. His daughter recalled that he regularly helped pick up and deliver food for the church's relief efforts—and continued helping until he was in his mid-90s.

That history of service became a major theme of his 100th-birthday celebration.

Four Generations Come Together

Dozens of relatives and friends attended the birthday gathering, including family members traveling from Arizona, Washington, and Idaho.

At least four generations of Giusti's family were represented. The celebration included a potluck, shared memories, and presentations recognizing his military and community service.

Among the gifts were a patriotic quilt, a handcrafted wooden American flag, military recognition from Veterans Affairs, and a certificate from Pope Leo XIV. The Knights of Columbus also recognized Giusti for his years of involvement with the organization.

Still at Home in Citrus Heights

At 100, Giusti continues to live in Citrus Heights with support from members of his family.

His story connects several generations of local history—from growing up before Citrus Heights became an incorporated city, to serving during World War II, working for the railroad, raising a family, and spending decades helping people in his community.

For his family, the birthday was about much more than reaching 100.

It was a chance to celebrate a century shaped by service to his country, his family, and Citrus Heights.