Simon Teitelbaum dances toward 100 years of age

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There is a waiting list at the Nautilus Hotel in Atlantic Beach for women eager to dance with Simon Teitelbaum, a resident for the last five years who will be turning 100 this year on Nov. 3.

“The most important thing is your attitude,” Teitelbaum said, about how to live a long life and that positivity is contagious. Attitude, a sense of humor and genetics are three reasons he gave for his longevity. He said it also helps that he loves to dance; he does so twice a week for an hour on Thursdays and Sundays.

Originally from Manhattan, Teitelbaum grew up in the Bronx. He is a World War II veteran who served overseas for four and a half years. He made brushes for floor polishers and worked as a mailman for 23 years. He married his wife Shirley in 1946. The two remained married for 66 years until she died in 2012. They raised their family in Fresh Meadows for 15 years and then moved to Bayside.

His daughter, Dr. Laurie Zelinger, said that her father first met her mother when Shirley was 2. He would frequently hang out with his best friend Norman, who is one day older than him. Norman had a younger sister named Shirley.

His son, David Teitelbaum, is a longtime oboe player and craftsman who lives in Rhode Island. His daughter is Cedarhurst resident, board certified psychologist and author, Dr. Zelinger, who recently wrote “Please Explain ‘Terrorism’ To Me: A Story for Children, P-E-A-R-L-S of Wisdom for their Parents” that was published last year.

“People just feel very comfortable with him,” Zelinger said, adding that he is “very upbeat.” She explained that he prides himself on watching Jeopardy! and beating the contestants who answer only music and sports questions.

When he was younger, Zelinger said, her father who loves the opera used to sneak into performances to stand and watch. He once auditioned to be in an opera, she recalled with a smile, and the people who heard him said he was better off performing for his family. He said “La bohème” is his favorite opera.

He and Edward Sperling, who is 102, are great friends at the Nautilus. “What a combination,” Teitelbaum said, “He can’t hear and I can’t see.” Sperling, a Sioux City, Iowa, native gets along with Teitelbaum very well and they can often be found sitting next to each other playing word games.

“Life is what you make of it,” Teitelbaum said.