104-year-old resident reaches milestone with Masons

Giulio Mirabella, center, is seen with Mark Patton, Lodge Worshipful Master (right), and Mike Winford, Lodge Secretary (left). Mirabella indicated that being involved with the Masons has been one of the major highlights of his life. Photo by Greg Page

DOWNEY – Giulio Mirabella, a 104-year-old Downey resident, recently received his 50-year membership pin from the Golden Trowel Norwalk Masonic Lodge.

Mirabella received the pin at an informal, private ceremony attended by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, some of whom flew in from Sacramento and Tennessee.

Mirabella became a Mason in 1968 when he was 54. He said he “never thought he’d live to receive his 50-year pin.”

In the numerous years he was active in the Lodge, Mirabella held the following positions: deacon, marshall, chairman for Masonic information, coach, and ultimately head coach.

In 1991, the Masonic Lodge bestowed its highest honor upon Mirabella -- the Hiram Award -- for his many years of service above and beyond the minimal requirements of Freemasonry. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite.

Mirabella settled in Downey with his family 1963 from the East Coast. He worked for North American Aviation and installed the windows on the Apollo space capsules, including the Apollo 11 spacecraft that landed on the moon.

In later years, he volunteered at the Downey senior center and belonged to the Stonewood Mall Walkers group.