What is the secret to a long life?
Ask Pablo Robles and he’ll tell you it’s all about eating well and not drinking alcohol or smoking.
And if the example of how he lives his life is another clue, it’s to remain active and give time to others who need help.
Miami Lakes resident Robles, 100, celebrated his milestone birthday on June 13 at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach, surrounded by friends and family.
Born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, he worked several jobs during his life, including descaling ships and as an industrial mechanic for quilting machines.
“He was 17 years old when he went to New York,” daughter Noemi Ponce said in Spanish.
Robles also worked in restaurants when he first got to New York City. He lived in the Bronx, where he met Bienvenida Velazquez when they were in their early 20s. The couple enjoyed a marriage of 60 years before her passing.
Robles described Bienvenida as the “most beautiful” and “wonderful woman” he’d ever met. They had four children, including Ponce. Robles lives with her and her family in the Eagle Nest neighborhood.
Robles moved to Miami in 1976 and continued working in the textiles industry, servicing quilting machines until he retired.
“I spent a lot of time repairing the machines and they called me to other places to fix the machines,” Robles said. He explained in Spanish that the machines would create quilted designs on comforters.
“He later did local mission work with the pastors in our church,” Ponce said.
The family belongs to Seventh Day Adventist Church, La Voz de la Esperanza, in Hialeah, which is where Robles began to volunteer, a service he continues today, even at his advanced age.
When he was younger, Robles would visit sick members of the church alongside the pastors.
“For many years being an elder of the church, he dedicated himself to that,” Ponce said.
Robles volunteers at The Fig Foundation food bank in Hialeah. His duties include checking the expiration dates on bread prior to distribution to guests and cleaning up. Director Alex Ramirez says Robles is a reliable and inspiring presence.
“The inspiration comes from the energy he has, but also because he has helped us grow spiritually,” Ramirez said in Spanish.
He called Robles a guide, not only for how he raised his children but also because of how he has made the foundation a part of his family.
“He’s invited us to have lunch with him,” Ramirez said. “It’s an inspiration to work with him.”
Said his daughter, “It’s the food bank that keeps him alive.”
The other volunteers ask about him and even join in birthday celebrations with the family, which include his 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, she said.
Robles is a dapper man who looks much younger than someone who was born s century ago. He has a trim moustache. Dimples dent his cheeks when he smiles. And he’s fond of wearing a flat newsboy cap.
His love of volunteering has inspired his children to join him.
And Robles gave back in yet another way. He was a regular blood donor until 18 years ago, when his doctor asked him to stop.