BIOGRAPHY

Margaret Dilullo was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA, on 13 December 1914, to parents Walter and Millie Sweigert. She had four brothers: Leon, Elwood, Raymond, and George. At 8 years old, her life changed dramatically when her mother, restless and carefree, left the family. Taking on responsibilities beyond her years, she helped her father care for her four younger brothers, feeding, bathing, and looking after them as best she could. Around a year later, she was sent to live with relatives in Lancaster County. There, her days were relentless: after school, she worked in the family’s grocery store, serving customers, and when business slowed, she was assigned farm chores. By the age of 12, she already considered herself a full-time worker.

After graduating from Ephrata High School in 1932, she married Jesse James Hirneisen. The young couple was struggling during the Great Depression—barely any money, little food, and no heat in their home. In time, Jesse found work in woodworking, while Margaret secured a job at an insurance company. Her determination paid off as she steadily climbed the ranks, ultimately becoming a manager and the family’s primary breadwinner. The couple had two children: Jacqueline Kendall and Lee H. Hirneisen.

After more than 40 years of marriage, Jesse passed away. Some time later, she met a salesman named George Dilullo, and they eventually married. Her second husband passed away after approximately 20 years of marriage. She spent many years of her retirement in Florida. She underwent colon cancer surgery at the age of 92. Even at 106, she continued to live independently in a second-floor apartment.

When asked about the secret to her longevity, she credited it to a daily beer, good genes, and her faith in God.

Margaret Dilullo passed away in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, on 26 December 2024, at the age of 110. She was survived by her  daughter, Jacqueline Kendall, four grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.