By Brett Callwood
On July 8, Gardena resident Jorge Hache celebrated his 105th birthday, having been born in 1921 in the Dominican Republic. Hache is an American citizen of Lebanese descent, and he made his permanent home in Gardena in 1968.
Hache’s great-granddaughter Audrey Gastelum told the GVN that he had “built a career in the aerospace manufacturing industry, contributing to a field that helped shape Southern California’s rich aerospace history. A devoted family man, he is the widowed father of four children and has built a lasting legacy through generations of family. Now celebrating his 105th birthday, Jorge is recognized not only for his remarkable longevity but also for a lifetime of hard work, resilience, and dedication to his family and community.”
Asked via Gastelum why he chose to settle in Gardena, Hache said that he, “wanted a place that was ‘tranquilo,’ which translates to safe, peaceful, and quiet. After living in New York, he appreciated Gardena’s slower pace, welcoming community, and the opportunity to build a stable life while raising his family. More than five decades later, he still considers Gardena home.”
Regarding his long life, Hache credits it to, “taking care of himself from a young age, staying healthy, and staying out of trouble. As a young man, his father instilled in him the value of hard work. Because one of his brothers was not as healthy, Jorge often worked twice as hard to help support his father and family. He believes that a lifetime of discipline, hard work, and healthy living has helped him reach 105 years of age.”
Asked what he is most proud of, “Jorge is most proud of being able to help and support his father from a young age. His father had a disability, so Jorge took on many responsibilities early in life. At just 13 years old, while living in the Dominican Republic, he would walk to the river to collect water and help provide milk and other necessities for the family. Those experiences taught him the importance of hard work, responsibility, and putting family first. Values that have stayed with him throughout his life.”
Finally, the GVN asked Hache what he is most looking forward to. “At 105 years old, Jorge says he has lived a full and meaningful life. He is at peace with whatever comes next and is content to live each day as happily as he can. In the meantime, he looks forward to spending time with his family, attending Sunday Mass, and appreciating every day that God gives him.”
Happy birthday, Jorge.
