LEWISTON — Avon Libby, a Lewiston native and longtime war veteran, celebrated his 90th birthday Saturday with a surprise party put together by his friends and family.

One of Libby’s friends, Robert Curtis, who spent a lot of time organizing the party, was very pleased with the outcome.

“He’s a quiet guy,” he joked. “I was hoping this wouldn’t give him heart attack.” 

On the contrary, Libby was quite emotional and happy to see his friends and family all in one place.

“I didn’t expect anything like this,” Libby said. “We were just supposed to be playing cards today. It’s nice to see all these people — I haven’t seen them in a while.”

Libby was born on June 2, 1926, in Lewiston and lived here for 22 years. The rest of his years have been spent in the state of Maine — except for when he was away serving in World War II and the Korean War.

Libby’s wife, Dorothy, passed in 2000 but together they had a family that Libby considers his greatest source of pride and achievement.

Curtis shared that Libby’s great-granddaughter had just been born on Thursday — the same day that Libby was born.

“She came 12 days early, and now they have same birthday,” he said. 

Libby graduated from Lewiston High School in 1944, and had already enlisted in the U.S. Navy for eight years.

He served on the USS John A. Bole from 1945-46, and the USS Cony from 1951-52, with the Gunnery Unit and Fire Control Unit, respectively.

During his time in service, Libby took part in airstrikes, protected ships and fleets on the shores of Okinawa, rescued survivors of a downed ship in Tsingtao, China, and saw the successful surrender of Japan to the United States.

Libby’s time in the Korean War was more covert and classified, but it was recorded by a firsthand account that the USS Cony participated by gathering intelligence and sweeping for magnetic mines.

Avon Libby is a celebrated war veteran, and his dedication the the U.S. has not gone unnoticed.

Karen Staples, a representative from Congressman Bruce Poliquin’s Office, shared a letter written by the congressman to thank Libby for his service and his dedication. Libby was also presented with an American flag, which was flown over the capital to commemorate his birthday and to honor his true Maine spirit.

Mayor Robert Macdonald was also in attendance to thank Libby for his service and dedication to the city of Lewiston. He joked that he would have brought a gift from the city as well, but that “Lewiston is a little broke right now.”

“This time of true celebration hopes to bring light to a quiet and humble man whose acts of heroism — true heroism — began 72 years ago in the service and defense of his loved ones, of his country,” Curtis said of his dear friend. “He fought because it was the right thing to do, never thinking of fame or recognition.

“Libby continues to lead by quiet strength and continues to set an outstanding example for his family and to those of us within the state of Maine fortunate enough to know him.” Curtis said. “The state of Maine has much to be proud of in recognizing the outstanding legacy of leadership and compassion that Mr. Libby has demonstrated throughout his 90 years.”