California WWII veteran, 103, shares remarkable life story and advice for young people: 'Pray every night'

World War II veteran from California recently celebrated his 103rd birthday and is sharing his story along with important truths on how to life a great life. Fox News Digital spoke with him.

"I enjoyed my mother’s food for so long. As a kid, I grew up with good, homemade pasta and the Italian custom was you drank a little wine with water because it’s good for the blood. So, maybe that’s an excuse, but it’s OK." As director of an opera house in 1944 and 1945, Sam Avolicino (bottom center) welcomed entertainers like Mickey Rooney (bottom left) and Red Buttons (bottom right).  (John Avolicino) The Rockettes performed at the opera house during Avolicino’s time as director at the theater. (John Avolicino) U.S. troops are entertained at the opera house. (John Avolicino) Gretchen Eichenberg is a contributing reporter for Fox News Digital.

Avolicino also credits his "wonderful wife" Agnes, to whom he’s been married nearly 72 years, for his long and adventurous life.