Every once in a while, something happens that stops you in your tracks—in the best way.
Recently, 104-year-old World War II veteran Dominick Critelli stepped onto the ice at a New York Islanders hockey game and performed the National Anthem on the saxophone. Just picture that for a second: a man who has lived through a century of history—through sacrifice, hardship, and national triumph—standing tall, breathing life into every note, and reminding an entire arena what the American spirit looks like.
At Cass Plumbing here in Tampa, Florida, we’re sharing this video and this story for a reason. Actually, for a few reasons. And all of them come down to something we believe in deeply: honor, family, resilience, and pride in where you come from.
A New York Moment That Hits Home for the Cass Family
The Cass family, owners of Cass Plumbing, originates from the great state of New York. So when we see a moment like this happen in an Islanders arena, it doesn’t just feel like a viral headline or a feel-good clip. It feels personal. It feels like home.
New York has a certain kind of energy—tough, proud, resilient. The kind that doesn’t fold when life gets difficult. The kind that gets up early, works hard, and takes pride in doing things the right way. That’s part of what shaped the Cass family long before Cass Plumbing became a trusted name in the Tampa Bay region.
So when a 104-year-old New Yorker stands in front of a crowd and delivers the National Anthem with confidence and class—on a saxophone, no less—it’s not just inspiring. It’s a reminder of the values that built so many families like ours.
104 Years Old… and Still Playing with Heart
Let’s talk about the most incredible part: 104 years young!
Most people hear that number and immediately imagine frailty, limitations, and a quiet life on the sidelines. But Dominick Critelli showed the world something different:
- Age doesn’t have to shrink your spirit.
- Time doesn’t have to dull your passion.
- You can keep showing up, with purpose – no matter what year is on the calendar.
Watching him play isn’t just impressive because of the notes. It’s impressive because of what the moment represents: a man who has seen more than most of us ever will, still standing with pride, still sharing his gift, still serving in a way that brings people together.
That kind of vitality doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from a life built on character.
Our Country’s Anthem Means Something Different
The National Anthem is always meaningful. But when it’s performed by someone who actually lived through the era of the Great Depression and World War II, someone who lived in America during one of the most defining chapters in American history, it carries a different weight.
It becomes more than a tradition.
It becomes a living reminder that freedom has a cost and that people have paid it.
In a time when it’s easy to get distracted, cynical, or worn down by the daily grind, this moment cuts through all of it. It makes you remember what truly matters, and it reminds us that real heroes don’t always ask for attention; sometimes, they just show up and quietly move a whole crowd with a saxophone.
Inspiration Is Contagious, And We Need It
We’re sharing this because we believe inspiration spreads. When people see a story like this, it lifts something in them. It makes you want to call your parents. It makes you want to believe in people again. It makes you want to stand a little straighter and do the next right thing.
Dominick Critelli’s moment tells every person watching:
- Keep going.
- Keep contributing.
- Keep believing in yourself.
- Keep your heart young.
That message matters whether you’re 24, 54, or 104.
What This Has to Do with Cass Plumbing
At first glance, you might think: “What does a plumbing company in Tampa have to do with a 104-year-old man playing the anthem at an Islanders game?”
A lot, actually. Because Cass Plumbing isn’t just about pipes and fixtures. It’s about people. It’s about community. It’s about taking pride in your work and showing up the way you said you would.
The trades are built on values, hard work, reliability, humility, and service. And that same spirit is what we at Cass Plumbing see in Dominick Critelli.
When we watch him play, we’re reminded of what we want our plumbing business in Tampa to represent:
- Respect for others
- Pride in doing things right
- A deep appreciation for the people who built the world we live in
- A commitment to show up strong for our customers, every single day
A Thank You And a Salute
Dominick Critelli didn’t just perform the National Anthem.
He gave people a gift: a moment to feel proud, to feel grateful, and to feel hopeful.
So from all of us at Cass Plumbing in Tampa, especially with our New York roots, we want to say:
Thank you, Dominick Critelli.
Thank you for your service.
Thank you for your example.
Thank you for reminding us that greatness isn’t limited by age, only by spirit!
Final Thought: Be the Kind of Person Who Still Shows Up
If you take anything from this story, let it be this:
A life well-lived leaves a wake of inspiration behind it.
Dominick Critelli could have stayed home. He could have opted out. He could have said, “I’ve already done enough.” But he didn’t. He showed up. He played. He stood tall. And he inspired an entire arena, plus countless people online, without saying a word. That’s the kind of energy we can all learn from. And that’s precisely why we’re sharing this story on the Cass Plumbing blog.
