Stephen M. Bartol, a resident at Heritage Hill Senior Community in Weatherly, is celebrating his 97th birthday today.

He was born in Milnesville, Pa. on Aug. 18, 1914. Stephen was married to his wife Helena for 65 years until her passing. He has four children: Thomas of Georgia; Ellen Soika of Drums; Theodore of Hazleton; and Stephen of Weatherly.He is the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Stephen worked at the Duplan Silk Mill and managed Hilltop Apartments. He is a member of Holy Trinity Slovak Church in Hazleton.He belonged to a bowling club and was the treasurer for the Senior Citizens of West Hazleton for many years.His hobbies include hunting, fishing, woodworking, golf, and skeet target shooting. Stephen has a great sense of humor which all of his friends at Heritage Hill love.