The oldest TSA agent in the United States was surprised to find an elaborate surprise birthday party waiting for him when he arrived for his shift at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California.
Lawrence Santucci just turned 90 years old, yet he can't see himself retiring any time soon.
'What am I going to do if I retire? Sit down?' he told KABC-TV in an interview.
Santucci's colleagues, friends and family gathered this week to wish him a happy birthday and honor his nearly two decades of service with the Transportation Security Administration.
TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages called Santucci 'inspirational'.
'He gets more compliments than most of our people here,' Pantages added.
Kevin Gregory, a fellow TSA agent at the airport, said Santucci 'greets the day with a smile'.
The beloved worker has been a transportation security officer since 2008, when he was in his seventies. At the time, he was having financial troubles and was overjoyed when he got the new job.
Lawrence Santucci (pictured roaming through the John Wayne Airport) is 90, making him the oldest TSA agent in the United States
To honor his years of dedication, Santucci's colleagues, friends and family planned a surprise birthday party for him when he showed up for his shift this week
Santucci's daughter, Marie Pickard, said her father's life has always been one of service
'You had to be able to carry weights, 60 pounds,' he recalled. 'So I went to Dick's Sporting Goods, I put two 60 pounds, I was walking around Dick's Sporting Goods with these two weights to make sure when I came in here I could [do it]. I was in great physical shape.'
Santucci, who describes himself as a 'people person', was a natural as a front-facing official at the airport.
'It's been a beautiful journey. It really has. All the people I've ever met, including my crew here,' he said.
Santucci's daughter, Marie Pickard, said her father's life has always been one of service. He had previously worked on a farm in Rhode Island as a young man after having served in the Army.
'My dad is so special. He always puts people first and our country first before himself. I think that gives him the sense of purpose that he has to everyone,' she said during the party for her father.
Santucci was touched by the outpouring of gratitude from the people closest to him.
'I appreciate everything you've done today,' he said. 'My heart feels so good right now.'