Paul Damazo, Adventist entrepreneur, celebrated a landmark birthday when he recently turned 100, and he isn't alone.
On May 12, 2026, Damazo joined two of his older brothers in crossing the centenarian line: Frank Damazo Jr. is 103, and David Damazo is 102. The three brothers are members of a very exclusive club. "Research shows that only 128 other families in the entire U.S. have two or more children over the age of 100 years," the brothers are quick to share.
Damazo believes several unique facts about his family narrow the focus even more.
- There were 10 children in the family.
- All 10 were college educated.
- All became professionals in their chosen fields.
- Three became doctors.
- All 10 worked their way through school from fourth grade on.
"Factor all that into the equation and I think it's safe to say we were unique among the 85,000,000 families in the U.S.," Damazo said.
Widely known in Adventist circles for founding Versitron Industries, a food-service provider, Damazo expresses his appreciation for Jesus, Ellen G. White, the Adventist Church, the Adventist lifestyle, Adventist education, the example of his parents and the blessings of God in their lives. "These are the reasons for the success we have all enjoyed," he said.
The fact that all 10 Damazo siblings are college-educated seems even more remarkable, since none of them received financial support from their parents nor did they receive grants or financial assistance from any source in pursuing a college education. Notably, all 10 graduated without any indebtedness except for one brother, a physician.
"He paid off a $5,000 obligation within a year of graduating from College of Medical Evangelists," Damazo said, referencing the forerunner of Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Damazo, who lived in Loma Linda, California, and the surrounding area for 78 years before moving to Portland, Oregon, in 2023, adds the seventh-day Sabbath and a lifelong commitment to a plant-based diet to the list of items that contributed to his long life. He might also have added hard work. Even at 100, he refuses to retire, working between 40 and 50 hours per week.
"I have a weekly day of rest and worship free from all my works," he said. "Can you imagine 52 mini vacations per year to recoup after heavy weeks?"
All 10 Damazo siblings pose for a photograph with their "Ma," Christina Damazo, seated in the front row.
(From left to right): Milton Damazo, business executive; Herbert Damazo, pharmacist; Raymond Damazo, dentist; Naomi Adams, accountant; Paul Damazo, dietitian; David Damazo, business executive; Frank Damazo Jr., surgeon; Evelyn Damazo, teacher; Joe Damazo, pastor; Dorothy Miller, nurse
