By Abigael T. Sidi
August 5th was a big day of “I Love You’s” for the Upper West Side’s honorary mayor Theodore Dixon.
Surrounded by many of the friends he’s made over the years, Dixon blew out his candles for his 100th birthday at his favorite neighborhood spot – Muffins Cafe on Columbus Avenue between West 70th and 71st streets.
Dixon’s longtime friend, who identified herself as Ruth, was the organizer of the event, and put together an assortment of balloons and pictures to honor Dixon’s impact on the UWS community. The decorations were complete with a table and a large chocolate cake for everyone to enjoy outside of his go-to coffee shop.
Dixon, who has lived on the Upper West Side since 2004, volunteered to serve in the Navy as an 18-year-old in 1942. He went on to to take part in many battles in the South Pacific against the Japanese army, before moving to New York City.
It isn’t the first time that Ruth organized a celebration for Dixon. In 2018, she put together a similar event for him in honor of Veterans Day, shortly after Dixon suffered a small heart attack.
“I started giving out small cards to everyone who passed by and said hi to Theo at Muffins Cafe,” Ruth explained. “The cards were actually invitations for people to help organize the Veterans Day celebration of Theo with me.” It turns out, over 20 people emailed Ruth to help throw the party. “We had plates that said ‘I Love Theo,’ somebody ordered pins that said ‘I Love Theo,’ we even had napkins that said ‘I Love Theo’!”
Now, seven years later, people were just as excited to continue celebrating this loved member of the UWS community.
By 11 a.m., over thirty people had gathered, many of whom were featured in the displayed pictures, to wish Dixon a happy birthday and thank him for being such a beacon of joy in the neighborhood.
Brian and dog Riley, two former Upper West Siders and long-time friends and fans of Dixon, came back to the neighborhood to take part in the event. “When I used to live here, I would see him all the time,” Brian shared. “He would always be sitting out on the bench, and I would join him and talk to him for hours sometimes.” Brian smiled as he remembered all his memories with Dixon. “‘Keep Love Alive,’ that was his slogan. He would yell to people who passed by in the street saying ‘I love you! I love you!’ Everyone adores him.”
Indeed, throughout the entire celebration, dozens of people lined up to get pictures with Dixon. Everyone also made sure to bring Dixon’s two favorite things — their dogs and babies.
New York Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal was the first elected official to stop by and deliver a New York State proclamation to Dixon, titled “Honoring Theodore Dixon on the Occasion of His 100th Birthday.” In addition to applauding and thanking Dixon for his service during World War Ⅱ, the proclamation announced that August 5, 2025, would be “Theodore Dixon Appreciation Day” in New York State’s 47th District.
Just five minutes later, Councilmember Gale A. Brewer also stopped by to deliver a City Council Citation to today’s celebrity. It similarly thanked Dixon for his service and recognized him as an outstanding citizen of New York City.
As he was blowing out his candles, Dixon gave a small speech to thank everyone for coming. “And you’re all invited to my 200th birthday!” he said.
Read More:
- Upper West Sider Theodore Dixon, 98, Inducted Into New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
- PORTRAIT OF A NEIGHBOR: THEODORE DIXON
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He moved to the UWS in 2004 and he’s the mayor?
I was slightly acquainted with Alexander Imich, who died at 111. And he’d lived on the UWS for decades. No one called him the mayor.
Happy birthday Mr. Dixon.
Mayor is a term of endearment for someone like Theo who is beloved and active in the community. He is a constant visible presence making everyone’s day!
I had the same reaction. I’ve been an upper west sider since the mid 70s and as far as I know I’m not even an alderman.
Happy birthday Mr. Dixon
I nominate Ethan for Deputy Mayor ?
How about Controller ?
Ethan and Jay – Why make a comment like this? Theo is THE most positive person. You could learn a lot from him. All the respect and love for him isnt just about him turning 100, it is about his service to our country and his love of our community for many years. For two decades he has made people’s day better every day with his positivity! Speak about what you know, because you certainly don’t know Theo.
We all love Theo!
What I noted is that they said their piece and then extended genuine birthday wishes – more honest and true than some.
Hi M.T. I had the exact opposite reaction. For me, it actually made the bday wish NOT sound genuine when it followed the negative comment. There was no need for a comment like this. Do Ethan and Jay actually not understand that “ Mayor” is an honorary term? Sad.
Theo was a regular at the 20th Precinct Community Council meetings for the entire 11 years that I was on the Board (beginning in 1998). I don’t think he ever missed a monthly meeting. And we became friends through the years (we are both Leos), and I spent many hours with him at Muffins.
Theo is simply one of the most wonderful human beings I have ever met. Always smiling, always happy, always a good word for others. There is not a negative bone in his body.
He is a treasure.
HBD, Theo the Leo!!
Such a wonderful loving person with so many loving friends. Great article too. Shows how caring and kind upper west siders can be. Thanks.
Theo you brighten our neighborhood! 🌞 Muffins Cafe you are the best…. and treat all patrons with dignity!! Thank you both!
Can we please make him the mayor of the entire city, and not just the Upper West Side?
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