Reaching the age of 90 is a major milestone, and Wareham’s Mickey Musto is looking forward to his party on Saturday. But on Friday, June 23, his actual birthday, he has to go into work.

Not that he’s complaining.

“I really enjoy working here. It’s been a pleasure,” said Musto, a mechanic at A. Walecka & Son, Inc. for the past 26 years. “There’s a lot of good people.”

At 90, Musto can wield a wrench and change a tire alongside – if not better than – men whose parents weren’t even born when he became a mechanic in 1947.

“I’ve seen him tell guys in their 20s, ‘come on grandma, swing that hammer!’ during tough jobs,” said Adam Santos, one of Musto's coworkers.

Musto and Santos started working together for the Wareham-based moving company in 1991. At the time, Musto had just “retired” and was seeking part-time work. Before then, he worked at various auto body shops, car dealerships and moving companies in the Boston area.

He and his wife had been Wareham summer residents since 1967 when the couple purchased a cottage in town.

Musto said he thought it’d be a good town to retire to, but his work ethic got the better of him. He used to clock in five full days and a half day on Saturday; however, he’s slowed down recently. Now, he only works 40 hours a week.

And that’s a full 40 hours. Santos and others at the business say Musto rarely misses a day.

“He probably has the most vacation time saved up of anybody here,” said Santos.

As for what keeps Musto going he says it’s simple: he enjoys working and he enjoys working on vehicles. Although, things have changed considerably over the past 70 years.

“Cars were a lot easier to work on compared to today,” said Musto. “Computerization changed everything.”

That said, he’s kept up with the changes throughout his career, and according to Santos, Musto is an inspiration.

“He’s somebody you can count on. There’s nothing in the shop he won’t do,” said Santos.

Aside from being a little hard of hearing, Musto is in fine health. And after 70 years in the business, his knowledge is second to none.

“If I’m not sure about something – even if I am sure sometimes – I’ll go and get his opinion,” said Santos. “I’ve learned a lot from him. He’s like a grandfather to me.”

Even though he’s turning 90, Musto hasn’t given much thought to quitting. He says he’ll work as long as he’s able.

“I can handle the job without too much trouble,” said Musto.

So, while Saturday will feature cake and a party with his friends, family (including his seven children) and coworkers Monday means it's back to the grind.

Musto said he wouldn’t have it any other way.