The NYPD’s detectives union on Tuesday paid tribute to its oldest living retired detective — who joined the force in 1953 as a member of the pickpocket squad.

Nicholas Calabrese, 101, was honored by the Detectives’ ‘ Endowment Association at the Extended Care Nursing Home in Throgs Neck where he resides.

Born in 1917, Calabrese grew up on Bleecker Street in the West Village.

“I told him, ‘You’re actually older than the union that represents you,”’ DEA President Mike Palladino said he told Calabrese at the event.

Calabrese served in the Army during World War II where he was promoted to staff-sergeant. While deployed in Japan, he sustained an injury to his left leg, almost losing his foot.

An avid baseball lover, Calabrese was even scouted by the Chicago Cubs, but was drafted into the Army before he could try out.

Upon returning from the war, he was appointed to the NYPD Transit Department in 1953 where he worked the pickpocket squad, covering Manhattan and the Bronx on the 4, 5, and 6 lines until his retirement in 1974.

Palladino said Calabrese was presented with a certificate of appreciation at the event and multiple gifts.

“We honored him today for his longevity and his service to this city and his country,” he said.

“His longevity is due to good genes, clean living, but mostly a blessing from above.”