This is Pops (David Rosenthal) — a 78-year-old widower, story teller, and all-around good soul who just survived years of elder abuse and financial neglect.

After losing his wife of 58 years in 2022, Pops was left in the care of a son he trusted — but instead of receiving support, he was isolated from family and friends. His finances were misused, bills went unpaid, and he was told no one else cared. By the time his home was lost to eviction in October 2025, he had little food, no working phone, and no control over his own money.

Thankfully, that eviction turned out to be a miracle in disguise.

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department and Adult Protective Services took the situation seriously, investigated the abuse, and his abuser was arrested just before eviction day. Since then, Pops has been safe, housed temporarily in a long-term hotel, and finally surrounded by people who care.

But the damage left behind is deep — emotionally and financially. His savings are gone, and he’s starting completely over. Our family is doing everything we can to keep him fed, clothed, and comfortable, but we’re stretched thin. The next big step is to get him settled in a permanent, stable apartment in our complex so we can check on him daily and help with meals, appointments, and companionship.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward:

First month’s rent and security deposit for his new apartment

Legal and financial consultations to recover any stolen or missing funds

Basic home essentials and groceries to get him started

Pops is still sharp, funny, and full of life. He often reminds us that Alan Alda (89) is “still sharp as a tack,” Dick Van Dyke (99) “still dances,” and Mel Brooks (99) “still drives!” He’s determined to follow in their footsteps — and with a little help, he absolutely will.

Thank you for helping us give Pops the safe, dignified, and independent life he deserves. Every bit of support — donations, shares, kind words — means the world to us and to him.