On October 16, 2024, my grandfather’s home was tragically destroyed in a devastating fire. For the past several decades, he lived in a home above Tao’s Service Station in the Ross/West View area.

On Wednesday evening, a fire broke out in the service station below his home, quickly consuming the entire building. It escalated to a six-alarm response. We are incredibly grateful that he managed to escape with nothing but the clothes on his back.

My family stood by his side for hours, watching as everything he had worked for throughout his life was reduced to ashes and rubble. He lost irreplaceable videos and memorabilia of his late wife. As a decorated Purple Heart recipient and proud Vietnam veteran, all of his military medals were also destroyed, along with our family’s treasured heirlooms.

Many have kindly reached out asking how they can help, with suggestions to create a GoFundMe.

Please know that our family deeply appreciates any form of support, including your thoughts and prayers.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Lott and O’Donnell families.