Funeral Expenses
Donation protected
Anyone who lives or works in the Black Rock area most likely knows who Antonio or “Tony” is. Antonio could be seen daily on his can recycling route up and down Fairfield Avenue. Antonio became familiar with and friends with many of the business owners on Fairfield Avenue and the residents of the community. Sadly, Antonio passed away from cancer last Sunday at St. Vincent’s Hospital.
Antonio was an extremely kind man who fell into extreme financial hardship a few years ago after losing his job of 19 years. Being homeless, Antonio found it difficult to find work at his age and eventually he was unable to work for health reasons, which we now know was cancer. Although he was homeless, Antonio never panhandled or ever asked anyone for even a penny. On several occasions I tried to give Antonio money which he wouldn’t accept, until I physically opened his hand and put the money in it. One day last year, Antonio found a wallet in the parking lot of a Stop & Shop that contained $125.00 cash and credit cards, which he could have easily kept but he turned into the Police. Even though Antonio lived in a sleeping bag outdoors and recycled cans for 5 cents a piece for food, his conscience wouldn’t allow him to keep money that wasn’t his. I know this is a true story because I am the Police Officer that Antonio gave the wallet to. When I returned the wallet to its owner, the lady couldn’t believe the cash was still in her wallet, she was just happy to have her license and credit cards back. When I told her a homeless man found it and had given it to me, she was speechless. We realized that in order for Antonio to make $125.00 he would have to recycle 2,500 cans. She asked me to give Antonio some money as a thank you but Antonio wouldn’t allow me to put it in his hand this time, he said he doesn’t want to be rewarded for doing the right thing.
I am asking my Black Rock Community, or anyone touched by Antonio’s story, to assist me in raising money to cover the funeral costs for him. We need around $2,500 to lay him to rest. Any amount would be greatly appreciated.
Antonio was an extremely kind man who fell into extreme financial hardship a few years ago after losing his job of 19 years. Being homeless, Antonio found it difficult to find work at his age and eventually he was unable to work for health reasons, which we now know was cancer. Although he was homeless, Antonio never panhandled or ever asked anyone for even a penny. On several occasions I tried to give Antonio money which he wouldn’t accept, until I physically opened his hand and put the money in it. One day last year, Antonio found a wallet in the parking lot of a Stop & Shop that contained $125.00 cash and credit cards, which he could have easily kept but he turned into the Police. Even though Antonio lived in a sleeping bag outdoors and recycled cans for 5 cents a piece for food, his conscience wouldn’t allow him to keep money that wasn’t his. I know this is a true story because I am the Police Officer that Antonio gave the wallet to. When I returned the wallet to its owner, the lady couldn’t believe the cash was still in her wallet, she was just happy to have her license and credit cards back. When I told her a homeless man found it and had given it to me, she was speechless. We realized that in order for Antonio to make $125.00 he would have to recycle 2,500 cans. She asked me to give Antonio some money as a thank you but Antonio wouldn’t allow me to put it in his hand this time, he said he doesn’t want to be rewarded for doing the right thing.
I am asking my Black Rock Community, or anyone touched by Antonio’s story, to assist me in raising money to cover the funeral costs for him. We need around $2,500 to lay him to rest. Any amount would be greatly appreciated.
Organizer
Tiffanie Bennett
Organizer
Bridgeport, CT
