This World War II Veteran Lost Everything In A House Fire, And People Quickly Came Together To Help Him Out
At 94-years-old, Paul recently experienced a personal tragedy that complicated his peaceful retirement.
His home of more than 50 years suddenly caught fire, and he crawled out before inhaling too much smoke.
He headed to his neighbor’s house, and they called the fire department. Sadly, the flames destroyed everything in the place besides a few photo albums.
And though he had home insurance, the house was so old it was no longer up to code and had to be torn down.
The house was built in 1920, and Paul’s father worked as a handyman for the family who owned it. They later sold it to him, and Paul inherited the house six years after it was given the title of Historic Ship Bottom home in 1980.
Unfortunately, the house was flooded in 2007 by Hurricane Sandy. Paul has also tragically lost his son and his daughter. But at 94, he is still chugging on and bringing joy to his neighborhood.
Because of how beloved Paul is to his community, his neighbors started a GoFundMe to build him a new home to live in for the remainder of his life.
They describe him as kind and optimistic, sharing insight into his perspective.
GoFundMe; pictured above is Paul
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He says, “Well, I wake up every morning, I can either be happy or not. I might as well decide to be happy.”
Paul was formerly in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and worked as a mailman, which got him into the habit of taking long walks every day.
His walks and love of boating and fishing have kept him active, and despite contracting Covid in 2021, he is in good health.
In addition, he loves spending time with his daughter, granddaughter and her husband, and his great-grandson.
The fundraiser has reached almost $173,000 out of its $250,000 goal. Paul’s neighbors are extraordinarily grateful for the reach their cause has had and encouraged folks to share the fundraiser even if they aren’t able to donate.
You can learn more about Paul’s incredible story and donate to the rebuilding on GoFundMe.
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More About:Human Interest