As a World War II veteran, 99-year-old Leo Valente has seen his fair share of strife.
But when a devastating flood destroyed the home that Leo and his daughter Cheryl had shared for nearly 60 years, they knew they needed to turn to their community for help.
In an interview with Boston 25 News, Cheryl — a retired teacher from Stoneham, Massachusetts — relayed how quickly their lives changed on October 14.
“Water was just pouring and pouring and pouring, and I said ‘Oh my God,’ it was like a river pouring down, and then all of a sudden it started going down the walls, and then it went into the other room, and then it went into the kitchen,” Cheryl said, adding that the second floor appeared to collapse all at once after pipes burst upstairs.
The flood destroyed almost all of their belongings, including vital documents like their birth certificates and Social Security cards.
In the midst of the chaos, Cheryl managed to rush inside and grab a few of her father’s medals, as well as a framed photo of a young Leo in uniform.
“But they’re kind of destroyed a little bit from the water,” Cheryl said sadly. “It’s completely condemned, it’s a total loss.”
On Facebook, Cheryl and Leo’s neighbors provided context to concerned locals.
“Sadly, their home insurance is giving them the run around,” one neighbor explained. “They are saying it is not a covered benefit. The VA did not offer any resources either.”
“It’s such a shame,” they added. “He’s such a sweet man. He worked at Marshall’s in Stoneham for several years up through his eighties.”
Others rushed to the comments to offer their sympathies and whatever help they could extend.
One person wrote: “I will check the website to donate, but we also have furniture and household items I can donate!”
“[I’m] happy to help you and your dad, whatever way I can, including getting help and support from our townspeople,” another neighbor said.
At the time of publication, a GoFundMe in Leo’s name had raised $15,875 in six days, just short of their $18,000 goal. Cheryl said that the funds will go towards temporary hotel fees and, later, a new apartment.
Cheryl told Boston 25 News that her dad’s positive spirit “gives her hope that everything will be alright.”
And it helped that her Stoneham neighbors had their backs.
“He sacrificed so much while in active duty,” one local wrote. “If he has all these medals, then he’s saved multiple lives without hesitation! This father/daughter duo should not have to worry about a place to stay while they figure out what comes next!”
“This man is a hero,” they emphasized. “He should be treated as such.”
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Header image via DOD Photo by Navy Chief Petty Officer Carlos M. Vazquez II (CC BY 2.0)
