Dear Editor:
On April 16, 2009, Jose Frias died on a Union City stoop where he lived for the past 20 years. After coming from Cuba in the Mariel sufferings from mental illness, Jose lived the life of a vagabond. He had no physical place to call home, but Union City provided him with the community he needed to survive. Upon his death, last Thursday, the community leaped into action. They were not going to let one of their own die ALONE. Since then, a massive collection has been held through the local Union City businesses. With the help of the Mayor Brian Stack, friends & local business owners, Jose Frias was viewed tonight at Jorge Rivera Funeral Home in North Bergen, NJ. He was dressed in fine clothes, but underneath was a Giant’s jersey, snuck in by one of his closest friends. A buttoner made of dollar bills adorned his chest and reminded everyone of a friend never to be seen again. Tomorrow at noon, the Union City police department is scheduled to accompany Jose Frias’ body down Bergen line Ave. There, the community will try to raise the remainder of the money needed to put Jose in his final resting place. Please don’t let such a unique display of human kindness pass by without any recognition.
Thank you
Esli J. Latorre
Union City Florist