![\"Peter](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SUT-L-BRY-COL-0125_003.jpg\")
Peter Saccone, 82, works out in his garage at his home in Lemon Grove. For 2 1\/2 hours, he works through his routine with the same discipline that carried him through more than 100 marathons and grueling six-day races. “I say to myself, you know how good you will feel at 9 a.m.,” he said.\u00a0(Sandy Huffaker \/ For The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n
\u201cI made it a point to run with every kid every day,\u201d Saccone recalls from his Lemon Grove home.<\/p>\n
Today, Saccone\u2019s world has contracted a bit, but his spirit hasn\u2019t. He hasn\u2019t been to a store in years, relying on ordering groceries online from Walmart and weekly food deliveries from Jewish Family Service of San Diego, whose driver, Sage Fregoso, has become such a regular presence that Saccone bought him a holiday gift.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFor many customers, my co-workers and I are the only people they see socially all day,\u201d said Fregoso, who has worked for Jewish Family Service for five years.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t think of a more noble thing to do than feeding the people.\u201d<\/p>\n
The organization\u2019s \u201cdelicious\u201d meals \u2014 five frozen entrees, fresh fruit, vegetables, and milk \u2014 sustain Saccone\u2019s vegetarian lifestyle. When he needs to get to doctor\u2019s appointments, Jewish Family Service\u2019s On The Go ride service for seniors provides transportation with five days\u2019 notice.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am fortunate to have found Jewish Family Service,\u201d he says, and he contributes to the organization even though it\u2019s not required.<\/p>\n
His days follow a predictable rhythm that would be monotonous to some but provides comfort to Saccone.\u00a0 After his morning workout, he reads for about three hours \u2014 mysteries by Michael Connelly, David Baldacci, James Patterson are his favorites.\u00a0 The Lemon Grove library mails him five books at a time in a bag, selecting titles based on his preferences.\u00a0 He watches a little television \u2014 just KPBS and NBC, no cable needed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of my friends are gone,\u201d he admits matter-of-factly. Two close running buddies suffer from Parkinson\u2019s.\u00a0 The social world that once revolved around group runs and dinners at Soup Plantation after adult fitness classes that he taught has evaporated.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Saccone doesn\u2019t dwell on losses.\u00a0 Instead, he focuses on what remains: good eyesight for reading, helping neighbors whose trash cans he still takes out, and the satisfaction of knowing he\u2019s made a difference \u2014 not just through teaching, but through the 97 gallons of blood he has donated to the San Diego Blood Bank.\u00a0 His goal is 100.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI try to think about positive things,\u201d he says.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t throw in the towel. I keep plugging along.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Peter](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SUT-L-BRY-COL-0125_002.jpg\")
Peter Saccone, once an ultramarathoner and elementary school teacher, focuses on what remains: good eyesight for reading, helping neighbors whose trash cans he still takes out, and the satisfaction of knowing he’s made a difference \u2014 not just through teaching, but through the 97 gallons of blood he has donated to the San Diego Blood Bank.\u00a0His goal is 100. \u00a0(Sandy Huffaker \/ For The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n
At 82, Pete Saccone has discovered that the next chapter doesn\u2019t require a lot of travel or a busy social calendar. Sometimes it\u2019s enough to move your body as best you can, to lose yourself in a good book, and to know that somewhere out there, former students are living better lives because once upon a time, their teacher taught them that it\u2019s \u201cFunner to Be a Runner\u201d \u2014 and that with each step forward, no matter how small, you can transform not just your body, but your entire world.<\/p>\n
For its most recent fiscal year, Jewish Family Service delivered 82,129 meals.\u00a0 There is not a waiting list.\u00a0 Individuals must live within a designated service area that includes 36 zip codes in San Diego County.\u00a0 They must be homebound or socially isolated.\u00a0 The program is funded by the federal Older American Act and private contributions.\u00a0 The Jewish Family Service On The Go program provided rides to 735 individuals and is funded by SANDAG, the County of San Diego and private contributions. There is currently a waiting list, and Jewish Family Service is continuing to identify and onboard additional volunteer drivers.\u00a0 People who want to volunteer or drive can visit \u00a0Featured Volunteer Opportunity: On the Go Driver \u2013 JFSSD<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0(858) 637-3050<\/a>.\u00a0 If you need a ride or help accessing a meal, call (858) 637-3210<\/a>.<\/p>\n