MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) – Residents of an Upper West Side building are rallying around their 79-year-old doorman after he was attacked earlier this month.
That assault left him bloody and bruised and in the hospital for five days.
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“George was the most wonderful, sweetest, most lovable person, so it’s very upsetting what happened to him,” Jeanne Martinet, a resident, told PIX11 News.
Residents of 255 West 88th Street say they are praying for the full recovery and raising money to help their beloved doorman.
Twelve days ago, George, as residents called him, was working his usual shift overnight when police say he refused to let a seemingly troubled man visit a tenant.
For that, police say, the 79-year-old was beaten and struck by a 29-year-old man with a closed fist and a broomstick.
Three hours later, his attacker was arrested and charged with assault.
“Shocked and horrified, and very surprised that this kind of thing can happen in our neighborhood,” Paul Sauer, a building resident, told PIX11 News.
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George spent several days in the hospital and is now recovering at home.
His family asked PIX11 to keep his name private.
Residents have set up a fundraiser, which has raised more than $26,000 to help cover his medical expenses not covered by insurance.
“I think he realizes that the people in this building actually really care about him and care about all the things he’s done for them,” Jeffrey Clukey, another resident, told PIX11 News. “It’s actually quite amazing,” he added.
“I really hope he makes a full recovery,” Sauer, holding his baby girl, told PIX11 News. “Love to see him back on the job again soon,” he added.
The family of doorman George says he is deeply touched by all the support he’s been receiving from the residents of the building he has served for close to three decades.
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