Community Corner
Local Hero: Middletown Teen Moves In With Grandfather To Care For Him
Not every 19-year-old would choose to move in with their grandfather. But that's exactly what this Middletown teen did.
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now in our communities. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.
This submission comes from Michele Williamson of Middletown, who nominated her son, Mark Williamson. This mom said her son is a hero in her eyes because he decided to move in with his 91-year-old grandfather and take care of him.
Local hero’s full name
Mark Williamson, 19 years old
Local hero’s home state
New Jersey
Local hero’s Patch
Middletown
How do you know the local hero?
My son
What does the local hero do?
He’s a culinary student and works at his family's local restaurant, Fratelli’s pizza on Rt. 35 in Red Bank. (It was Mark's grandfather and grandmother who started Fratelli's more than 40 years ago and the pizzeria is very well known in the Middletown area.)
Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?
Our son decided to move in with his 91-year-old grandfather to help take care of him. My mother passed away and his nonno (Italian for grandfather) hasn’t had the best year with hospitalizations and falls.
Our son goes to school, works and takes amazing care of his grandfather. It's very difficult being a caregiver, and knowing my son is there are night really gives us all peace of mind, especially for his grandfather. My son helps with his daily needs, manages his medication. I am just in awe of my teenage son and that he's so close to him and that he chooses to live there.
What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?
He’s just an amazing young man. I’m in awe of my 19-year-old for helping with his grandfather.
Thank you for all you do, Mark Williamson!
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