UES Diner Honors Longtime Employee Battling Cancer

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — For more than a quarter of a century, Earl Wilcox has been a cherished figure at a Yorkville diner, bringing happiness and laughter to all who visit. Now, the community has the chance to show their appreciation in return, this weekend.

The Mansion Diner, on York and East 86th Street, is hosting a farewell celebration for Wilcox, one of their most cherished employees. The event will take place at the diner on Friday, May 3, as Wilcox prepares to depart New York for hospice care.

Wilcox, who started working for the diner's owners, the Philips family, 25 years ago, was diagnosed with cancer in 2017, according to a social media post by restaurant officials.

"He has courageously fought cancer for the last seven years but things have now progressed and he is stopping treatment," the Philips family said.

Following the celebratory event, Wilcox plans to move to Florida to spend his remaining time with his daughter and granddaughter.

"As Earl has helped numerous neighbors over the years, we are asking our community to return the favor. Join us on Friday, May 3, at 5 p.m. to celebrate Earl and thank him for his years of help, friendship, and love," restaurant officials wrote on social media.

Patrons and members of the local community expressed their sadness over Wilcox's leaving on the restaurant's Instagram page, as well as their appreciation for his presence in the neighborhood over the last two decades.

"Thank you, Earl, for always being that warm, smiling person we all see every day at the Diner! That 'hello' and that wave to everyone you see everyday, everytime! Thank you, Earl! You’re so brave; you are one heck of a fighter, my friend and I will miss you," one community member wrote. "Earl, Thanks for making me—and so many others—smile day after day," another commented.

Besides the in-person event, the Philips family has also established a GoFundMe page to support Wilcox's family with medical bills. As of Monday afternoon, the fundraiser has garnered nearly $6,000, halfway toward its $12,000 target.

For more information or to donate, click here.