From Cuyahoga Falls to California, Ohio Boy's Death Sparks Nationwide Porch Light Vigil
When Gino Altieri of Stow lost a battle with cancer June 24, 2012, communities from near and far began to participate in a porch light vigil. Read the comments below and join those from Cuyahoga Falls supporting Gino's family.
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When Gino Aliteri, 10, of Stow died Sunday afternoon, Fishcreek PTA President Jen Taylor decided to start a porch light vigil to mourn his passing.
The news of his death moved people from Stow and around the country — in Texas, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, South Carolina and even in Stow's backyard in Cuyahoga Falls — to turn their porch lights on for Gino.
Gino's godfather, Pete Altieri, from the Falls wrote: "It was a blessing and a privilege to be your Godfather and Zio(uncle) Gino!... You fought till your very last breath! You fought your own war and you earned that purple heart I got you! I'll never forget our memories together! Love you bud! Light's on in Cuyahoga Falls and forever in my heart!"
Even a family from England said in the comments section of this story that their porch lights were on from across the pond.
Several people who said they never met Gino or his family saw stories about him on Facebook and wanted to offer their condolences.
"I have seen a few comments about him on Facebook from several friends, and I know he was a great inspiration to many people and that so many love him. He will truly be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. My porch lights are on as well," said Heath Johnson Sunday evening in the comments section of this story.
Twitter users were also sharing their thoughts with the hashtag #JediGino for the Star Wars fan. Many left messages on the Stow Patch Facebook page as well.
The Lakeview Intermediate student passed away Sunday around 2 p.m. after a battle with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma — an aggressive pediatric cancer that affects soft tissue.
Gino had been battling cancer since it was first diagnosed on Sept 14, 2010.
Taylor asked community members to put their porch lights on Sunday evening in a Patch announcement and to leave them on until Tuesday morning.
"It will be our way of sending our love and prayers to the Altieri family," she said. "Let's shine bright for Gino!"
Check Cuyahoga Falls Patch for funeral arrangements and calling hours.
Click here to go to the Caring Bridge website for Gino.
Add photos of your porch lights to this post by clicking "upload photos and videos" and leave your comments for Gino and his family below.
Marlene
2:44 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Our hearts break for the Altieri family. You all continue to be in our prayers. Much Love - the Moses family from Stow
Pastor Chris
10:54 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Very touching. May God be with this family in their time of need. Matthew 5:4 - "Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted" by God.
Kristy Rivera
8:47 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Our deepest sympathy and sorrow for the Altieri family...so difficult to find words. Kristy Rivera/Riverside, CA and her children, the Vann family from Cuyahoga Falls.