(photo credit: Andy Schocken)
News broke this week that Gilberto, a fixture at the Carroll Gardens F train subway station, had suffered a heart attack and had passed away. For decades, he stood at the subway plaza at Second Place every day, in rain or shine, asking for money. Later, when his leg was amputated, he sat in his wheel-chair.
Some loved him, some saw him as a flawed human being. However, he certainly was a big part of this community. For most of the 25 years I have lived in Carroll Gardens, he was the first person I saw when I left or got back to the neighborhood. I will miss his presence.
***My thanks to Andy Schocken for sending me his photos of Gilberto and for allowing me to post them here.
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9 comments:
What about another Carroll Gardens subway guy - the fellow who is often sitting on the steps of the President Street exit of Carroll Street station during the evening rush hour? Anyone know his story?
both articles say "attach" should be "attack"
Rest in Peace ...... Gilbert
I started using that staircase for daily commuting in 1986 and he has been there daily, blocking the stairs at rush hour, muttering 'spare change'. He arrives just after 5pm for the afternoon commute. It must be a lucrative location for him to be doing it all these years. I occasionally gave Gilbert money but not this guy; he annoys me.
I'm curious too
Thanks, Anon 3:44
Unfortunately, Spell Check does not catch all mistakes.
Will change it right now.
Oh, I'm sad to hear this news. I got used to seeing him at the 2nd place entrance and always wondered about his story. There are a lot of people who become fixtures in the neighborhood who you take for granted being there and it's sad when they are gone. I actually just wrote about one such person on my own blog. http://www.melissasarno.com/2010/10/how-do-you-solve-problem-like-maria.html
I'd like to know about the tall, elegant black man (?) often found evenings at the 2nd place exit. s/he seems to have quite a fan club! Anyone know more?
I'd like to know about the tall, elegant black man (?) often found evenings at the 2nd place exit. s/he seems to have quite a fan club! Anyone know more?
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