Public Lights Candles for Deceased Homeless Veteran Nicoloro

Jacob Hunter Baril holds a candle in honor of Nicoloro.

Approximately 100 people turned out last night at Plug Pond to pay their respects for homeless veteran Michael Nicoloro, who died a week ago on his 64th birthday.

Eighth grader Jacob Hunter Baril organized the candlelight event. He told the crowd he met Nicoloro while dining with his family at the A-1 Deli on Merrimack Street. He said the family enjoyed a few laughs with Nicoloro, but were surprised by an unexpected act of kindness.

“We go to pay our bill. He was sitting there laughing. And the waitress comes over and says, ‘he paid your bill.’ And we were like, yeah, he paid our bill—he paid the whole family bill,” Baril said.

Nicoloro’s brother, Jon Gore of Merrimac, said he was equally surprised to learn of Baril’s thoughtfulness.

“So, at first, it was like wow that’s great that someone in the community is doing that, and then to find out that you’re an eighth grader—an eighth grader doing this is just, it’s overwhelming. You think about young kids these days and maybe how they’re perceived, and there’s really good kids out there,” Gore said.

Haverhill Recreation Director Vincent Ouellette learned of Baril’s plans from social media and reached out to help.

“We talked about it. We decided to come here on Monday night, Plug’s Pond, have a spot—a place for Mike—and have a peaceful visit with his family and friends,” Ouellette said. “I give that man a lot of credit for posting this and getting it going,” he added.

A number of Nicoloro’s acquaintances took turns at the microphone. Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini said the plight of the homeless is often ignored, but must be better addressed.

A portion of the vigil was broadcast live on WHAV during the Open Mike Show.

Nicoloro was a decorated Vietnam War veteran, earning the Parachute Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, SPS M-14 Medal and the SPS M-16 Medal during his service. He served as an Army Airborne Medic until his honorable discharge in 1971.

A graveside service is scheduled today at 11  a.m. in Riverview Cemetery, Groveland.

Jon Gore talks with a well-wisher at the candlelight vigil in honor of his brother, Michael Nicoloro.