Hundreds Show Up To Rally Supporting New Kensington Cobbler After Robbery
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – He's served the Westmoreland community for most of his life and now it's time for the community to give back.
A cobbler in New Kensington has been in business for decades, but he says he's considering closing shop after he was roughed up and robbed over the weekend.
It was a moving tribute Wednesday afternoon, when several hundred people gathered outside of 82-year-old Gene Montemurro's shoe repair shop.
His family is urging him to retire after the robbery.
Local political leaders, a church choir and the Valley High School football team were among those in attendance. Also in attendance were some of Montemurro's customers and he has a lot after more than 60 years in business.
"We just want to send a clear message that we love him and support him no matter what he decides to do, and we believe in New Kensington," said Ron Balla who helped organize the rally.
"Gene is a treasure in our town and we'd like him to stay here forever, he's the last one left out of 36 cobblers in this area," said New Kensington Mayor Tom Guzzo.
Montemurro said he was considering retiring next year, but it'll likely be sooner.
"I'll be out in the end of the year," Montemurro said.
New Kensington police are continuing to investigate and find the men who robbed Montemurro's shop.
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