By Scott Etkin
Victor, who was quick to share a joke or greeting with passersby outside of the McDonald’s on Broadway between West 104th and 105th streets, died on Monday.
He was 63 years old, according to Cinco, Victor’s friend, who set up a memorial for him outside the McDonald’s. The memorial is dedicated to “Green Eyes,” Victor’s nickname.
“I just have the utmost respect for him,” Cinco told the Rag. “I said, you know, ‘I might as well do the memorial for him, because nobody else was here to do it.’”
Cinco confirmed that Victor was homeless and spent much of his time outside of the McDonald’s, where he often initiated friendly interactions.
“He helped people, and, you know, he told jokes,” said Cinco. “He made people laugh. Even when you was down, he’ll put you in that space where you’ll smile again.”
A similar sentiment was shared in an anonymous message to West Side Rag from someone who lives in the neighborhood: “[He was] often holding open the door to McDonald’s and always sharing a kind word for my toddler daughter when we saw him on our way to and from daycare.”
The details of Victor’s life are unknown. He still had the ability to walk when Cinco met him seven-and-a-half years ago. Over time, he transitioned to using a walker and eventually a wheelchair.
A staff member at the McDonald’s said his sister used to come by, but has not been seen in some time. He was not known to have any other family.
He was a “a big reader” and his birthday was August 10th, Cinco said. Cinco used to celebrate it with him.
The memorial grew as the afternoon progressed, including several candles surrounded by a cardboard box decorated with stickers and messages to Green Eyes. Placed in front of the box there are flowers, a carton of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (there’s a Ben & Jerry’s shop on the corner of the block), and a piece of scripture from the Book of Jeremiah. “He was a child of God,” said Cinco.
“I said it’s only right that I do a little something, because I know he would do it for me.”
Rows of white boards were set up for passersby to write their farewell thoughts and prayers to Green Eyes. In the midst of them was a sign reading, “This Teaches Us All a Lesson. RIP.”
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Ima pour out some of my McFlurry® for him. RIPower
A human being. Someone’s loved one. Funny?
Ugh, always with the virtue signaling. It’s a symbolic gesture that’s been around since the beginning of time, usually water or alcohol. In this instance (as is fitting) PA is pouring a McFlurry. :/
At least he got to see the scaffolding on Broadway come down.
It’s clear from this growing memorial that he was loved and beloved. Shows a different story than all of the complaints about people hanging out on that block—this is a community of friends and neighbors having fellowship. Rest in peace.
A human being, like us all, overtaken by the same fate that will gather in all of us.
I never knew him personally but he always brought a smile to my face. God bless him. 🙏
I never knew his name but years ago, he would sleep outside of Silvermoonbakery on the bench, particularly after he had been drinking. He would disappear for a chunk of time and then reappear. Eventually, he showed up near McDonald’s. He said that he had family in California and was planning eventually to join them there, but never did. I believe he shared the wheelchair with several others who panhandled; I think he was able to walk. When we would greet each other, and I would ask him how he was, he would say “any day above ground is a good day“.
Heartbreaking. G-d bless green eyes.
And may G-d bless and watch over Cinco –how lovely that you’ve done this tribute for your friend.
I was so saddened and shocked to see that Victor had passed away. I walked by him most days and he often joked with my kids and blessed my family. He never asked us for anything. If you offered him food or water, he was grateful. I can’t say I would have handled life as gracefully as he did if our situations were reversed. May we all strive to embody a bit of his gratitude and positivity. Thank you, West Side Rag, for writing this. As local media declines there are fewer opportunities like this to pay tribute to the ordinary life. We all deserved to be chronicled and remembered. Rest in peace, Victor. You made a difference to us
Beautiful words.
Oh no 🙁 my heart dropped when I saw this headline.
I used to walk by him all the time, including going to the gym above the McDonald’s where he’d be sitting by the door. As Cinco says, he was always ready with a friendly word or a quick joke. Truly a kind, funny, and neighborly presence. He’ll be missed by me and many others, I’m sure. Thanks to Cinco for making this memorial to honor his life and passing.
I tried to post as a separate post, but couldn’t. Sorry for having to write it here.
Question : During the pandemic was a delightful man, also in a wheelchair, who would hang out on the island on 85th St, between Broadway and Amsterdam. A handful of men hung out with him.
He was a sweetheart and I’m wondering if anyone knows if it’s the same man.
We always chatted as I passed by. His smile was infectious. RIP Green Eyes.
My heart broke a little when I saw that memorial. I saw Victor daily. He was part of my day. He always had something kind to say, never asked for money but he always asked how I was , and as my kids got older, he asked about them. He was a ready smile, an extra word of encouragement, a familiar voice in the noise of the day. I will miss seeing him. I will miss his presence in my part of New York. He meant more than he maybe knew. I liked him. I will miss him.
So touching that people cared about this man who brought smiles. He also brought a feeling of neighborhood to everyone. Beautiful memorial for a lovely man. RIP green eyes.
Victor had a terrific personality and was always kind to me and my kids. He was a gentleman and will be missed.
If people really cared for this man – knowing he was sleeping on the street, drinking and then sleeping on benches, sleeping in the front of businesses – why don’t you vote for candidates that will finally fix the shelter system and make sure people GET HELP. The money is there, you know it and I know it. He was drinking and sleeping on a sidewalk until he died. That’s compassion?
I think people need to take a good look to see what this city is REALLY doing to help people and vote for people who talk about this and make REAL changes so someone doesn’t die on a street, no matter how nice and wonderful he is. He still died on a street.