For 32 years, Horace Lewis did everything for everyone in Westport.
Now it’s time for Westport to do something for him.
When he retired in July of 2020, he was honored as “06880’s” Unsung Hero of the Week. I wrote about his devotion to Staples High School. Horace was head custodian there — following the same role at Coleytown Middle School — and though he was a stay-out-of-the-limelight guy, I wanted to shine a light on the care and love he lavished on the building.
Classrooms, hallways, auditorium, a gym and fieldhouse and athletic fields, a cafeteria and 2 teaching kitchens, a library, TV studio, storage areas, boilers and HVAC systems — Horace knew them all. He made them sparkle, shine and work.
Horace Lewis, in a typical pose.
He hired and supervised a superb staff. He held them to high standards. But whenever something went wrong, he was the one who got the call. Broken pipes, a bad odor, a security alarm: Horace was there.
His was a stressful job. But never stopped smiling, working, or serving the building and everyone in it.
Horace Lewis (right) and shift supervisor Tom Cataudo greet the staff and students during the 2015 graduation processional.
Even after his official retirement, stayed on. Staples was coping with COVID. Every hand was needed, so Horace lent his.
Five months ago, he got the chance to retire fully. He helped his daughter with her business. He enjoyed his kids and grandchildren. It was what retirement should be.
But on the day of his 35th anniversary a major stroke derailed his plans, and his life with his wife Bonnie.
Horace went into cardiac arrest twice. He is now in recovery, working to regain his motor skills, speech, and walking capabilities.
When Horace returns home, he will need a wheelchair ramp and other necessities. Meanwhile, bills not covered by insurance pile up. It’s a very tough situation for the entire family.
Horace faced many tough situations, at Staples and Coleytown. With intelligence, creativity, patience — and always a smile — he solved them all.
Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page. Click here, to pay forward a little bit of the large debt we all owe Horace Lewis.
so sad, sending strength to you Horace. When we brought Veterans in to speak to the high school, he quickly ran to get everything set up. Horace is a great man. happy to donate and will do thanks for sharing
Horace is a stand up guy! From the Aronow/Stein family to the Lewis family, may you have a full recovery. All our love. Thanks Dan for sharing.
Thanks for sharing this chance to help give back to a man who did so much for our kids!!!
Horace Lewis was always so friendly and helpful and patient at Coleytown and at Staples. We are happy to help out now and we wish him a good recovery.
My kids never went to school here…..I met Horace while waking my dog in the mornings. Our ‘dog walking contacts’ stretched over several years. I am shocked and saddened by this news. Horace is delightful, kind and just all good things. My family wishes Horace and the entire Lewis family our sincere best wishes for a complete recovery.
Thanks for sharing and giving us the opportunity to help Horace and his family. What a wonderful man – wishing him a full recovery.
All good things to Horace who gave all good things to our kids. Thanks, Dan, for letting us know and helping us help him now.
Good bless you snd protect you Horace.
The Billingslea Family (Brian, Russell and Monica)
donated $50.00. We are praying for Horace’s speedy and complete recovery and thinking of Bonnie, his children and grandchildren. God is good all the time
I was happy to contribute and had a nice thank you note from Bonnie. Does anyone know why a Staples retiree who presumably has at least Medicare doesn’t have enough insurance to cover his care? Ipersonally did not know Horace but Dan thanks for letting us all know.
This is for costs not covered by insurance. Lots of things related to someone with a TBI — renovations to the home, for example, and some nursing care – are not covered. His wife is still working, so cannot be there during the day.