STRATFORD, N.J. - For nearly 50 years, a Stratford, New Jersey man has set out on a walk every day, turning friends into family with every step.
Joe Motolla has called Stratford his home since 1977, and he’s known for his long, daily walks around town.His community-building exercise will soon come to an end, though, as Joe’s family is selling their family home and moving.
But, before the move, Joe’s kids planned a surprise for him.Andrew Motolla, Joe’s son, printed the typical walking route and handed it out to people around town, inviting the neighborhood to pop out and join Joe on his final walk around Stratford on Tuesday. "Joe goes out of his way to seek you out, to talk to you, to share a story, or just to hear how you’re doing," said a close neighbor, Matt Sheehan. "He’s always wishing you well and that really means a lot.
He knows my kids knows my parents knows my entire family."MORE HEADLINESCommunity members and city officials respond to 4th of July fireworks show shootingWitnesses claim lifeguards at Bensalem pool were reluctant to search murky water for drown teen'Moment of frustration': Mayor Kenney responds to own comment about being 'happy' to leave officeThe 74-year-old's mile and a half route takes long to complete as he makes several stops along the way to chat with neighbors.