Vietnam veteran starts New Year in customized home

Canton veteran welcomed back to his renovated home just in time for the holidays thanks to Purple Heart Homes
Farmington Valley Times
Published: Monday, December 30, 2013

CANTON
Volunteers from Purple Heart Homes and the Canton community welcomed back Joe Recupero, a Vietnam veteran, back to his newly renovated, handicap accessible, safe barrier free home on Saturday after weeks of work.

Recupero, 62, suffers from severe Parkinsons Disease, one of 14 known diseases the Veterans Affairs department has identified as a result of exposure to the defoliant chemical Agent Orange used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War.

Recupero’s home at 7 Forest Lane was renovated to include a new roof, handicap accessible bathroom and bedroom and a ramp out the front door. Volunteers also moved his driveway so he could gain easier access to the home.

The group working on the home included volunteers from Travelers insurance, the Canton Fire Department, church groups and work crews from Manchester. The project was led by Regional Director Vicki Thomas and Project Manager Marlene Figueroa.

The group also donated sheets, towels, pillows, blankets and other necessities that were given to Recupero during Saturday’s welcome home “Shower for Joe.” Thomas said they wanted to “shower Joe not only with love, but also needed household items.”
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