LYNN — When Nicholas Verdini, a Lynn English High School graduate, and Eugene Dolloff, a World War II veteran, first met, Dolloff was a bit apprehensive.
Verdini and Dolloff were matched up through an “Adopt a Resident” program at Parker Nursing Home in Lynn, where Verdini was volunteering.
Dolloff, who had no family or close friends, had been visited by volunteers with the program before; all had come for a short time and left. But his friendship with Verdini would become much more than just a few visits.
“He talked a lot,” Verdini said about his friend who died recently. “He was really easy to talk to and we bonded pretty quickly.”
Soon, Verdini would start visiting multiple times a week after school, enjoying Dolloff’s stories and his unique personality.
“I always thought it was so funny, he loved to sing even though he wasn’t a great singer,” Verdini said.
It was not uncommon for Dolloff to sing aloud during their visits, at least until the other residents yelled at him to stop.
After a few months of visits, Verdini, then in his senior year at English, felt close enough to give his new friend a hug before parting one day.
After the hug, Dolloff began to cry, confessing to Verdini that he hadn’t received a hug from anyone in years. After that visit, Dolloff and Verdini would often hold hands during their talks, at the request of Dolloff.
“It was amazing to see someone so positive and caring and he never asked for much in return,” Verdini said.
Another highlight of their relationship was when Verdini’s family got to meet Dolloff at a graduation party the nursing home threw for Verdini.
Dolloff was especially excited that day because they brought him his favorite food, fried clams.
Soon Verdini began the next part of his life, attending Emmanuel College with hopes of becoming a doctor. His visits with Dolloff became less frequent but their friendship never wavered.
Dolloff would tell Verdini how he was discouraged by the brutality of World War II, but soon found a comfortable place as a typist for the military.
“I took a lot of his stories,” said Verdini. “He told me about his grandfather, who used to be a doctor and always told me that the world needed nice people like myself to become doctors. It gave me a lot of motivation.”
Verdini, now 22, moved to Washington D.C. after college to pursue career opportunities.
A few weeks ago, Verdini received a call from a staff member at the nursing home, urging him to visit as soon as possible. He rushed home to see his friend.
In what would become their last visit, Dolloff was unable to speak or hear his good friend.
They sat together for a while before Verdini had to leave, sharing one last embrace and eye contact with Dolloff.
After Dolloff’s death, conversations with the nursing home staff became difficult for Verdini.
“They wouldn’t tell me much. It was pretty disheartening.”
No plans were initially planned for Dolloff’s funeral, but Verdini stepped in.
With the help of a Veteran’s Association he planned a small service for Dolloff that will be followed by his cremation.
“I just felt he deserved to be honored in some way as the wonderful person he was and as a veteran,” Verdini said.
Dolloff’s service will be Thursday at Pine Grove Cemetery. Anyone interested in going can meet at the front gate of Pine Grove Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.
