LYNN — A man who neighbors described as a familiar presence along the Lynnway was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer early Monday morning, leaving behind a family grappling with shock and grief.
The accident occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of the Lynnway and Commercial Street. Massachusetts State Police and Lynn Police responded to the scene, along with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The man, identified by family members as Paul Addonizio, was known to many in the area for sitting near the intersection and asking passersby for help. Local workers said he was frequently seen nearby and was well known within the community.
One of Paul’s daughters, Lindsey, said she learned of her father’s death through neighbors, calling the news “a shocking surprise.” She explained that although she and her sister had not been in contact with him for several years, the loss was still deeply jarring.
“It’s just a weird situation,” she said. “We never expected this to happen.”
She said Paul leaves behind five children and grandchildren, as well as one sister and one brother.
She said he worked at Chesterton in Groveland but was unclear if he was employed at the time of the accident. He was born in Medford and spent most of his time in Lynn and Wakefield.
While their relationship had been complicated, she emphasized that she wished to focus on the fact that he was a father and a member of a larger family.
“He was OK to my sister and me,” she said. “We’re just in shock.”
Since his death, there has been an outpouring of sympathy on social media.
Neighbors said Paul had lived in the area for years and was a recognizable figure along the Lynnway. Those who encountered him regularly described him as quiet and familiar, someone people checked in on and helped when they could.
Judy Rodriguez has worked at Nouria for three years, and she said Paul regularly stopped by the Nouria store.
“He always sits in his chair every morning, and he comes every morning to the store and gets a cup of coffee,” she said. “Very nice guy… He comes here, gets coffee. People get him stuff. He’s well-known to the community.”
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
This is a developing story and will be updated in print and online (ItemLive.com) as more information becomes available.
