Restoration Gloucester - The Curcuru House

Gloucester Woman with MS Receives Harassing Letter

We are happy to announce that as of July 2021 and one year after receiving the letter we have concluded fundraising and the project is nearly complete. 

We'd like to thank the community of Gloucester, Massachusetts, its contractors, and suppliers for their generosity and superior work. We would also like to thank those around the globe who contributed funds. Much love to you all.

Visit our fundraiser page to view the combined total of all GoFundMe donations, checks received, corporate donors, and more.

THE CURCURU HOME AND IT'S STORY

On July 20th, long time and well known Gloucester residents living in the historic Portuguese Hill area received a letter from a neighbor. The letter had no return address. It read, “Please Paint Me! :( Eye sore – Your Neighbors. Thanks”.

The neighbors were unaware of the circumstances that lead to having to forgo repairs to their home. The house has been in the family for more than 75 years and is the current home to Jimmy and Marilyn Curcuru. Their daughter and mothers caretaker Lynanne also lives in the home. Marilyn is bed bound and has been battling MS for almost 30 years. Jimmy recently recovered from a quadruple bypass and problems with his kidneys. This loving family is well known in Gloucester and most know the medical hardships they have faced and the financial hardships as a result.

Having heard of the letter Gloucester residents went into action. The ideas began to come together on how to help this family. Hundreds were ready to donate.

In the words of their son Jimmy, “then the greatest city in the world, Gloucester, came to the rescue as they always do for their own.” Jimmy went on to state, “We don’t care who wrote it. We want to enjoy the love and support of this great city we live in. I want to thank everyone for everything you have done and are going to do.”

Harvest Moon Builders visited the house and provided an estimate of the work.  They eliminated their management costs and cut their overhead and profit in half.  All equating to thousands of dollars in savings. Hometown Ace Hardware quickly committed cash and materials to the fund. Timberline provided an amazing cost reduction to the windows. The family is to receive free shutters for the front of the house.

We'd like to thank M.A. Builders (Ipswich), Bertone General Contractors, and Albano Electric for their incredible work.

In the words of Mayor Sefatia Giambanco Romeo Theken, “I watched this evolve from it’s inception. We knew the community would come together and collectively help this family. That’s Gloucester. That’s what we do.”

WORK DONE

- Roof
- Insulation
- Windows
- Shutters
- Siding
- Front Steps
- Door
- Fence
- Paint (Interior)
- Paint (Exterior)
- Generator