Ohio Boy's Death Sparks Nationwide Porch Light Vigil
When Gino Altieri of Stow lost his battle with cancer on June 24, communities near and far participated in a porch light vigil. Check out Stow Patch's most-read story of 2012.
Editor's Note: This week, we'll feature Stow Patch's best posts from 2012. Here's our most-read piece about a boy who inspired a nation with his passing. On Christmas Eve, we ask that you switch your porch light on and remind little Gino, and those like him, that hope is shining brightly in Stow.
After Gino Altieri, 10, of Stow, died on June 24 after a two-year battle with cancer, Fishcreek PTA President Jen Taylor decided to start a porch light vigil to mourn his passing.
The news of his death moved people from Stow and around the country — in Texas, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, South Carolina and even in Stow's backyard in Cuyahoga Falls — to turn their porch lights on for Gino.
Even a family from England said in the comments section of this story that their porch lights were on from across the pond.
"You've heard of 'The shot heard round the world' ... well, I think Gino is the light seen around the world," said Susan Deitrick, Gino's teacher. "People who never even met him seem to have found light and hope just reading or hearing of his valor, his feistiness in the face of the dreadful foe, cancer, or 'Grievous' as the little Star Wars fan referred to it."
Several people who said they never met Gino or his family saw stories about him on Facebook and wanted to offer their condolences.
"I have seen a few comments about him on Facebook from several friends, and I know he was a great inspiration to many people and that so many love him. He will truly be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. My porch lights are on as well," said Heath Johnson Sunday evening in the comments section of this story.
Twitter users were also sharing their thoughts with the hashtag #JediGino for the Star Wars fan. Many left messages on the Stow Patch Facebook page as well.
Click here for the porch light vigil Facebook event to see even more people who are participating.
The Lakeview Intermediate student passed away Sunday around 2 p.m. after a battle with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma — an aggressive pediatric cancer that affects soft tissue.
Gino had been battling cancer since it was first diagnosed on Sept 14, 2010.
Taylor asked community members to put their porch lights on Sunday evening in a Patch announcement and to leave them on until Tuesday morning.
"It will be our way of sending our love and prayers to the Altieri family," she said. "Let's shine bright for Gino!"
Click here to go to the Caring Bridge website for Gino.
Add photos of your porch lights to this post by clicking "upload photos and videos."
In This article
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Lakeview Intermediate School
1819 Graham Rd, Stow, OH -
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Fishcreek Elementary School
5080 Fishcreek Rd, Stow, OH -
Loretta Bowlby
7:31 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Just saw this and my porch light is now on. Prayers to the family. RIP Gino.
cam Jellison
7:52 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
What a sweet soul. He will be missed.
Was an honor meeting him at Radiothon..
Babette Gall
7:58 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Altieri family.
Melissa B.
8:01 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
As the mother of a Lakeview student, my heart is breaking! May God bless you Gino, and may he keep you and your family in his loving arms!
sandra johnson
8:29 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
our light is on in NY
Sheryl Rupnik Gittins
8:40 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
My light is on in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
Donna Fenwick Wojcik
8:55 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Rest in peace Gino.
Nichole Puchajda
9:17 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Our lights are on in Cuyahoga Falls! Rest in peace.
Lori Silliman
9:22 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Our heartfelt Love , Thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with the Altieri family , friends and all whom are touched by such a heroic young man. May God be with you and know you have been in our hearts thoughts and prayers and always will be. God bless. Sincerely , The Silliman Family and Kevin ,Stow Ohio
Robyn Bryden
9:28 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Lights are on thru out my neighborhood! U lit up my life!!
Fernanda Frazier
9:33 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
What a special little boy who touched the lives of so many...God Bless You
Lisa Kowall
9:37 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
may God bless the Altieri family in this time of loss and sorrow.
Betsy J Pasko-Flaherty
9:39 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Our porch light is on in Hartsville, SC. God Bless.
Christy Leenheer
9:41 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Iights are on in Cuyahoga Falls!!!! We were so blessed to meet him & Have him at Festa Italiana for our fundraiser/Zumbathon. The Lord must have needed another Angel!
Amanda Harnocz
9:55 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
My porch lights are on as well. I added a photo of it to this story, feel free to do the same by clicking "upload photos and videos." It's so nice to see the support from near and far.
Jennifer Scarbrough
10:03 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Gino was such a fighter and an incredible boy! He'll be missed by everyone who loved him! My porch light is on for him <3
Julie Powell
10:04 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Our light is shining brightly for you Geno, now you can be a Jedi angel. I think of you every time I hear the song Stronger by Kelly Clarkson from when you were on the radiothon . Deepest thoughts and prayers to the Altieri family.
Maria Pinango Zambrano
10:05 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Alberto & Maria Pinango Zambrano
Our lights are on in Tallmadge . RIP Gino! Our prayers are with you Antonietta e Eduardo.
Heath Johnson
10:05 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
I have seen a few comments about him on facebook from several friends, and I know he was a great inspiration to many people and that so many love him. He will truly be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. My porch lights are on as well. God bless Gino.
Susan Summerville
10:10 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
My light is on in Green Ohio and the light in a corner of my heart will always shine only for Gino. He was so very very special and I loved him very much. Prayers for Gina and Dom.
Susan Summerville
Katie Krakora Jackson
10:12 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Lights are on in Phoenix Arizona... prayers going up for the whole family and huge jedi support group. Stay strong guys... he got his wings.
Stacy Yoak
10:17 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Our porch light is on in Cuyahoga Falls. RIP Gino. Prayers to the Altieri Family.
Tabatha Keller and Family
10:28 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
I have my light on and We will keep The Alteiri's close to our hearts! We will always Love our Jedi Gino<3
Michelle Miragliotta
10:32 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
My daughter Kendall rode the bus to school with Gino and we are all deeply hurt by the news today. Our light shines proudly for you Gino. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. I work at Children's and am honored and privledged to care for such bright and amazing children. You are a true Jedi.
Douglas Wernicke
10:36 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Our lights are on in Roanoke, a very sad day
Mary Novak Brandt
10:38 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Our porch light is on for Gino and his Family. May the lights from Earth shine up to Heaven to Gino, the most courageous boy whose smile and laughter lit up a room. Praying for Jesus to wrap his loving arms around Gino's Family. Jesus is the light of the world.
Linda Hardin
10:51 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
The Hardin Family - Hugs-N-Bugs
Our lights are on for Gino and his family.
Lina Amawi Mustafa
10:51 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
JEDI Gino was in my daughter Nadia's class this past school year at Lakeview. Rest in peace Gino. Our prayers for the Altieri family. Our porchlight is on.
Eric jones/ Lindsay treubert- morse
10:54 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Are lights are on here in Columbus Ohio for the Altieri family!!
Jason Nolte
10:57 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Lights on in Kingwood TX also.....our condolences to the family
Shannon Roshon
11:01 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Lights are on in Rootstown. We love you Gino
Jen
11:03 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Our porch light in on in Salem, OH. Xoxo
Michelle
11:05 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
We did not know Little Gino however have followed his story, battle and courageous fight through postings on FB from family we know. He was a fighter and brave little boy. May he rest now the fight is over...... Our light is on in Savannah, Ga
dominick b macreno
11:06 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Our lights on in north hill, our hearts and prayers go out to the whole family. He was truly a special boy............
Stephanie M
11:10 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Gino was my son's best friend. I hope everyone takes comfort in knowing that his passing was peaceful and he was surrounded by love.
The family has been very in awe of all the support they have received from the community. They obviously are devastated by his passing but take much comfort in knowing he is in a better place. Please pray that peace and comfort continues.
Lights & luminaries here! Thank you for all your support!
Janice Van Huss
11:13 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Our light is on in Midland, Texas. I never had the pleasure to meet Gino but heard how special he was. Heaven gained a sweet wonderful little boy. Praying for the family to keep hope in Jesus!
Gretchen Leopold Poyner
11:14 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Porch light on in Coal City, Illinois. Most heartfelt prayers sent to the Altieri family. RIP Gino.
Kelly Tubbs
11:21 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Our lights on on for Gino!! Declan Tubbs will miss him. Gino brought a smile to the class every time he was there! Declan so admired his enthusiasm and spirit and his smile! He would be so happy every time Gino would be able to come to school! Declan says his "Bert and Papa" are there to meet Gino along with Gino's other friends and family. Much love, Kevin, Kelly, McKenna, Declan Tubbs
Jennifer Kenney
11:31 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Although we never met Gino, his aunt and godmother, Andrea talked of him often. I have been inspired by his fight and prayed many nights. His strength was like no other. I pray for his family and hope his light shines on forever. He is now above with his wings spread wide, hugging his family as he guards them and smiles down upon them. Our lights are on in Diamond, Illinois. Shine on Jedi Gino!
Michelle Eackelbary
11:32 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Lights are shining bright in Rootstown, Ohio. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you and hold you tight.
Valynda Planeta
12:04 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Our Porch Light is on in Mazon, IL. May God Bless you all and hold you tight in your time of sorrow. Andrea spoke of Gino and how brave he was often. RIP Gino, Friend of Andrea, Gino's Aunt and Godmother
Tiffany & Bill
12:14 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Lights are on in Missouri.... RIP little man.
Karry Rice
12:49 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Lights are on in Cuy falls.. For the Angel above
Gena Williams
12:56 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Our light is shining for Gino in Stow. Praying for peace, strength and comfort for the Altieri family. God bless you all!
lisa byrne
1:24 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Lights on in Akron. So sorry for your loss.
Brooke
1:29 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Our prayers go out to you Gino and your family. We met you at the LOPen at the Brother Trouble show last year. You are a true Jedi angel. Porch lights on - charlotte nc
Pete Altieri
1:30 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
It was a blessing & a privilege to be your GodFather & Zio(uncle) Gino!! You will be sorely missed & life will never be the same without you lil man! It's gonna be so different without you! Your the bravest person I've ever know! You fought till your very last breath! You fought your own war & you earned that purple heart I got you! I'll never forget our memories together! Luv you bud! Light's on in Cuyahoga Falls & forever in my heart!
Zio Pete
Chris Butts
4:33 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Pete, our love is with all of you. God Bless Gino.
Cheryl Mathieu
1:51 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Our porch lights are on in London, England. RIP Gino! Prayers for peace & comfort to all Gino's family and friends. xx
Judie Nervo
7:13 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
We never met Gino but our hearts are sad & our prayers many. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. God will watch over all of you. Our porch lights are on in Akron's North Hill. Rest in peace Gino
Joe Lally
8:37 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
My daughter went to lakeview with Gino the news is devastating...Our prayers go out to the family. Porch lights are lit on Wexford Blvd
Nikki Weber
8:40 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Lights are on in Delaware, Ohio. May peace and love be with Altieri family!
Wendy Staats
8:53 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
My lights are still on and will be all day in remembrance of brave little Gino. Prayers are going up for the Altieri family. May God's peace cradle you all.
Kenneth E. Glasgow
9:16 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
I'll never forget my little buddy! You were avery brave little man and to be around. Love Uncle kenny THE FOOT!!!!!
Lindsay Treubert-Morse
9:19 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
We are on in Columbus for you Gman!! We miss you. Rest easy little man.
Hannah
9:33 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Rest in Peace Jedi Gino! You touched lives all over. Prayers are with you and your family and friends. Our lights are on in Cuyahoga Falls!
Jim Saxer
9:44 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
It was truly a blessing and privilege to be Gino's principal while I was at Fishcreek and watch him grow in school. He will truly be missed. We are praying for Gino's family and friends. Our porch light is on in Canal Fulton.
Fay Dean
9:48 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Thinking of Gino and his family. God bless.
Chuck and Cherie Harris
10:14 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Our lights are on in Rootstown, OH for the bravest and strongest boy we never got the chance to meet but come to know through his very proud Uncle Pete and through Facebook. Our prayers go out to the family and may Gino's memories keep you strong through this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Love and Prayers, the Harris Family (Chuck, Cherie, Devin, Toriana, Jaiden)
candy juniper
10:17 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Lights are on. In winamac Indiana r.I.p God needed. A new angel prayers. Go out to the family
candy juniper
10:20 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Lights on in winamac Indiana God needed a new angel prayers. Go out to the family
Barbie Johnson
10:37 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Our lights have been on since last night hearing of the news. Although we never had the honor of meeting this brave little boy, we can see how his life touched so many. God bless and hold this family. Our condolences.
The Johnson's
Bill and Dora Raymond
10:39 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Condoglianze to Gino's family, we are so sad to hear of his passing, our porch light is on in Stow.
Lisa Fechter Lacoss
10:42 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Lights will be on in Phoenix! Prayers to the family and friends of Gino.
Cathy Wilbourn
11:15 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Gino was very close to my grandson, Rylee Willis. I will have my porch lite on for Gino and the family. I have lost loved ones myself to the horrible disease cancer. It is long suffering and painful. Be strong and look to Jesus for your comfort.
Agnes Testa
11:24 am on Monday, June 25, 2012
Vito and Agnes Testa
So sorry about Gino our prayers are with you .Our lights are on in Firestone Park
Carol Bebb
12:07 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
My light is on in Palmyra Ohio! God Bless this Family, Amen.
Angie D
1:30 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Our lights are on for you Jedi Gino. Hugs and prayers to the whole family. May memories of your amazing little boy give you peace during this time. We love you guys.
Dave Close
1:33 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
We are so sorry and saddened for the loss of Gino. Our prayers go out to his family. Gino's light shined brightly on many during his brief time with us. God's strength to his family and loved ones..
Daisy Dishong
2:08 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Our light is shining for Gino in Stow. Praying for peace, strength and comfort for the Altieri family. God bless you all!
Michelle Kridler
3:22 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
My heart goes out to the Altieri family. But I can't help but smile when I think about Gino running around heaven doing all the things he loves! Our light is on in Stow - all the lights shining at once will never be as bright as the bright light of Jedi Gino!!
God bless,
Dave and Michelle Kridler and family (family of Alexis Kridler, Gino's classmate)
Bianca Macanga
3:27 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Porch lights are on in North Ridgeville, OH. Miss you and love you, Gino.
Marco Catalano
3:41 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Domenic and Gina, i know these last few years have been tough for you two and Gino, my heart goes out to the both of you and i just want you two to remember that Gino is now in a happy, safer place where he will have to fight no battles. My porch light will be on in Stow.
Mindy Davis
4:07 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
My most heartfelt prayers are with the Altieri family. Gino is free now-he was such a blessing! RIP Gino
Sandie Simmers
4:23 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Our light are on in MIddlefield. I will pass it on through our prayer list.God bless you
Sandie Simmers
Jacqueline Malfara
6:24 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Our porch light is on in Philadelphia, PA. God Bless Gino and his family. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
Justin Olesky
6:27 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Porch light is on in Goodyear Heights...also, a facebook event has been created. Please invite all of your friends to join in remembrance and support - http://www.facebook.com/events/346881662047686/
Amanda Harnocz
6:29 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Thank you for adding that Justin. It's also included in the body of the story now.
Kaylan Brazelton
8:41 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Lights are on in Dublin, Ohio!!! May you rest in peace Gino.
Doug Weil
9:00 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
i was in a band with his uncle, he used to love coming down to the basement and watching us rehearse while he would play games on my phone. my family is in tears over this, love to all the altieris and to you gino. we miss you buddy.
becky
9:12 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Sending thoughts and prayers from NYC
Tatum Massucci
9:39 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Our lights are on in cumming, ga and our prayers are with Gino's family
Katie Madio
9:55 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
So sad to read this. My prayers go out to the family and friends. Rest in peace Gino, God Bles you. My porch light will be shining bright in Santa Monica, California.
Korey Haun
11:01 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Many lights on here in Springfield Missouri
Helen Hassel
11:25 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Fredericktown, Ohio is thinking and praying with their lights on.
tracy king
12:13 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
My prayers are with the whole Altieri family. So sorry for your loss.
Gianna Smith
8:39 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Gino, Thank you for showing me how to fight "Grievous" and letting me be part of your team. I feel your force !!!! Gia Smith
Barbara Bates
8:39 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
I cannot even imagine your loss. I'm so very sorry. I believe that Gino will always be watching over you and comforting you through all the days to come. My light is on in Peterborough, New Hampshire.
Monica Baird
9:31 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
May God bless the Altieri family. So sorry for your loss. Your family is in my daily prayers and Rosary. May Gino rest in peace!
Meredith
12:43 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
My light is on in Charlotte, NC. I never met Gino but I knew his mother, Gina. My thoughts and prayers are with her and the family.
Laura Isbell Krzywicki
2:17 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Heaven is for Real!
Krzywicki Family, Hinckley, Ohio
Dick D'antonio
2:57 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Altieri family. Gino is now at peace and with the angels in heaven .Dick and Janet
J.R Ewing
11:58 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Gino, I love you and miss you!
john iacoboni
9:23 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
lights on in richfield oh
michelle hall
9:56 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Light on in Cartersville, Ga of course. I love you, Gino!
Susan Deitrick
11:49 am on Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Gino will always be the light felt 'round the world...the light that not even death vould dim. Gina, Dom, and Addie, although your little Jedi Gino is celebrating Christmas with Jesus, he is still celebrating that same love with you. Let his joy be your joy, even as your joy is his... Hope to see you this week.