Obituaries

Ohio Boy's Death Sparks Nationwide Porch Light Vigil

When Gino Altieri of Stow lost a battle with cancer June 24, 2012, communities from near and far began to participate in a porch light vigil.

Updated 3:10 p.m. 

Funeral arrangements were made for Gino Altieri in Hudson. .  

After Gino Aliteri, 10, of Stow died Sunday afternoon after a two-year battle with cancer, PTA President Jen Taylor decided to . 

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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.

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"You've heard of 'The shot heard round the world' ... well, I think Gino is the light seen around the world," . "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  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.

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

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