For many years, John and Rita Chakalos decorated their home with millions of lights. The 82-acre property, located at 140 Pond Brook Road in Chesterfield, N.H., was so filled with Christmas cheer that thousands of people drove by each year to see it.
John and Rita never charged a fee to view their home, though light knows their electricity bills must have been through the roof. Instead, the couple simply asked passersby to make small food donations. These offerings were then given to a local food bank, which serves hungry people in our area. Last year, there were so many donations that the food bank was stocked up until April.
In November, right before Thanksgiving, Rita died of cancer at the age of 84. Despite the grief of losing his wife of 59 years, John decided to decorate the property for Christmas, and even filled one tree with pink lights in her honor.
M and I had planned to drive by their house to view the festive display and the memorial tree. Unfortunately, we can no longer do so. A few days ago, John’s body was found inside his Connecticut home. He reportedly died of a gunshot wound to his head. It is unknown at this time if the shot was self-inflicted or not, but police are investigating the incident as a homicide.
John and Rita’s generosity and goodwill helped the poor and hungry. And everyone in the area knows their home because of the decorations and lights that were lovingly displayed each year. The couple left behind four daughters, but the entire community mourns their deaths.
I wonder if they truly realized just how many people they touched.
I hope so.
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