In the Marvel Universe, they are pretty easy to spot. Bright shiny capes and uniforms — and cool cars.
But in reality, a Hero’s Life looks different.
This story is about a real-life Hero named Frank Recchia. And much like Clark Kent, he is also a reporter, giving us the news here in Connecticut for the past 11 years on News 12. And in a time of “if it bleeds it leads”, Frank is the journalistic exception to that rule.
You see, Frank is a champion for the folks that most people pass right by. And he has been doing this work as far back as he can remember. And like most heroes, Frank has had a tough time personally — though you would never know it.
The body of Frank’s special-needs brother was discovered in a remote wooded area a few months ago after a heart-wrenching search. Frank is the full-time caretaker of his mother and step father — both of whom suffer from Alzheimer’s and early onset dementia.
But this is not a story about those topics. It is about the amazing difference Frank makes in a very real way for very real people.
Take Charles Fuller, Jr. If you need an inspirational story that will bring tears to your eyes, click this link (https://youtu.be/YEkvm_ykPn4).
The long and short of the story — produced by NFL Films — is this: Charles Fuller, Jr is a man with special needs who was homeless. Frank saw this sad situation and did something about it. He worked with Joe Kaliko at the Needs Clearing House and secured Charles housing.
Then Frank went one step further — by staying involved.
Charles had always looked up to Jerry Rice and had sent him a note telling him so. Rice responded back to Charles and a friendship developed. Then Frank helped Charles meet his football hero in person and a true friendship blossomed.
Again, it is a beautiful story. Frank’s impact was best summed up by Charles himself when Charles learned about Frank’s tragic loss: “You may have lost one brother, Frank, but you have gained a new one.”
Frank also heard about a disabled person in need of a wheelchair-accessible van — and he did something again. Frank and Joe raised the money to purchase a van. And now in 2020 they just presented their 26th wheelchair-accessible vehicle to Onix Ortiz, this past weekend. This is not to mention the tireless work Frank does with Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal to ensure we, the public, keep informed on all the issues that affect us and make a difference in our lives. From firefighters to childcare support issues to the mayors of our towns — all here in the Nutmeg state.
In a tide of headlines that continue to make us feel powerless and hopeless, I point to Frank. He not only reports the news, he transforms it every day. You can see him out there with his mask and gloves on, making a difference.
That’s what heroes do.