Montauk Community Raises Funds To Bury a Friend

MONTAUK, NY — The tight-knit staffs who work on the East End during busy summer seasons form bonds as tight as family.

And now, they are coming together to help bury one of their own.

A GoFundMe page, "Help with Cheitos Funeral Expenses," created by John Franciscovich, has raised $485 0f its $750 goal so far.

"This memorial fund is to help Cheitos' family with funeral expenses," the page reads. "He was involved in a car accident and passed away early Christmas morning."

Jose Joel Torres Candelaria "Cheo" worked at Shipwreck in Rincon for the past four seasons "and was moving up the ladder with his work ethic and contagious smile," the page said. "He then followed in the footsteps of his family and friends heading north to Montauk to support his family.

"A majority of Montauk's kitchens are staffed with what I like to call 'Local 413'. These guys leave family behind for six months for work and if you've ever been to Puerto Rico you know it's all about family. In the hospitality biz you will spend most holidays with your your co-workers and they become your family. One of our family needs our help right so please donate. All funds collected will go directly to Cheitos' mother," the page said.