Man Admits To Vandalizing Montco Gravestone Over 56-Year Grudge: Reports

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — A Phoenixville man has pleaded guilty to vandalizing the grave of a man against whom he held a grudge for 56 years, according to reports.

Paul Donovan, 68, reportedly held the grudge over a $300 debt the man allegedly owed him, dating to 1959.

Donovan has vandalized the grave in Conshohocken’s St. Matthew’s Cemetery multiple times between 2014 and 2015, NBC 10 reports

He pleaded guilty in court Tuesday to a charge of misdemeanor institutional vandalism, according to court documents. He was sentenced to two years probation and must pay $1,500 in restitution.

The vandalism included black and red paint, in addition to tar, according to the report.

Donovan’s father is buried in the cemetery near the individual he holds the grudge against.

The grudge began when Donovan was 10 and the deceased individual was 12, the report states. Donovan claimed the older boy stole the money from him, and when he found out he had died two years ago, he plotted revenge.

Donovan reportedly told police when he was arrested that he would reimburse the family of the deceased individual for any damages caused to the grave, minus the money he was owed.