Acts of kindness often leave an impact long after they happen, and one story from New York continues to stand out months later. Back in April, during the Easter weekend, a dying man's final request to thank the nurses who cared for him was fulfilled thanks to a local restaurant owner who put aside his own holiday plans to help a grieving family. What began as a family's effort to honor a loved one ended up becoming a reminder of how simple acts of compassion can make a lasting difference.Frank Ozimek, a Lockport, New York resident, spent the final six weeks of his life at Niagara Hospice, where he received care from nurses and staff as he battled cancer. During that time, he formed a strong appreciation for the people looking after him. Before his death, Frank asked his younger brother, Ken Ozimek, to make sure the nursing staff received a meal on Easter Sunday as a way of thanking them for their care and dedication.A difficult task on a holidayFulfilling that request proved more challenging than Ken initially expected. Because it was Easter Sunday, many local restaurants were closed for the holiday. He spent time contacting businesses in the area, hoping someone would be willing to help.After several unsuccessful calls, Ken eventually reached Tommy Milani, owner of Sub Delicious on Locust Street in Lockport. Although the restaurant was closed and Milani had his own Easter plans, he immediately agreed to step in.Recalling the conversation in an interview with local television station WKBW, Milani said, "I said, 'Absolutely, whatever you need, Ken.' "He also spoke about his admiration for the hospice workers who cared for patients every day."They do an amazing job there. They're all saints," Milani told WKBW.Putting Easter plans on holdWithout hesitation, Milani changed his plans for the day. He opened the restaurant and prepared food for the entire nursing staff at Niagara Hospice. The hospice workers were treated to pizzas, allowing Frank's final wish to be carried out exactly as he had hoped.For Ken and the rest of the family, the gesture meant far more than simply providing a meal. It offered comfort during a difficult period and ensured that Frank's gratitude reached the people who had cared for him during his final weeks.Speaking to WKBW, Ken praised Milani's willingness to help."He was kind enough to push back Easter for him, put everything aside, open his restaurant, and make us food for the whole building down there," he said.Honoring a man known for helping othersThe family's desire to fulfill Frank's final request reflected the kind of person he had been throughout his life. According to his brother, Frank was known for his generosity and willingness to help anyone who needed it.Ken jokingly described him as "a big bad biker guy, someone out of ZZ Top, because of his beard." Despite that tough appearance, he said Frank had an exceptionally kind heart."You could come up to him, say 'I'm cold,' and he'd take the shirt off his back and give it to them," Ken explained.The meal for the nurses was, in many ways, an extension of the same generosity Frank had shown others throughout his life.A message about kindnessKen said his family remains grateful to Milani for helping them carry out Frank's final wish. More importantly, he hopes the story encourages others to look for opportunities to help those around them."To me, it means the world to see that kindness, that greatness spread," he told WKBW. "And I hope when people see this story, they take it and say, 'Why can't we do this and spread joy and kindness to each other?' "His comments reflected the broader impact of the gesture. While the meal itself lasted only a short time, the act behind it left a lasting impression on both the family and the hospice staff.Remembering Frank OzimekAccording to his obituary, Frank was a nature lover who enjoyed fishing, spending time outdoors and helping with yard work. He was also passionate about music and regularly attended the annual Niagara Falls Blues Festival.Frank is survived by his three children and five grandchildren. Months after his passing, the story of his final wish and the efforts made to fulfill it continue to resonate, serving as a reminder that kindness often comes from ordinary people making thoughtful choices when others need them most.
Kindness act of the day from America: Dying man's final wish for hospice nurses gets fulfilled by New York restaurant owner
A touching act of kindness from New York continues to inspire months after it happened. Before his death, hospice patient Frank Ozimek asked his brother to treat the nurses who cared for him to a meal as a thank-you gesture. When most restaurants were closed for Easter, local restaurant owner Tommy Milani stepped in, opening his business on his day off and providing food for the entire nursing staff







