Stranger pays for nearly $200 worth of treats at Needham ice cream shop

NEEDHAM, Mass. — Customers at a Needham ice cream shop were in awe when a stranger offered to pay for nearly $200 worth of treats for everyone in line.

Employees said the man presented an envelope with cash that included a note explaining the reason for his gesture, his late son loved the Needham Junction ice cream shop.

Andrew Antonelli wasn’t working the counter at the Junction that day, but he learned within minutes about the kind gesture. He said his Grandparents were one of the lucky ones who got a sweet treat for free.

“The guy came up to the window and offered to pay for her because she was getting a lemon slush with my Grandfather,” said Andrew Antonelli. “They were just blown away, astounded how a guy just randomly came up and said he was paying for it and then he sat in his car with a smile on his face just watching everybody.”

Antonelli said his co-worker explained to him that it was much more than just a blind act of generosity. Antonelli said the man presented an envelope to the cashier with nearly $200 inside. Included was a note, explaining how much his late son enjoyed having ice cream with his friends at the Junction.

“She said well the man before you actually paid for you, in a very happy voice and then we were very thankful,” said Jack Clapham.

Clapham couldn’t wait to tell his mother when he returned home.

“When jack was telling me about what happened, it made my heart kind of go, you know. It’s just beautiful, just absolutely beautiful,” said Hannah Clapham, Jack’s mom.

Hannah shared the story on Facebook, others too were blown away by this moment. She said she even heard from some who believe this man makes this gesture a yearly tradition to honor his late son.

“I have no idea what this man has gone through, but to show such a lovely act of kindness, it’s truly heartwarming,” said Clapham.

Though we don’t know who this man is, his kindness was certainly appreciated and resonated with so many.

Cox Media Group