Joe (Deacon Del Monte) was a close family friend, definitely an unsung hero in Jersey City and beyond. My mom did ministry work with him and the Secular Franciscan Order at the old St. Francis hospital, and I remember Matthew as a (younger) kid. Glad to see he has continued the family tradition.

Thanks for posting this article, heights. I'm gonna forward this to my Mom, who I'm sure will be happy to hear that Deacon Joe's legacy lives on.

Good going for this young man. Shows he was raised well by his family and despite his own condition cares enough to help those in need.

I know his uncle, Dr. John Del Monte, and he and his wife are wonderful folks and was sad to hear of Dr. Del Monte's father's passing, Deacon Del Monte, who helped the homeless and needy very much. It just goes to show how there is much good being done by young persons who care, raised in a family tradition in helping those in need.

Thanks for posting.

Jersey City boy with autism, Matthew Del Monte, carries on family tradition feeding the needy.

http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/20 ... y_boy_with_autism_ma.html