7 On Your Side's 'Angel' comes through for crime victim

LINDEN, NJ (WABC) -- A 91-year-old New Jersey man is about to get the second big surprise of his long life. The first is when he got robbed last month.

The Linden resident, who goes by just John, owes his trust from a bygone era. He was married to his beloved Jean for 61 years before she passed away recently. The couple would not hesitate to open their door to strangers.

"They were always taught to be friendly and charitable scams were non-existent back in their day," says Captain James Sarnicki, Linden Police Department.

Linden Police are still investigating the story first told by Eyewitness News reporter Toni Yates back in September. One thief lured John to the back of his house. And then, police say his accomplice then ran inside, stealing $6,000 John had saved and stashed in a box.

But someone saw John's story on our 6 o'clock news, impressed by the senior's moxie to come forward and warn others, the viewer was moved to action.

And earlier this week, with the help of the Linden mayor, 7 On Your Side surprised the senior.

"I would like to present you with this check from a resident in New Jersey," said Linden Mayor, Richard Gerbounka. "The man who wants to remain anonymous gave this check for $3,000."

The Good Samaritan left a note which read, "You appear to me a nice man who didn't deserve to endure such an act of deceit. My daughter has a friend at WABC news, who agreed to forward you the check. I hope this helps ease the blow of what happened, many blessings."

John says he won't change his trusting nature, but will listen to his family's warning about scams. As for his anonymous donation, it's going straight to the bank with a smile for the stranger with a big heart.