Just six days have passed since an Upper East Side deli clerk’s regular night shift became his last. While the TV news crews have moved on from the robbery and murder at Daona Gourmet Deli and Grocery and the discussion among lawmakers and advocates has pivoted whether face masks should come off before entering a bodega, the pain is still raw for neighbors whose lives were touched by the 67-year-old who went by Michael.
Upper East Site has transcribed messages for Michael posted at a makeshift memorial in front of Daona, located at the corner of East 81st Street and Third Avenue, so that we may help keep his memory alive and in the hearts of our neighbors.
Dear Mike AKA “The General”
- Thank you for my late night sandwiches and always remembering the light chipotle mayo.
- Thank you for your warm smile even when you were out of my favorite Gatorade.
- You were a fixture of my New York and I’ll miss you friend.
- Thank you for asking about my job and how I’ve been if I hadn’t stopped by in a while.
- I pray for your family and everyone who loved you. This little corner of the city is not the same without you.
- You will be missed. Rest easy. We love you
Your UES Friends.
RIP My Beloved Friend Mike,
You were a pillar in the community. A kind, gentle pal! You were my friend. Fly high with the angels and may you rest in eternal peace. May your family overcome this pain.
Peace, love and happiness,
Donna “211”
Rest easy, Michael.
May the warmth you’ve given this community live on.
May the love you’ve given transcend this life.
Rest in Peace Michael
The Good Lord will always be with you.
Say a prayer for Sueng Chul Choi.
May he be at peace. Condolences to the family.
From the neighborhood
Dear Daona’s
Nothing can be said for what’s happened. This a a heinous and monstrous tragedy!
Please know you have all our support, prayers and love, our neighborhood would not ve what its is without you all!
Love,
163 East 81st Street
It was just before 11:30 pm last Friday, March 3rd, when a masked gunman wearing a white coverall jumpsuit shot and killed Michael during a robbery inside the Upper East Side deli, police say. The Daona deli killer has been linked to three other robberies in Brooklyn and the Bronx. He is described by investigators as standing 6’2” tall and weighing 200 pounds.
ALSO READ | Man Punched, Stabbed with Scissors Near UES Subway Station: NYPD
The NYPD confirms to Upper East Site that detectives were able to track the suspect using surveillance video to a public housing development in the Bronx, located near East 158th Street and Park Avenue, where the white Tyvek suit was found dumped Tuesday night.
If you recognize the suspect seen in surveillance images or have any information that can help police, you’re asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477.
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