It wasn’t unusual to see commuter rail conductor Jephthe Chery at work seven days a week as he tried to rise quickly in the company, former colleagues say.
Coworkers described Chery — who died after being caught in crossfire early Thanksgiving outside a Fenway Park bar — as a friendly and tireless worker always game to pick up an extra shift. Police called Chery an “innocent” who was felled by bullets intended for someone else.
Sheldon Dowling, who used to clean commuter rail coaches with Chery, said his close friend didn’t want to be the only one with ambition: He pushed friends and relatives to follow his lead.
Read more from The Boston Globe.
Chery Family prepares for funeral
A wake for Chery will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at St. Angela Catholic Church in Mattapan, said the Rev. Gustave Miracle. His funeral will be at St. Angela at 9 a.m. Saturday, followed by a gathering in the church basement.
Read more about Chery’s funeral arrangements from The Boston Globe.
GoFundMe account set up to help with funeral expenses
The GoFundMe account has been set up by Chery’s childhood friend to help defer the costs of a funeral. The GoFundMe page reads:
“My name is Charldyn Valcin, and I met Jephthe in middle school, and years later, he still remained like a brother to me. Jephthe was a great man, dedicated son, phenomenal big brother, hardworking conductor, and an amazing Godfather. Truly, the list can go on and on, because he touched so many individuals during his time on this earth. I, and others who care about Jephthe, are looking to raise this money in order to help his family with the costs of his home going services. Jephthe left an impact on so many of our lives, and now it is our time to tell him thank you! We really need to get the funds as soon as possible, in order for his family to be able to move forward. Please donate whatever you can.”
Click here to make a contribution to the Chery family.
Chery worked as a conductor for MBTA and was a member of SMART TD Local 898 of Boston.