2nd Grader’s Late Grandpa Waved to His Bus Every Single Morning — Now School Bus Driver Is Helping Keep His Memory Alive

School Bus Driver Helps 2nd Grader Cope with Grandfather’s Passing

A heart-warming story has emerged from Rhode Island, where a school bus driver is going above and beyond to support a second-grader through a difficult time after the sudden death of his beloved grandfather. Anne Marie Torregrossa, a dedicated bus driver with 46 years of experience, has found a special way to keep the memory of the young boy’s grandfather alive.

Every morning, the second-grader, Jack Monterecy, would be greeted by his grandfather, Peter Magnan, who stood outside his home waving to Jack as the school bus passed by. This heartwarming ritual became a cherished part of Jack’s daily routine, with his grandfather waving to him “rain or shine,” even going so far as to use signs on special occasions.

The unexpected passing of Peter Magnan over the summer left Jack and his family reeling from the loss. Jack’s mother, Caroline Monterecy, described the close bond between her father and son as “our nightmare,” highlighting the devastating impact it had on the family. The day before Jack’s school resumed, Peter’s funeral took place, adding an extra layer of emotional weight to the start of the school year.

Anne Marie Torregrossa, touched by the family’s loss, took it upon herself to find a way to support Jack during this challenging transition. Attending Peter’s wake, she sought permission from the family to display a photo of Peter at the front of her bus. This touching gesture ensured that Peter’s presence would continue to be felt as Jack embarked on each school day.

In an unexpected turn of events, Torregrossa went a step further by offering Jack a special role on the bus. She provided him with a name tag, designating him as her “special helper” for when he was ready to return to school. Jack’s father, Jonathan Monterecy, expressed deep gratitude for the bus driver’s compassion, acknowledging the significant impact she had not only on Jack but on the entire family.

Jack, while grappling with the absence of his grandfather, shared that Torregrossa’s support has been instrumental in helping him cope with his grief. In moments of respite, he visits Torregrossa during school breaks, drawing inspiration from her role as a bus driver and expressing aspirations of becoming one himself, determined to follow in her compassionate footsteps.

The heartwarming bond between Jack, his family, and Anne Marie Torregrossa serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of acts of kindness and support in times of need. In a world often filled with challenges and uncertainties, stories like these shine a light on the power of empathy and human connection to provide solace and healing during moments of grief and loss.