Vicious Attack Prompts Greenwich Residents to step in to help Beloved Waiter

By Stephen Janis and Taya Graham

The last thing Greenwich restaurant worker John Montoya remembers on the evening of November 3rd is sitting in a car in Stamford waiting for a friend.

The popular waiter who worked at the Putnam Restaurant for decades has vague recollections of two young men approaching his vehicle, but after that, nothing.

“It was terrible,” he told The Sentinel.  “I can’t remember much because it happened so quickly.”

Police told Montoya they believe that two young men approached his car and began beating him unprovoked.  The attackers left him unconscious and profusely bleeding. They took his wallet and left him for dead.

But for Montoya, the worst thing was the severe injuries that continue to plague him still.

He had multiple contusions, lacerations above the eye, and a severe concussion. The lingering pain and cognitive impairment continue to make it difficult for him to function.

“I’m trying to work right now but it’s very hard.”

But work he must because Montoya does not have health insurance. Looming over him is a roughly $60,000 bill from Stamford Hospital that he is struggling to pay.

However  the beloved restaurant worker is not alone. That’s because Greenwich residents who appreciate his service to the community are stepping up.

One of them is Laurence Allen and his wife Michelle.

“Last week my wife and I were having lunch at Putnam resteraunt. We just noticed he was talking slowly, and we asked how he was feeling,” said Allen.

The Allen family, who are known for their charitable work focused on treating addiction, were stunned to learn of the attack on Montoya and the ongoing maladies it caused

So they both decided to start a fundraiser to pay off the thousands in medical bills Montoya has incurred. Allen says, he hopes the effort will raise roughly $100,000 to cover the additional expenses throughout what will be a lengthy recovery process.

“He has grown up with our family over the years, he is a very nice man, very much a gentleman,” Allen said.

Allen’s work on a fundraiser is just one way he is trying to help;  He has also been in touch with Stamford Hospital Foundation, who he says has already started to forgive part of the bill.  Montoya says he is appreciative of Allen’s help.

“He is a very good man.”

For now, Montoya says he continues to work despite the pain and ongoing struggles with headaches and cognitive issues. He hopes further treatment will help him become healthy again so he can continue to serve the customers he loves.

“It’s going to take time to get back to normal.”