Milford's 'Original Ice Cream Man' Seriously Injured In Accident

MILFORD, CT — The Milford community and beyond is rallying to the aid of the city's "original ice cream man," who was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident last week.

Police said that Richard Anderson, 66, sustained serious injuries in a two-vehicle collision. At the time of the accident Anderson was inside his ice cream truck.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up and there is a goal of $10,000 to help with medical expenses.

According to the GoFundMe it states: "Richie has been serving ice cream throughout our town for as long as I can remember. At least 35 years! He frequents the baseball fields, Eisenhower Park, the beaches and on a personal level, has attended so many of my family birthday parties and private sports celebrations.

"Richie has given my kids ice cream when we didn’t have cash, he’s got vanilla cups for my dogs, and he’s even let my sons check out the inside of his cool truck. My neighborhood sometimes feels like we’re still in the 80’s- kids playing outside until dark, on bikes and in pools-wherever the kids are, they are sure to stop whatever they are doing when they hear the ice cream man’s famous bell ring. I’m truly devastated at the thought that we won’t hear that bell ring again," wrote Allison Berlingo, who organized the GoFundMe.

People on the GoFundMe page shared memories of how Anderson cared for the youth of Milford for the past several decades. (You can view the GoFundMe page by clicking here).

One person wrote, "So sorry this happened. I remember years ago he would accept freshly dug up worms from kids as "payment" for ice cream because I assume he liked to fish. Get Well Soon "Free Gum Ice Cream Guy!"

Another person wrote, "I remember him at all my soccer games and Rec camp growing up. Hoping for a quick recovery!!!"

Police are still investigating the accident.

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