Community Wishes Beloved McDonald's Employee Happy 30th Birthday

MATTITUCK, NY — Even the darkest day can turn around after a visit to the Mattituck McDonald's. For 14 years, Kyle Verity has been welcoming customers at the door with a bright smile and kind words.

"You look like an angel," he told one customer Friday. "You have a great day."

Kyle, who has autism spectrum disorder, is truly happy every day. But on Friday, Kyle, who exudes kindness to everyone he encounters, was the recipient of an outpouring of love right back, as the community turned out in force to wish him a Happy 30th Birthday.

Word spread on social media and friends and longtime customers turned up to give Kyle balloons, pose with him for photos, and wish him a special day.

Patti and Scott Verity, Kyle's parents, are former music teachers in the Mattituck Union Free School District; their son is an elementary school music teacher in the Shoreham-Wading River School District.

But it's their son Kyle who was in the spotlight Friday, as the North Fork turned out to celebrate a young man whose kindness has left a lasting mark on so many.

Their son, Patti said, was very excited about his birthday. People were sending him messages on Facebook and he got cards at work, she said. "He's a happy camper," she said.

Kyle, she said, loves his job at McDonald's. "He gets to talk to people. It's his social outlet," she said.

From the beginning, McDonald's was the only place he ever wanted to work. "That was it," she said. "It was where he wanted to go. In all honestly, he wanted to work there because he loves the food."

But what Kyle gives back to the many he meets is far more than just a meal. He makes sure to greet every customer with a kind word, and holds open the door for everyone who enters or leaves — a true gentleman.

The North Fork community reciprocates that kindness. After seeing Kyle bicycling to work every day from his home in Mattituck, they kicked off a GoFundMe to donate an electric bike to the young man.

That caring from the community means everything, Patti said.

"It’s wonderful," she said. "As teachers both my husband and I know someone with a disability doesn’t always get a lot of support. But he’s 110 percent supported by the community. He is so well-looked-after."

So much so, Patti said, that if someone sees her son biking home in the rain or snow, they'll pull over and say, "Kyle, put the bike in the back. We're going to take you home."

Her son, Patti said, has taught those who love him life lessons: "He's shown me that you can do anything you set your mind to, really," she said.

Kyle loves his job, introducing his parents to his colleagues and to customers whenever they stop in.

Friends who wished Kyle a special day spoke to Patch about what he means to the North Fork community.

"Kyle lives in my neighborhood and I see him all the time on his bike. He constantly waves to me as I drive by," said Ronald Breuer. "He also is very friendly with my granddaughters who go to the same church. Kyle is an exceptional young man — extremely friendly and polite, very dependable and always greeting people. It's always a pleasure to see him at McDonald's. Finally, it's my pleasure to have my birthday on the same day as his!"

"Kyle is super friendly, happy, and always excited to see us. We’re honestly bummed when he isn’t working," said Eleanore Siar, Breuer's granddaughter.

"I think a personality like Kyle's has the power to change someone’s entire day," Amelia Siar added.

And, said Emme Siar, "When you’re greeted with happiness and cheer it has a way of lifting your spirits."

Beth Siar, the girls' mom, added: "We actually will drive by McDonald's and then turn around and say, 'Let’s see if Kyle's working!'" They look to see his bike parked outside, she said. "He's the best."

To her son on his 30th birthday, Patti said: "You're doing great. Keep up the great work."

As for Kyle, he said he was flattered and very surprised by the outpouring of kindness. "It was really just lovely," he said.