Retired 77 Year-Old Syracuse School Crossing Guard Wins $1000 a Week for Life

A daily routine for a 77 year-old school crossing guard in Syracuse has him set for life thanks to the New York Lottery.

Richard Heath of Syracuse, who retired from truck driving in 2001, enjoys playing the Win For Life game because he’s won smaller amounts on it in the past. “I’m retired 16 years. What else have I got to do?” joked the 77-year-old father of four and grandfather of three.

Heath purchased his winning ticket on his way to his second career as a school crossing guard. “It’s part of my daily routine. I cash in my winning tickets and get a couple of new ones to scratch in the car while I wait for the kids to arrive,” he said. “I do the same thing in the afternoon as I’m waiting for school to get out.”

Heath's wife of 38 years, Beverly, said she was totally caught off guard when she found out he'd won. “I didn’t know anything about this. But now, I don’t really care if he buys tickets or not. He can buy as many as he wants."

Winners are guaranteed to receive a minimum payout of $1,000,000 and an annual payment of $52,000 thereafter, for life. Heath chose to receive the cash value and will receive a single payment totaling $810,255, 536,227 after taxes.

Heath said he planned to use his windfall to help family.

The check presentation took place at the Mobile Mart on Salina Street where Heath purchased his winning ticket.

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