BLASDELL, N.Y. - This afternoon Larry Wells' family and friends will gather at Fireman's Park to honor him exactly one year after his death.
The event begins at 2 p.m.
The Toys R Us manager was found stabbed to death in the store on Milestrip Road on June 29, 2013. Bernard Grucza admitted to stabbing Wells during a botched burglary attempt. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and will be sentenced next month for the killing and federal weapons charges.
Wells leaves behind a wife and two daughters, one of whom wasn't born at the time.
Since his death, his family said Wells' older daughter has been writing notes, attaching them to balloons, and letting them fly away as a way to cope with her sadness.
There will be a balloon release at 3 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
A book honoring Wells will be revealed for the first time. Local children's author Matthew Chandler didn't know Wells but said his story inspired him to write "Balloons for Heaven." Larry Wells' children will get 100% of the proceeds from book sales.
