Patrick Rotondo is 62 years old and a lifelong resident of Middlesex. He worked in nursery production and landscape industries since the age of 14. For years he worked long days, and he did all seed starting when there was no automation. His satisfaction derived from owning his own business and working for a paycheck. He had to be in control of all situations.
“I never listened to anyone,” he said.
In 2006 he was hospitalized for spinal meningitis. While on the operating table to clean out the infection in his spine he suffered a stroke and brain trauma. Doctors at Somerset Medical Center did not think he was going to make it. He was paralyzed on his right side. He underwent three months of rehabilitation at the Kessler Institute.
By Laura DePrado
Published in the Somerville Courier News 6/16/2014, Page B1