Rallying around injured Youngstown KFC manager

YOUNGSTOWN — The KFC manager paralyzed after being robbed and shot in March may be able to come home at the end of summer.

In the meantime, Joe Kaluza, who turned 43 on Thursday, remains at Cleveland MetroHealth, said his wife, Lisa. He’s still paralyzed from the neck down and on a ventilator but his spirits are good, she said.

Joe was on his way to make a bank deposit for the KFC on South Avenue on March 24 when he became the victim of a crash staged to set him up for a robbery. A man and woman charged in the crime are awaiting trial.

A Joe Kaluza Spaghetti Dinner Benefit will be from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday at St. Matthias Church, Father Snock Center, 2800 Shady Run Road. The dinner is $7 for adults and $4 for children 4 to 12. Those 3 and under eat for free. Take-out dinners will be available. The event will feature a Chinese auction.

Early on, a Joe Kaluza fund was established at Huntington Bank. Donations are still being accepted at any branch.

Lisa Kaluza said the idea for a spaghetti dinner benefit came from KFC but two family friends are doing the planning. She said KFC and everyone else — family, friends and the community — have been very supportive since the shooting.

“He knows about the dinner and said, ‘That’s good,’” Lisa said. “He’s excited about everyone’s help.”

Lisa said she and Sharon Green, assistant manager at KFC, talk at least once a week. “They’ve been treating me wonderful. They always ask if there’s anything we need.”