Washington man memorialized with free coffee

WASHINGTON — Hundreds of community members were treated to free coffee on March 6, bought in memory of the late Joe Evanovich, a former regular at Dodici’s who died a year prior.

Aimee Enfield, Evanovich’s daughter, said it was a fitting tribute. Evanovich had suggested it himself, before his passing.

“He was always buying people their dinners, and just giving in many ways, but doing it in quiet ways because he didn’t really want the recognition,” Enfield said. “He touched many lives while he was alive, and he’s still doing it now. We’re just thrilled that we’re able to make people’s day by sharing a cup of coffee in his honor, because that’s what he would want us to do.”

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Isabella Santoro, a manager at Dodici’s, confirmed Evanovich’s legacy of altruism. She said he was a frequent customer since the restaurant first opened, with an informally reserved spot at Table #4 kept open for him. He often put others’ bills on his tab, and was well-known by staff as a polite guest and excellent tipper.

Santoro said the event was a hit, bringing hundreds of visitors to the coffee shop in Washington’s square. By her count, 344 cups of coffee were given away in Evanovich’s name.

“What was really touching was, they weren’t just there for their free drink, they came purposefully, to kind of commemorate the man,” she said. “Those that came that knew about it were there to sort of say, ‘Thank you.’ … and then a lot of people that weren’t aware and just came in for their regular coffee were really moved.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com