He has made approximately 200,000 trips around the 1.6 mile reservoir: First he switched from running to walking. Next he relied on a cane, then a walker and finally, after a stroke in 2008, a wheelchair. Mr. Torres organized volunteers to push him around the reservoir — a balloon flying exuberantly overhead.
Rain, snow and sleet did not deter him from showing up daily at his bench at the reservoir’s South Gate House and staying for 10 hours or so. He greeted runners with a wave that looked oddly like a priest’s benediction, provided free foot massages, stood on his head and gave psychological advice until he was 90.
He told the parks department when something needed fixing. He raised $100,000 from passing runners for Achilles International, which helps disabled runners
A short film about him, titled “The Mayor of Central Park,” had its premiere last year at the Kent Film Festival in Connecticut.
His name was Alberto Arroyo, born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. He is one of the greats who made NYC the city it is today. Thanks Alberto you will be missed!
Alberto Arroyo, Pioneering Jogger, Dies at 94 - Obituary (Obit) - NYTimes.com
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