Syracuse’s beloved shoemaker may soon face the end of an era after a lifetime of giving

If you happen to find yourself in the city of Syracuse New York you’ll find a store with its door always open where the soft hums of Italian music spill out into the street.  

[Music]

Ralph Rotella: I’ve been a shoe repair man since before you were born.

From broken shoes to new shoes this guy has been keeping the city of Syracuse on their feet for decades and he comes with a lot of soul.

Rotella : We don’t make a lot of money over here but we have a lot of fun

[ Sound of banging on shoe ]

Rotella: You deal with people and when you do a beautiful job people say wow they look so beautiful and it makes you feel warm inside.

Rotella: I’ll charge you fifteen dollars for everything, fifteen is good enough for you because you’re so sweet.

Customer: He’s doing a really good job the way he plays the music and I feel like I’m in Italy and I’m Italian too.

Customer: One of the friendliest, best souls that we met in our time here.” 

But it’s not just the people that love him, even the city has taken a shine to him, awarding Ralph with 10 awards that are proudly hung on the walls. 

Rotella: Not too many people got the honor to do that.

But how did he get all these awards? Well just check out his basement boxes upon boxes and bags upon bags of shoes ready to find a new home.

Rotella: We’re collecting more shoes than people live in Syracuse

That’s crazy Ralph you know how does that make you feel?

Rotella: Oh my God I feel like an angel I can fly.”

Williams: Not only does Ralph fix shoes he also runs a shoe drive. What started off with a donation of 35 pairs has skyrocketed to a total of over a million pairs donated last year he donated almost 39,000 pairs of shoes this year he’s expecting to break that. 

[ Sound of machine shutting off ]
[ Sound of lights shutting off ] 
[ Sound of door closing ]

Williams: With no immediate family wanting to fill Ralph shoes, Discount Shoe Repair could soon be nearing its final steps.

Rotella: It’s very hard work and my business. I have no insurance, no french benefit whatever you do. You know you got to save it for yourself for the future. I got a little Social Security but not much but I try to save a couple of dollars for the future.

Williams: For now Ralph is going to keep drinking his espresso.

Ralph: By the way, this coffee is delicious. I make it myself. My espresso is delicious, you’ll be sorry you should have had a cup.

And of course keep doing what he loves. 

Rotella: They’re going to fit like a glove. 

Williams: Reporting in Syracuse.

Rotella: Ciao Bella

Williams: I’m Max Williams.

[Music]