Strangers rally to attend funeral for Army veteran who died alone

NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) - A group of more than 1,000 caring strangers gathered for the funeral of an Army veteran who died alone.

Officials say 77-year-old Peter Turnpu died at his New Jersey home last month from natural causes and had no known relatives and few friends. Funeral director LeRoy Wooster says he was asked to help by a police officer and immediately agreed to put together a service for Turnpu.

More than 1,000 were present at the man's funeral in Atco on Friday afternoon to pay their respects.

Wooster says he found out that Turnpu was a veteran of the Vietnam War who received an honorable discharge -- making him eligible for a burial with full military honors. Wooster also donated a casket, transportation and services.