Community Corner

Longtime Friend Remembers Westport Resident, Jeweler

A Westport resident and long-time friend of Yekutiel Zeevi explains why he was such a good man.

Westport resident Lee Valiant, who knew Yekutiel Zeevi for 25 years, said the was “heartbreaking” to him.

Valiant said Zeevi was always one to help his friends. He remembers when his father was going through chemotherapy, Zeevi was always there for him, offering transportation to the doctor’s office or any other assistance he could provide.

“I just can’t believe it happened,” Valiant said. “He was a real gentleman.”

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Valiant said the 65-year-old jeweler, who friends used to call “Kuti,” served in the Israeli army. He knew the victim because he had done a lot of excavating work for him in the past. Valiant owns Valiant Excavating and used to pave driveways, work on drains and take on other jobs for Zeevi.

“He would give you the shirt off his back,” Variant said.

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The whole situation is truly a shame to Valiant, noting that Zeevi lost his daughter two or three years ago to leukemia.

When asked about the nature of a crime like this occurring in Westport, Variant expressed his shock.

“There are so many nuts out there,” he said. “They’ll go in a convenience store and rob them for a pack of cigarettes, or they’ll rob a jewelry store.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here