When John Naccarto was asked last September what you wish to learn more about, his response was profound.
‘I wish I could write letters,” said Naccarto of Independence Township. “I can only sound them out. I watch a TV show that talks about letters. I wish I could read and write. My teachers tried to help me read a long time ago, but they didn’t have the patience ? my mom will help.?
Naccarto wants to read so he can know more than just the pictures he sees in newspapers or books.
‘Someone told me to read fairy tales to learn to read ,? he said. ‘I wish I could read you a fairy tale.?
A Clarkston News reader had reached out to Naccarto with an offer to help him read, but that offer fell through. Since then, he asked numerous times for help learning to read. On Monday, Naccarto’s birthday, he said he has trouble remembering words, but can recognize and read road signs as he travels down Clarkston roads on his moped.
According to the Literacy Project Foundation, the United States ranked 12th in a study of literacy among 20 high-income countries. About 44 million adults are unable to read; 50 percent cannot read a book written at an eighth grade level; and 45 million are functionally illiterate and read below a fifth grade level.
Naccarto has worked at the Clarkston BP gas station for 21 years. He works from 9-3, Monday through Friday. He likes to chat, make friends and help customers.
If you can help, Naccarto can be reached at 248-625-2929.