CLARENCE, NY (WKBW-TV) — It has been a big week for Bob Pope. He celebrated his 98th Birthday and the WWII veteran had a surprise visit from former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly.
Pope was a prisoner of war for four and a half months and was able to escape from the Germans. He had a career as a professional fund raiser and was responsible for making Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital possible. These days he is at home at Solstice Senior Living in Clarence.
Kelly said it was important for him to honor this veteran saying "He's been through cancer and he helped build Millard Suburban and that's where all three of my kids were born. He's been through a lot-but he's tough."
Pope's daughter Michelle has Downs Syndrome and lives in a group home. She visits her dad often and the staff at Solstice Senior Living arranged for her to be a part of the surprise.
Kelly thanked Pope for his service. About the surprise, Pope said "I just couldn't believe it-it's a thrill, it's a real thrill."
