Anyone in East Boston who knows Phyllis DelVechhio knows she’s as honest as they come. The longtime Eastie resident is a familiar face in the community and has a reputation of always being warm, kindhearted and sincere.
So it was no surprise that when an East Boston Savings Bank (EBSB) teller accidentally added an extra $100 bill to her withdrawal, and DelVecchio didn’t think twice about returning the money.
“Last week I went to the East Boston Savings Bank drive-thru,” said DeLvechhio. “After I left and counted my money, the teller gave me an extra $100. I went back to the drive-thru and gave her the extra $100 and she couldn’t thank me enough.”
A few days later DelVecchio went to make a deposit and another EBSB teller gave her something a little extra with her receipt.
“The teller wrote a nice little note and a (Dunkin Donuts) gift card to show their appreciation for being honest,” she said. “I really didn’t expect anything. I was brought up to be honest and to always do the right thing. Although, it was nice to be appreciated for honesty in today’s crazy world.”
DelVechhio’s story caught the attention of EBSB President and CEO Richard Gavegnano who said her honesty made his day.
“It’s stories like this about the relationship between our customers and our employees that I love,” said Gavegnano. “I feel very strongly that there are so many good people out there and something like this should get recognized. The customer had compassion for the person working at the bank and she was honest enough to go back and give the money back. And our employees were so appreciative that they got her a gift card for her honesty. I think it’s a terrific story and it really made my day. It just goes to show you what kind of a bank EBSB is. We create relationships and the community is part of our family.”
While DelVecchio wasn’t expecting anything in return for her honesty, Gavegnano said he will be sending her a $100 American Express Gift Card.
“We love our customers and truly believe they are all like Phyllis and would have the same level of honesty if put in the same situation,” said Gavegnano. “That level of honesty should be rewarded and on behalf of EBSB we thank Mrs. Delvecchio.”