Meet Billy — or rather Harun Ilgin.
You’ve probably seen him before, behind the counter at Wayside Market, where he always has a smile.
Born in Turkey, he lives in Southold with his wife and four children.
Determined to create a more prosperous life for himself, he immigrated to the United States in 1985 at age 21.
In 2008, Billy’s wife and children were finally permitted to join him on the North Fork.
The average Wayside Market customer, of course, wouldn’t know that Mr. Ilgin has ever faced adversity.
“You know, a lot of people ask me why [I’m so nice],” he said. “My mom used to say, ‘Listen, be nice to people — it doesn’t hurt anything.’
Read more on The Suffolk Times website.
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