The family of a local, mentally ill Starbucks employee who killed himself after the java giant fired him is upset over more than just the chain’s red holiday cups. Although Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz wrote the family a heartfelt letter about their loss, they also want him to pay for their loved one’s funeral arrangements.
Dawn Bez, sister of deceased Westchester County employee Darren Bez, wrote a message to Schultz after Darren’s death in June at 45, claiming her bipolar brother “was terminated after 10 years of service” from an Ossining, NY, store in 2013 “for not wearing an apron and having his cellphone exposed,” leading to a “downward spiral.”
“It is truly wonderful that a company hires and trains those with disabilities,” she wrote, adding it comes with “a great responsibility … I believe Starbucks failed my brother. Those employed in … management need to be taught, trained and informed about those with disabilities.”
Schultz responded in August with “profound sadness,” saying, “I am haunted by your words that Starbucks failed Darren,” and asking their permission to “share their story” when former Rhode Island Rep. Patrick Kennedy visited Starbucks HQ for a talk on disabled employees.
Earlier, Darren’s mother, Lorraine, had sent a letter to the company, but received a form letter reply. (Like anyone whose name’s been misspelled on a Starbucks to-go cup, so was hers.)
Schultz apologized for that, too, saying, “I am also deeply troubled by the impersonal letter you received.” However, the family says words aren’t enough. They want funds to pay for Darren’s funeral, and for a bench where his mother can sit to visit his grave. “Starbucks was Darren’s life,” said Lorraine, who’s repped by lawyer Eric Baum.
A Starbucks rep told us: “We were very saddened to learn from the family about Darren’s passing. Darren is remembered by his former [colleagues] as someone who was more than a co-worker, but also a friend. We have been speaking directly with the family and we offer our deepest condolences for their loss.”