Coffee stop turns into $10k a month for life for pennsylvania veteran — money big ID 48552684 © Vera Volkova | Dreamstime.com

A retired truck driver’s stop for coffee and a scratch-off ticket turned into a prize worth $10K a month for life after a winning scan left him and a store clerk in disbelief

Middletown, PA — An 87-year-old Army veteran, former minor league baseball player and retired truck driver is celebrating a Pennsylvania Lottery prize that will pay him $10K a month for life after a routine stop for coffee and a scratch-off ticket delivered a life-changing win.

Alfred Behney of Berks County was presented with a commemorative check by the Pennsylvania Lottery after winning a top prize on the $10,000 a Month for Life Scratch-Off ticket.

Behney purchased the winning ticket on May 27 at Star Gas & Diesel, located at 8558 Lancaster Avenue in Bethel Township. The retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

According to the Pennsylvania Lottery, Behney discovered the win after scanning the ticket at the store.

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He recalled that both he and the clerk were stunned by the result.

The retired truck driver said he initially believed there had to be a mistake when the scanner indicated he had won a top prize.

Behney ultimately chose the annuity option, which provides payments of $10K per month for life. The game’s cash option carries a lump-sum value of $1.6 million.

The Berks County resident said he frequently visits Amish and Mennonite farm stands in search of fresh produce and often picks up a scratch-off ticket while stopping for coffee.

Before retirement, Behney spent years as a truck driver. He also served in the U.S. Army following the Korean War and once signed a minor league baseball contract with the Detroit Tigers organization in 1961.

Lottery officials recognized Behney during a check presentation at Lottery headquarters in Middletown.

The Pennsylvania Lottery said proceeds from ticket sales help fund programs that benefit older Pennsylvanians.

Scratch-Off prizes must be claimed within one year of a game’s official end-sale date.

Key Points

An 87-year-old Berks County man won a Pennsylvania Lottery prize worth $10K a month for life.
Alfred Behney bought the winning ticket at Star Gas & Diesel in Bethel Township.
The retired truck driver, Army veteran and former minor league baseball player said he initially thought

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

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Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News