Contractor claims dispute with Bell Township man is a misunderstanding

An elderly Bell Township man is still without a permanent heating system because of a dispute with a furnace contractor.

William Galo, 81, bought a used furnace from a newspaper ad for $450 and had it delivered Nov. 25. The men who delivered the furnace offered to install it for an additional $500. Galo said the men said they would have to pick up some extra duct work and would come back to do the installation.

I paid him like a fool, Galo said.

Galo said he repeatedly called the contractor, Fredrick George of Uniontown, but never heard back.

George, who state police were planning to charge with theft by deception, came to Galo's Waukena Road home Friday afternoon.

George said the whole matter is a misunderstanding. George said his truck broke down, he lost his cellphone and his health was bad. He said he is a disabled Air Force veteran.

He wasn't getting ripped off, George said. I was planning to come the first of the year.

When George arrived Friday, he said he was ready to do the installation. Galo said he wanted nothing to do with George and wanted his $500 installation fee returned.

If that's what he wants, I can refund the $500, George said, adding he wouldn't have the money until Feb. 1 when he receives his disabled veteran check. He said this month's check was already spent on rent and he will forgo his rent next month in order to provide the refund.

George said he is considering filing for bankruptcy because of his financial trouble.

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Contractor claims dispute with Bell Township man is a misunderstanding