Michael Catalano awoke at 4 a.m. Friday for his final shift as a Massachusetts Turnpike toll collector, putting on four layers to face a raw, rainy day.

But even in the waning hours of his 24-year career, Catalano was as chipper as ever, cheerfully calling drivers “boss” and “dear” as they handed him their $1.25. Some said they would miss him, and wished him well. Others just handed him the money, as he smiled and bid them goodbye.

“This is our home away from home,” he said, gesturing to a bare-bones tollbooth at the Allston-Brighton plaza, decorated with only a fan and an old RadioShack stereo.


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