SHELBURNE FALLS — A Shelburne Falls man who came in routinely to buy a lottery ticket at Sam’s Food Stores in Northampton went away $1 million richer last week, on Sept. 20.
Robert Gilbert Maienza is the 14th $1 million prize winner in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s “Ultimate Millions” $30 instant ticket game.
According to the state Lottery Commission, Maienza accepted a one-time payment of $650,000 (before tax withholdings) for his winning ticket, rather than getting the money over several years.
The Northampton convenience food store received a $10,000 cash bonus for the winning ticket.
Maienza could not be reached for comment about his winnings Wednesday night, but those who work at Sam’s Food seemed surprised when they recognized the winner from his lottery photograph.
“He was in here today,” said a store employee, who only wanted to be identified by his first name, Awan. “He would come every morning and buy one or two tickets. He was just here this morning.”
When asked if the store sells many winning lottery tickets, Awan thought a moment, then replied: “Yes. We do. We sold one $1 million ticket, and two $10,000 tickets this year.”
According to the Lottery Commission, there are three $15 million prizes and 52 $1 million prizes remaining in the “Ultimate Millions” instant game.