Haddonfield Mourns Mir 'Sarge' Sajid, 42, 7-Eleven Owner, Beloved Community Member

News of the death Monday of Mir "Sarge" Sajid, 42, owner of the 7-Eleven convenience store on Haddon Avenue has reverberated through the close-knit community of Haddonfield.

Many expressed surprise and shock upon hearing of the untimely death. His funeral was held Wednesday at the Voorhees Islamic Center.

"He died?" said a customer who only identified himself as Bill, leaving the store at 615 N. Haddon Ave. on Friday afternoon. "He was only 42!"

A sign in the window of the busy convenience store said: "Sajid passed away on 12-2-13 at 7:11 p.m."

Malik, a clerk at the store, said Sajid died of a heart attack at home.

"Sarge was a wonderful man who was very kind to many Haddonfield residents 
— especially kids — and who always said yes when groups asked him for donations from 7-Eleven (coffee, cups, supplies, etc.). He will be missed by many," said Haddonfield Mayor Jeff Kasko.

The store has become a makeshift memorial shrine to Sajid. The door and windows are filling with cards, pictures and messages of condolences.

"Thank you for everything you have do for all of us," read a message that stretched several feet down to the ground of a large picture window. "You have taken care of our elderly, watched over our children, provided us with a place to gather and shared stories. You were there for us during our ups and downs and always started our day with a smile."

Kasko announced a toy drive this weekend in Sajid's memory. Donations will be gathered in front of the store on Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m.