>> RELATED STORY: Detroit man who walked 21 miles to work each day forced to move for his safety

Simoff leaves the house at 3:30 p.m. to make it to work in time for his 11 p.m. shift, the newspaper said. A few days a week, he catches a ride part of the way. He also has a 2002 minivan, but gas is usually too costly, he said.

>> Read more trending stories

"When you got a family, and you've got a job, you've got to be able to support your family, and you've got to keep your job," said Simoff, whose ailing wife, Renee, has suffered a stroke and two heart attacks. His grandson also lives with the couple.