When my grandfather died, there were a lot of people that came to his funeral. Most were old, of his generation, or perhaps the one following.
However, there were six fairly young people (20s and 30s) that showed up. My father asked around, but no one knew who they were. They were quiet and respectful, and not bothering anyone, but he was a curious soul, so my father went to talk to then one on one to get to know them and learn how they knew his dad.
Though never wealthy, it turns out that my grandfather had quietly put all six of them through college. Generally local kids, neighbors, or folks that he’d met, my grandfather firmly believed in education though he’d never finished high school.
He simply asked them not to tell that he had funded their college careers, but they felt that on his passing, people should know more about the man that was their friend.
RIP Grandpa–always a kind soul and gentleman to the end.