We just saw Hugo Giammarco a few weeks ago, sitting with him for awhile at a local veterans' activity and reminiscing about days gone by. He was ill, but you could barely tell because Hugo always maintained his soft-spoken sense of humor. No matter what the situation, Hugo kept a broad smile on his face.

Last Thursday Hugo passed away, and our area lost a giant. Not a political or business giant, but a giant in the area of community service.

The causes he became involved in are legion. Thanks partly to him, New Windsor was able to acquire and maintain Crestview Lake. He was much loved at his parish church, St. Francis of Assisi, where for years he helped run the communion breakfasts. A former football hero at NFA, Duquense University and the University of Mississippi, he was a stalwart supporter of local football leagues, including coaching Pop Warner Football. Over his many years he was honored by the Optimists Club, the Jaycees, the Kiwanis, he Elks, and many other groups. As an Army Veteran, he was very active with the VFW and American Legion.

Above all else, he was one of the most kind-hearted and generous men you could ever meet. They don't make them like Hugo anymore.

But perhaps we can all learn from his warm, compassionate example. He will be sorely missed, but always alive in our memories. Our deepest condolences to his wife Josephine, his four children, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

His was a life well lived.