Community mourns John Ballato, Lewes Canalfront Park Volunteer of the Year

Members of the Cape community are mourning the loss of John Ballato Feb. 7. Ballato was a board member of Friends of Lewes Canalfront Park and honoree of the 2013 Beverly Gayhardt Volunteer of the Year Award by the Friends for his dedication to and enthusiasm for Canalfront Park. Ballato coordinated volunteer activities at the park for the numerous annual events held there.

Stephanie Boright, chair of the Friends' board, said, “I met John two years ago when he had recently retired to Lewes. He was so enthusiastic about our first-ever Picnic in the Park, he asked if he could volunteer to help. Not only did he help on that event, but every event after it as well, so it only made sense to ask him to be a board member. His contributions to the board greatly benefited the park, but it was his love for the park that will forever be remembered. We are thankful for knowing John; he touched all of our lives with his positive nature and warm, engaging personality.”