For years, Arlton Monsanto, or Art, cared for the grounds of Nunnawauk Meadows, an elderly living community nestled behind Fairfield Hills. Art was beyond dedicated to his job, which was evidenced by the turnout at the recent ceremony that was held in his honor.

Art’s wife, Stephanie Monsanto, wanted to find a way to honor Art and his memory at the place he spent so much time and energy. Stephanie mentioned that the flagpole that was originally there had come down a while back, so she decided replacing it would be the perfect way to honor him. The flagpole is near buildings 14 and 15.

“I wanted to do something for the people of Nunnawauk,” Stephanie said, “They were so nice to Art.”

Brian Scovin, a fellow groundskeeper, said that Art cared a lot about the residents. “He was like a father figure. Art was very smart. I miss him.” Scovin thought for a moment to collect his thoughts. “He was a gentleman. That would be the word.”

Art and Stephanie’s daughter, Heather, was also at the brief ceremony. She said Art “was the best dad ever.”

Stephanie then addressed the crowd and began with offering her thanks to Scout Troop 370, who came and presented the colors, and the Nunnawauk Meadows board, who approved everything. She also offered thanks to the maintenance crew who cleared the area for the new flagpole.

“Tonight is about Art and the love he had for the residents of Nunnawauk. He attended all your parties. He danced with most of you. He put furniture together. He stored furniture and medical equipment in case you needed something. He delivered spaghetti dinners from the church. He always had a joke, and many of you had jokes for him,” Stephanie began.

“You were his extended family,” Stephanie said to the crowd. She detailed a story of when Art was mowing the grounds on a hot day and a table “appeared” with a cold soda on it. After he drank the can and put it back, the table disappeared just as quickly. Stephanie said the flag is for the residents of Nunnawauk to enjoy and admire, and remember Art.

“You are still an important part of this beautiful community, town, and country. Your voices can be heard and should be heard,” Stephanie said. She then thanked everyone again for coming out and invited Pastor Steve Volpe from Newtown United Methodist Church come and say a few words.

He began by saying it was an honor to be with Stephanie and her family, and everyone who came out for the ceremony.

“Three years ago, you lost someone who meant a great deal to so many people … A certain special someone who gave so much of himself to you. Art became your maintenance guy, your handyman, your supervisor, your friend, your confidant, your family,” Volpe said.

Volpe continued, saying that the one thing Art disliked the most was something being broken around Nunnawauk Meadows, the flagpole being one of those things. Then, the official dedication was spoken.

Volpe said to the crowd, “In this time, we are doing three things for Art at once. One. We are continuing Art’s work for him by replacing the flagpole in his stead. [Two.] We are bringing pride in our great country back to the residents of the Nunnawauk Meadows. And three, and not least. We are honoring one of those rare people who touched so many hearts and lives with dedication, devotion, and love. And that was so obviously Art Monsanto. Let us dedicate this flagpole.”

He then led the group in a short prayer. After the prayer, Troop 370 presented the colors and put the flag onto the rope. The Scouts raised the colors and the crowd began to sing “God Bless America.”

After the verse, Stephanie invited any members of the crowd to say something on behalf of Art. His cousin, Shari Carrano, spoke up.

Carrano said, “I was at a family gathering … and Art was mentioning to someone that he went to work every day, said goodbye to his wife at home, and came to Nunnawauk where he had 150 wives.” The audience giggled. She added that “he wasn’t complaining about that.”

“He wanted this to be a home for people, and that’s why he went the extra mile all the time, so people could be comfortable here,” Carrano said. After she spoke, the group headed to a coffee hour to continue the celebration.

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Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.