Many months later, Citizen of the Year remains surprised by honor

AMENIA — With so much changed by the COVID-19 New York State on PAUSE Executive Order issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in mid-March, one thing has remained the same: the heart of gold of the Amenia Citizen of the Year, Edward “Eddie” or “Edwardo” DeLaPena, who hasn’t given up on what brought the award to him at the end of 2019, despite the difficulties involved.

During the shut-down caused by the coronavirus pandemic, neighbors all across the country are being encouraged to check on their neighbors, but that behavior is nothing new for DeLaPena who, according to Amenia town Supervisor Victoria Perotti, received the designation last December. Although it may seem a little late to do a story on the long-time Amenia resident now, months after the honor was awarded, it was through a number of communications to this paper, including a heartfelt letter to the editor, praising DeLaPena and his frequent community service for others — and the desire to see that good-hearted helpfulness recognized — that led to this article.

“This man is so deserving of some basic noteworthy recognition, I can’t tell you enough!” proclaimed Amenia resident Bob Riemer, just one of DeLaPena’s fans.

Another Amenia resident, Harry J. Jenkins, said the Citizen of the Year recognition given to DeLaPena was “a well-deserved award.”

DeLaPena said the award was a “huge surprise” as it was presented to him at his house, when he had already changed into his pajamas and was all ready for bed.

Despite that unusual circumstance, he was delighted to receive the recognition because he felt it “exonerates” some of the difficult times he had growing up in New York City, saying there is so much to his story “you could almost write a book on it when I really get talking.” 

He arrived in Amenia at age 18 and over the past years residents have gotten to know him as he worked at a number of locations, including Tri-Wall in Wassaic, Grand Union, Trotta’s and the Webutuck Central School District.

Now 72, DeLaPena spends much of his time helping others around town, particularly the elderly, as he provides various forms of assistance such as bringing them their mail and helping them as much as he can. He said he has even made a point of staying in the home of an elderly resident who was then  able to fulfill his wishes of drawing “his last breath” with DeLaPena there by his side.

“I do it because my mother was very big on helping people,” said the honoree. “I remember the deeds of my mother. Even though times were tough in New York, my mother was my most important person that really motivated me toward helping other people — that and my faith itself. As a person, I believe that it was necessary to help people. You sleep better at night.”

DeLaPena’s efforts don’t stop with direct service to others as he also feels an obligation to help take care of the planet, which will be passed onto the future generation, including his grandchildren in  Texas and Canada. 

In normal circumstances, DeLePena spends part of his time collecting recyclables, a habit he has continued despite the pandemic. Believing it is  “good to give back,” he normally would turn the items in himself, but lately he has been sharing his booty with others, which recently amounted to about $500 worth of cans.  

This Good Citizen said he does have faith for the future as he hopes that “all our brilliant scientists” will help to bring solutions to all of the problems that need to be addressed, including COVID-19. And he’s willing to wait for that to happen, because he believes “all good things take time.”