Dear Editor:

My father, Fred Rotondaro, died on June 26 after being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer earlier this year.

He loved this town. My parents bought a house on Southport several years ago, but we’d been coming to Boothbay in summer since my brother and I were children.

My dad was drawn to the scenery; our family is comically unfamiliar with boats, but he reveled in watching waves crash on the shores where Rachel Carson once found inspiration.

What he enjoyed most, though, was ambling Boothbay Harbor’s hilly streets, talking to all of you.

“I’m going out!” he’d announce as the rest of us were debating the day’s plans. He’d drive to town and begin his “errands,” stopping to see Pete (“Tigger”) at his beautiful shop — where I once got some of my first jewelry — for a lively political debate. He’d hit the galleries, lingering at Gleason’s for an update on favorite artists’ new work.

He’d visit Kim and the friendly crew at Eventide to discuss life’s greatest pleasures: salami, cheese and wine, bringing home goodies to the delight of our family and summer visitors.

We were regulars at Ports of Italy, where Sante and the staff greeted us warmly like old friends, which by this point, we were. He often suggested blueberry pancakes at the Ebb Tide — now Waves — and we often succumbed.

He’d get the paper at the Southport General Store, and local crafts at every fair on the library lawn. Perhaps he’d run into Bob Mitchell, top-notch photographer and our wonderful friend.

There are so many relationships he cherished. I apologize for those I’ve missed.

It’s hard to be here without him. But when someone dies, it feels right honor his best impulses, and helps the healing process, too. We’ll still take “Nonno” walks with my children, never refusing them a new book at Sherman’s or a treat to take back to the house.

There is true comfort knowing we can keep these traditions in one of my father’s favorite places in the world. That we can walk through your doors, and continue the conversation.

Cara McDonough

New Haven, Connecticut