Father Nacca started me as an altar boy when I was 6 years old.

I think that's the youngest anyone's started at St. Francis of Assisi Church. I can still hear him calling me “Joey.”

I spent a lot of Sundays and after-schools listening to Father talk about doing good for others and appreciating God's work.

He was right. I'll always remember the bus trips and outings.

I can still remember what he used to say, “Look, Joey ... isn't what God gave us beautiful?”

How many of us still remember getting picked up from school in the old, cold church bus for religion classes at the church?

Father Nacca cared about us kids growing up and being good people. I hope we didn't disappoint him.

And I know growing up that we all hated to have our cheeks pinched. But looking back, I know now it was Father's way of saying he cared.

His kindness to others and devotion to God is truly an example to follow.

My deepest and most sincere condolences to his family.

Joe Saltarello

Salem, Ore.