Since that

summer day, Tom Puglia died of a heart attack while vacationing with his

entire family in celebration of his 50th wedding anniversary.

Saddened, the

Episcopal congregation said they wanted to do something to honor the trio

of good shepherds and decided to plant a tree on the Catholic Church property

in honor of Puglia.

Earlier this

month, Fr. Hudak and several Episcopal parishioners visited Beltran House,

home of the Catholic Church of Saint Gabriel, and brought with them a

12-foot red maple tree which the two churches planted as a memorial to

their fallen friend.

Before a crowd

of about 25 people at the planting ceremony, Fr. Hudak said "We wanted

to do something in appreciation to show how God works through us. The

Crape Myrtles at our entrance will always remind us of what these people

did for us, but we wanted to do something over here."

Saint Gabriel's

pastor, Fr. Daniel Toof, thanked the neighbors for their kindness, blessed

the planting, and led the group in prayer as the parishioners gathered

around the tree.

Attending the

ceremony were Puglia's daughter, Julieann Gablin of New Jersey, and his

widow, Rosemarie.

Saying she

was moved by the gesture, Mrs. Puglia thanked the members of the Episcopal

Church. "They were so thoughtful to do such a nice gesture for Tommy,"

she said. "I know he would be very pleased."

The churches

are both located on Antioch Road off of Ga. Hwy. 92 in South Fayette County.

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