On October 10, 2009 Pack 3322 remembered Tony Lettieri who was a member our den who died in 2008 of leukemia by planting a tree at Camp Manatoc.
When we planted Tony’s tree, it brought back memories.  When Tony first joined Bear den 7 he was too sick to attend our meetings but I went to his house and we became friends.  Our den got to meet Tony when he participated in Pinewood Derby.  His last scouting event was joining us in the Memorial Day parade.  Tony loved scouting so much he was buried in his uniform with his Pinewood Derby car.
My den is getting ready to cross over to Boy Scouts.  Even though Tony won’t be with us in person, he already represented so many parts of the Scout Law.  I know he will be watching over us!
Trustworthy:  Tony always did what the doctors would ask and would tell his mom when he didn’t.
Loyal:  Tony was loyal to his den and participated whenever he was well enough.
Helpful:  Even when he was sick, he helped do chores at home and cleared off the table.
Friendly:  Tony was my really good friend.  He made lots of friends because he was so nice to everyone.
Courteous:  Tony always thanked me for coming to visit him and had very good manners.
Kind:  Tony always thought about other people before himself.  He worried about his family being ok after he died.
Obedient:  Even when he didn’t want to, he did what the doctors, nurses and his parents told him to do.
Cheerful:  Tony loved jokes and liked to tell them to make people laugh.
Thrifty:  His parents told me Tony always carried a wallet and understood the value of saving money.
Brave:  I can’t think of any better word to describe Tony.  He told his family he wasn’t afraid to die.  He said if he died when he was 9, he would never have to grow up and get a job.
Clean:  Tony was very neat and always kept his room clean.  He would get upset if people messed it up and didn’t pick up toys.
Reverent:  Tony believed in God and knew when he died he would go to Heaven.  His church held a bone marrow transplant drive in his honor and Tony made a guest appearance!
Our Pack planted a tree in Tony’s memory because Tony’s tree WILL grow up and the tree WILL have a job.  As Boy Scouts we will spend a lot of time at Camp Manatoc for campouts and summer camp.  Tony’s tree will grow each year as we grow too.  Tony’s tree will have the job of providing shade on hot days, blooming with beautiful flowers in the spring, and adding to the overall beauty of a place we will enjoy.
Tony’s tree is planted near the Butler Memorial at Camp Manatoc. 
Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Lettieri for helping me write this.