Longtime Italian Festival organizer Bob "Bobby" Lenardo, of McAlester, is being remembered as a man who worked tirelessly for the annual event that celebrates the Italian heritage of the McAlester and Krebs area.

Lenardo, 69, of McAlester, died Saturday, Dec. 10, at McAlester Regional Health Center. He's closely identified with the McAlester Italian Festival, serving as a member of the Festival Committee for 28 years, including eight years as chairman.