Natick Selectmen Vote to Honor '2 Extraordinary People'

Two longtime residents of Natick will be honored at the Natick Senior Center on Nov. 3 after the Board of Selectmen voted in favor of two dedications at its Sept. 23 meeting.

A flagpole will be dedicated to O.B. Hill, a former member of the military who helped liberate the Phillipines in the mid 1940s.

"He served the community as strong advocate and he served our country honorably," Veterans Services Director Paul Carew said, adding Hill would often donate crane services in Natick.

The Board also approved the gym at the Senior Center to be dedicated in honor of Richard Cugini.

"This is an individual that really deserves this honor," Building Committee Chair John Ciccariello said. "He’s probably the only person I know in the Town of Natick who walks through the Natick Green, sees a piece of paper and picks it up."

Cugini worked for the town for 37 years in numerous capacities. According to Ciccariello, Cugini was key in the development of the downtown area.

"It's ironic these two people are being recognized at the same time," Selectman Nick Mabardy said. "It's difficult to say enough of these two extraordinary people. O.B. was one of the finest people to work with. Dick was the same. He dedicated his whole life to town of Natick."

The dedications will be held on the one-year anniversary of the Senior Center at 1 p.m.

Also to be dedicated will be the Center’s greatroom to Kathy Kennedy.