To the Editor:

Respect: a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements.

Hopefully we’ve all given and received respect during our lives. We teach it to our children, we demonstrate it often to those around us, even perfect strangers, and we feel hurt when we don’t receive it in return.

How can one not respect the name Amedeo Obici? If you took a poll, asking people to “Name one of the most respected individuals of Suffolk” chances are Amedeo Obici’s name would be mentioned often. He undoubtedly touched more lives in Suffolk then any other individual.

If you, a family member, or friend have every been treated at Obici Hospital, worked for Planters Peanuts, attended a function at the Planters Club, had interactions with any of the numerous Obici Foundation grant recipients, (such as, the YMCA, American Cancer Society, The Red Cross, ForKids, Western Tidewater Free Clinic, Suffolk Partnership for a Healthier Community and hundreds more) or played golf at Sleepy Hole, (after all that was his front yard), then you obviously have reason to respect Amedeo Obici.

Now is the time to show that respect, to stand up for an individual who gave his heart, his soul, his compassion and his wealth to the people of Suffolk. Don’t allow City Council to destroy his home; it is the last piece of Obici history left standing in Suffolk. It is a treasure to the city and should be respected.

Show your support — write a letter to a council member and the newspaper, attend the council meeting Jan. 20, 2010, call your local TV station, and proudly announce your respect by tying a red ribbon on your residence or business.

Be honored to say, “Yes, I have a voice, and I respect Amedeo Obici for what he has done for our fine community.”