A tree grows in his memory...

A bright September sun shone on the October Glory sugar maple tree placed in front of the Richmond Citizen Center in New Milford in memory of former tree warden Phil Lovell. September 21, 2012 Photo: Norm Cummings

A gathering of family members, town officials and friends was on hand Sept. 21, 2012 forthe dedication of the Lovell tree at the Richmond Citizen Center in New Milford. Photo: Norm Cummings

Mayor Pat Murphy, left, offers her thoughts during the Sept. 21,2012 dedication ceremony on the role the late Phil Lovell had played for many years in New Milford. Listening to her reflections are, from left to right, Senior Center director Carolyn Haglund; Allison Knauerhase, Mr. Lovelll's daughter; flanked by their granddaughters, Emma and Rachel, Theresa Lovell, his widow; Eleanor Covelli, assistant director of New Milford Parks & Recreation; and Shawn Emmons of Emmons Tree Service, who donated the tree. Photo: Norm Cummings

The Sept. 21,2012 dedication ceremony of a tree memorializing Phil Lovell, who had played for many years a significant role in New Milford. Photo: Norm Cummings

The Sept. 21,2012 dedication ceremony of a tree memorializing Phil Lovell, who had played for many years a significant role in New Milford. Photo: Norm Cummings

The Sept. 21,2012 dedication ceremony of a tree memorializing Phil Lovell, who had played for many years a significant role in New Milford. Photo: Norm Cummings

The Sept. 21,2012 dedication ceremony of a tree memorializing Phil Lovell, who had played for many years a significant role in New Milford. Photo: Norm Cummings

The family of the late Phil Lovell gathers recently near the sugar maple tree dedicated in his memory in front of the Richmond Citizen Center on Main Street in New Milford. Joining Mr. Lovell's wife, Theresa, are their daughter, Allison Knauerhase, and her husband, Keith, flanked by their daughters, Emma and Rachel. Photo: Norm Cummings