Town Dedicates Plaque To Honor Greenwich Boy Who Died In 2021

GREENWICH, CT — From now on, those who pass by the playground behind Greenwich Town Hall and near the board of education building will be reminded of Elmer Diaz Felipe, a 6-year-old boy who impacted many in town.

Elmer was diagnosed with an inoperable cancerous brain tumor in 2020. He died on May 4, 2021.

Last Friday, the town, in conjunction with the Greenwich Police Department, Silver Shield Association and Jewish Family Services of Greenwich, dedicated a plaque which will overlook the playground Elmer loved to go to with his mother, Maria Jose Felipe. A tree was also planted nearby.

The plaque has Elmer's full name, his life dates, and the words, "Forever remembered by all who loved him in his favorite place."

Maria, a Greenwich resident, fought back tears during the brief dedication ceremony. She would often come to the playground with Elmer, particularly in the spring and summer months.

"Thank you for everything and for the love of him. I will appreciate this forever," she said through a translator.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Greenwich Public Schools connected Maria to the JFS of Greenwich, which had just created its FACTS program — Families Affected by COVID-19 Transition Services.

JFS of Greenwich provided emergency financial assistance, food support, housing and legal services for the Diaz family in a time of need.

Rachel Kornfeld, CEO of the JFS of Greenwich, was at last Friday's plaque dedication.

"I think this just shows the impact we have on our clients, but also how they impact us. We help them for as long as they need, but the stories stay with us forever," she said.

Because of Elmer's love of police officers, a social worker at the hospital he was receiving treatment at contacted the Greenwich Police Department, who then got in touch with First Selectman Fred Camillo.

Camillo named Elmer "First Selectman for a day" in January 2021, and hosted him at town hall. Members of the community provided donations to the family.

Camillo visited Elmer up until his passing.

"He loved being First Selectman for a day. He was a good little boy, and we really miss him," Camillo said.

Last fall, Camillo reached out to the SIlver Shield Association to see if they would help in getting a plaque. Association President and police officer John Browne said it was "a no-brainer" to get involved.

"Given Elmer's love of police officers, we were happy to help out," Browne said. "It means a lot knowing that Elmer's memory will carry on, and the family can come here and have great memories of him. The Silver Shield being a part of that means a lot to us."

Greenwich Tree Warden Dr. Gregory Kramer and the Greenwich Tree Conservancy helped source a tree that was planted several months ago near the plaque's location in Elmer's memory. Maria picked out a Swamp White Oak.

"My feeling on trees is that they're living legacies that grow and flourish and get bigger and grander over the years. I always feel it's a great tribute to someone," Kramer said.

The tree should grow to 50 feet tall at full maturity, according to Kramer.

Also last Friday, Maria presented Camillo with a painting she had done that features Elmer, Camillo and his two dogs. Camillo said he'll find a prominent place to display it, which will serve as another reminder of the little boy who showed courage and bravery in difficult times.

The plaque, of course, will serve as a lasting reminder for Camillo, too.

"Every time I walk by here, which should be every day, I'll think of him as will everybody else who knew him," Camillo added.

The plaque is expected to be affixed to a rock in the coming weeks.