'Scunny' McCusker, American hero

I wasn't fortunate enough to know Patrick "Scunny" McCusker, but I was saddened by his untimely passing ("Canton fondly remembers McCusker," Aug. 26). After reading the article about him in The Sun, I was struck by the irony that he was about the same age as Barack Obama.

Mr. McCusker created more jobs and did more for the welfare of our city and state than any government programs. And yes, he did it by himself, as did many other hard-working small business people.

Mr. McCusker's philanthropic efforts were the result of a generous nature. You don't have to impose heavy taxes to get support for worthy causes. Mr. McCusker will be mourned by his devoted family, a legion of friends and people like me who appreciate a true American hero.

Mignon Rosenthal, Pikesville