The city of Mount Vernon is mourning the loss of a longtime worker.

The city's Department of Public Works says James “Jimmy” Sgammato died on Tuesday at age 65.

He had been a full-time city employee since 1995.

He started as a laborer and became a parks maintainer in 2000.

Six years later,  he became the city's first "road maintainer," repairing and filling potholes.

Sgammato’s coworkers say he was dedicated, always took pride in his work and was always seen smoking a cigar.

The city has not said how he died.