Sonny Sanguinetti finds it almost embarrassing the recent recognition he and his wife, Mary Estelle, have received for volunteering.

&uot;Everybody does church work, school work – volunteers their time,&uot; he said.

His wife shares a similar feeling.

&uot;We really don’t like a lot of to do,&uot; she said. &uot;We don’t feel we do anything special.&uot;

But their charitable efforts earned them the honor of being nominated as unsung heroes in last month’s Profile edition of The Democrat.

This was surprising to Mr. Sanguinetti, who says he and his wife live by a simple motto: &uot;Give back more than you receive.&uot;

&uot;Anywhere we’re needed we like to be of assistance,&uot; Mrs. Sanguinetti said. &uot;That’s what it takes to keep (things) going, and we have a commitment to that and feel like it’s a necessary thing.&uot;

Mr. Sanguinetti volunteers by cooking for the monthly men’s prayer breakfast at St. Mary Basilica and making soup for weekly prayer services during the Lenten season.

&uot;When you grow up in a family with nine brothers and sisters and you have nine children you just naturally learn how to cook,&uot; he said.

He also has volunteered at Cathedral School.

&uot;My hobby is out at Cathedral School,&uot; Mr. Sanguinetti said while reflecting on his hours of service to the school.

From the 1950s into the 1970s, Mr. Sanguinetti said he helped with work to the school’s grounds and with building maintenance. He also is a former treasure of the school’s athletic association.

Today he continues to help with the school’s office work and visits the school about every afternoon.

Mrs. Sanguinetti volunteers with St. Mary Basilica on the pastoral commission and takes part in Eucharist services. She also volunteers at the Stewpot about once a month.

She and her husband like to feel like they are helping any needy cause, and they enjoy the interaction with other people, she said.

&uot;I’m a people person,&uot; Mrs. Sanguinetti said. &uot;I like to be with people, and I can’t see sitting at home looking at four walls, and I think (Sonny is) the same way.&uot;

The couple will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary April 7 with their nine children, their grandchildren and friends.