Michael Bonnici writes:

What shall I call my old friend Carmelo Bugeja? A caring husband and father... a philanthropist... an exemplary Maltese citizen or a generous benefactor?

They all fit well to this gentlemanly character who passed away.

Carmelo’s first job was a policeman but left the corps after a few years and engaged his commitment in the construction industry, starting with building almost on his own his first home.

He continued to succeed in the business and proved to one and all that he was serious and honest in his dealings and carried a good reputation for his fairness.

Carmelo involved himself in the various civic societies in his home town.

Whether band clubs, the boċċi club, Żebbuġ Rangers FC and others to whom he contributed heavily to upgrade their position and simultaneously keep up the status of success and fame of his birthplace – his pride and honour. No wonder he is listed as an honorary president to most of these voluntary organisations.

His name is today inscribed in the minute book held in our national records for his pioneering and active participation in three national memorials: that of Dun Mikiel Xerri and his compatriots in Valletta, the Sette Giugno monument at Palace Square, and the one of national poet Dun Karm in Floriana.

Besides, his name and photos are also recorded on the inauguration booklets of Dun Karm’s bust (1971), that of Antonio Sciortino (2001) and of Mikiel Anton Vassalli (1987), being the driving force for their realisation, the three of them in Żebbuġ.

Not least the chapel dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which to his credit was completed in time before the death of its founder Fr Piju Farrugia.

He honestly helped all those who required his assistance both from the material and financial interests. In a few words, all those seeking his assistance locally and on a national level benefited from his charitable donations.

I used to admire him for his respect to his parents particularly in the late years of his widowed father. Every Sunday, without fail at around mid-morning, he used to collect his father for a Sunday drive to any choice of his guest.

Carmelo was married to Theresa and they raised a very nice family of three siblings George, Philip and Twanny. All of them inherited his talents, behaviour and honesty.

May the almighty God console them, along with their respective families, in their bereavement for they really missed a real treasure and it will not be all that easy to forget. May he rest in peace.