Dennis Scinto, chief Democrat for Bridgeport's 134th District, has died at the age of 80.

A longtime figure in local politics, friends held a ceremony honoring Scinto's life .

Friends gathered at the National Association of Government Employees to remember Scinto for his decades of work as one of the longest serving sheriffs in Bridgeport history.

Scinto worked in North End politics as chief Democrat in the 134th District.

He also worked in the Department of Public Facilities promoting sustainability for the city by managing the disposal of hazardous materials.

But what it all comes down to, his friends say, is that Scinto was "a great guy who loved the city of Bridgeport and the people who call it home."

Friends say Scinto had been sick in recent days before he died.