The Stamford school community celebrated a beloved crossing guard on the last day of classes Wednesday. 

John Bova, 73, is a crossing guard at the intersection of Glenbrook Road and Hamilton Avenue. He's befriended not only students and their parents, but also people who walk, run, bike or drive by.  

"I call this all my extended family," Bova told News 12. Bova said he strives to make people smile simply by being kind. "It's a joy to get up every morning, and just to put a smile on people's faces and say, 'Have a great day,'" Bova said. 

Bova was showered with gifts as families thanked him ahead of summer break.  

"Never a morning where he's not energetic and welcoming," Strawberry Hill School student Valentina Najera said. Bova was a mail carrier and also made stage products for Broadway shows before retiring in 2018.

But he told News 12 he came out of retirement to be a crossing guard because he loves people.  "Respect is the number one thing," Bova said. "The Lord put me on this earth to do good things, and I like to return the good things." 

"You make friends that way," Toquam Magnet School student Dominic Polonia added. Bova has been at his post for three years. He says as long as he stays healthy, he doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon.