A Norwalk police officer who lost his father to COVID-19 praised the hospital staff who cared for him during his final days.

"My dad was a great soul," said Mark Sudal Jr. "He was great role model growing up. He taught my brother and I a tremendous work ethic, family values, how to do the right thing.

Mark Suda spent six days at Norwalk Hospital before losing his battle with coronavirus last month.

His oldest son says the compassion and generosity shown by the workers have helped their family find peace during this difficult time.

Suda was 69 years old with underlying issues when he was admitted to Norwalk Hospital after developing breathing problems. He'd just spent three weeks at a nursing home, rehabbing from a fall

Mark Suda Jr. says doctors and nurses were always in contact, calling every couple hours to give updates. He says one day he suited up in protective gear and got to spend a few hours with his dad.

"Pretty much walking out of that room, I kind of knew I'd never see him in person again," Mark Suda Jr. said.

One nurse in particular, who didn't even work on the coronavirus floor, volunteered to set up daily Zoom meetings so family and friends who couldn't visit could still spend time with Mark Suda.

The family says that helped give them some closure.

"They probably will never understand what that meant to me and my family, but I just want to say thank you," said Mark Suda Jr.

Mark Suda was born and raised in Westport and moved to Norwalk with his wife in 1970.

He was well-known in the Norwalk boating community and spent more than 30 years as a service manager at a local marina.