George Ducanic, the man responsible for bringing Toys for Tots to Fairfield County 30 years ago, has died. He was 88.

Friends remembered the Stamford resident as an “amazing person.”

"He had such a big heart,” said Jenny Castellano, of Stamford Toys for Tots.

Castellano and Tom Finn Jr., who took over command of American Legion Post 3 from Ducanic, say Stamford has lost a true hero. Ducanic, a Korean War veteran, had been battling pancreatic cancer.

Friends say Ducanic was a tireless officer for the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans.

"George is going to be missed but he's never going to be forgotten," said Finn.

Ducanic was a racecar enthusiast. He never married or had kids of his own, but friends say he always took the opportunity to help children in need.

"I was there for his last couple of hours of life and you know a person's good when he says, ‘Tom, don't forget the children,’" said Finn.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for Ducanic’s medical and funeral expenses – and to help keep the Toys for Tots legacy alive.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Stamford with full military honors.