Martha’s Vineyard Community Services officially renamed its early childhood center in honor of Paul and Sandra Pimentel.

At a ceremony on Wednesday, friends and family gathered to pay tribute to the couple who served on the board of Community Services for over 20 years. Mr. Pimentel died in April and is survived by his wife, who participated in the ceremony on his behalf.

Construction on the Paul and Sandra Pimentel Early Childhood Center concluded in 2021.

Benefactors Jim and Susan Swartz, whose $2 million donation continues to help Community Services rebuild its aging campus, lifted up their legacy. Mr. Swartz teared up as he reflected on the Pimentels’ joyful and sustained contribution to the Vineyard community.

Joanie Pimentel sang It's You I Like. — Ray Ewing

“They enjoyed their life together and lived it fully and never stopped giving back,” he said. “Martha’s Vineyard Community Services was always a priority project to them.”

Community Services board president Larkin Stallings initiated a moment of silence for Ron Rappaport, who died in early June.

“He supported this agency with his typical efficient passion... channeling resources and support to this campus, to our staff and to the clients that the agency serves,” Mr. Stallings said.

Before the purple tarp covering the building’s awning was pulled down to reveal its new title, Ms. Pimentel approached the podium to express her appreciation.

“Please know that your stunning act of kindness, generosity and friendship takes my breath away,” she said while addressing Jim and Susan Swartz. “I know that Paul would feel the same depth of gratitude.”

Board president Larkin Stallings with

Joanie Pimentel, daughter of Paul and Sandra, took the stage to perform a rendition of It’s You I Like by Fred Rogers. She was accompanied by her brother-in-law, Bob Marlette, on keyboard.

Joanie is a musician and elementary school music teacher based in Los Angeles. She told the Gazette that her parents passed down their devotion to the education and well-being of young people. Two of her siblings also work in related fields. She feels that honoring her parent’s legacy with an early childhood education is fitting.

“I think the only thing that could make it better is if my dad was alive to see it,” she said.