Sterling Burton

POPULAR GUY Dorothy Kaldis, Maura Montgomery and Allison Mercado (from left) hug on their favorite neighbor, Sterling, outside of his West University home. (Photo: lawellphoto.com)

MR. FIX IT If something’s broken, Sterling has the tool to fix it. His impressive workshop is testament to his handyman skills. (Photo: lawellphoto.com)

CELEBRATING STERLING Neighbors threw Sterling a Cinco de Mayo-style party for his 98th birthday. Back row, from left: Chip Johnson, Phil Eisenberg, Victoria Benoit, Dorothy Kaldis, Ernie Baca, Mark Montgomery, John Mooz, Pablo Mercado, Fred Ames, and Pamm Vlastas. Second row: Grace Lo in the chair, Robin Burks, Kelly Mooz, Maura Montgomery, guest of honor Sterling Burton, Pat Walzel, Becky Eisenberg and Lori Johnson. Front row: Amanda Vlastas, Allison Mercado and Barbara Murray.

MAN OF THE HOUR Sterling blows out sparkler candles on his favorite pineapple upside-down cake with a little help from neighbor Maura Montgomery.

SISTERS LOVE STERLING Lexi Mercado, 7, and sister Sofia, 11, think of Sterling as family. They surprised him with a poster-size 98th birthday card.

BIRTHDAY WISHES It took a poster-size card to contain neighbors’ sentiments about Sterling. Allison Mercado’s daughters Lexi and Sofia made the card for their favorite neighbor.