Even in death, Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson had an effect on those gathered along Market Street — police officers, passers by and business owners — as his body was delivered Wednesday to the Civic Center for his funeral.

“He would send food, toys, whatever I needed,” recalled Anderson’s friend and former Poughkeepsie City Councilwoman Ann Perry, who came to pay respects.

Perry said she admired Anderson because he never forgot about the community’s children. She said every time she would be planning events — without fail — Anderson’s office would contact her to ask how the sheriff could help.

“He cared for the community,” Perry said. “He cared for the children in the community. I know that personally because of his kindness toward me for the children.”

Anderson died in his sleep on Sept. 29. He was 72.

He became a Dutchess County deputy in 1970, undersheriff in 1993 and sheriff starting in 1999. He was also mayor of his hometown, Pawling, for eight years.

Inside the Civic Center, state Sen. Sue Serino told the crowd of about 300 she respected Anderson because he preached the importance of family — in public, on the job and everywhere.

Serino spoke about the first time she visited with the sheriff and some new recruits.

“I learned that part of the assignment was to go home and cook a meal for their families,” she said. "Because he understood the risks that these men and women were signing up to take each and every single day, and he wanted them to know how important quality time with loved ones really is.”

Serino ended the tribute by saying the best way for the community to honor Anderson was for everyone to go home and make dinner for their families.