JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Dr. Vincent D'Alessandro received the honor of a lifetime Tuesday morning.

The 92-year-old Johnston pediatrician retired two weeks ago after more than 60 years on the job.

Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr., who was one of D'Alessandro's patients, gifted him a key to the town to celebrate the major milestone.

"I can't express enough the profound impact that Dr. D had on me," Polisena said. "It really is the end of an era."

Dozens of D'Alessandro's former patients attended the surprise ceremony to congratulate him on his retirement.

"I remember faces ... and oddly enough, I can picture them when they were small," D'Alessandro said of reconnecting with his former patients. "It's amazing how time comes back to you."

This is only the second time Polisena Jr. has p

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