Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 19, 2021 Malden Today, Tomorrow and Yesterday... R.I.P. Frank “Skip” Capraro By Peter F. Levine W ord spread quickly last week that Frank “Skip” Capraro had shuffled off this mortal coil. Not a surprise to many of us who knew Skippy was in bad health, but we were all still stunned and saddened by the news – taking comfort, though, in the knowledge that Skippy was not cheated out of his fair share of good times in life. Skippy was from Medford (please don’t hold that against him). He had many friends in Medford and Malden. He started working for the Medford/Malden-based hard rock outfit Extreme in the early years, eventually becoming an important member of the Extreme machinery during the glory days of Extreme. Skippy was in the belly of the beast when they were out conquering the whole wide world. Relishing every moment of it. Check out that big glorious “illegal smile” of his as he snuck a peek at the crowd from behind (his brother-in-law) Paul (Geary’s) drum kit at about the one minute mark from the video of Extreme ripping through their Queen medley at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992. Few in attendance that day at Wembley will ever forget that career-enhancing 15-minute set from Extreme, or Skip’s “illegal smile” – in front of one billion people worldwide, no less. Skip was a big man – in heart and soul, figuratively and literally – a gentle giant who found great pleasure in helping others (like me), caring for his children and yes (on occasion), spiritually engaging the holy herb. Years ago, when I traveled the long, dusty roads of this great country of ours with Extreme, Skip was the guy who made sure I was comfortable. Made sure all were taken care of; always there for us with that omnipresent “illegal smile,” garrulous personality, and the pre-show roar “it’s showtime, Pete!” Al Marks was also on board in those early, heady days of Extreme as they marched across the country on the heels of their mega hit “More Than Words.” Al hails from Maryland and was the former Marketing/Artist Development guy at A&M Records when Extreme burst on the scene. Al knows all the heavy hitters in the business and has held many positions during his long and storied career – a really cool guy who made the impersonal business of rock and Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net THE GANGS ALL HERE: The late Frank “Skip” Capraro, Tracey Glynn, “Malden: Today, Tomorrow and Yesterday” author Peter Levine, Malden Police Dept. Patrolman George MacKay and rock star/ man of leisure Gary Cherone. (Courtesy Photo) roll management, personal. His heartfelt words about Skip resonated with a lot of us that knew him. Al speaks: “I just returned to my house and was checking messages when I came across the news that Frank ‘Skip’ Capraro has lost his battle and passed from this earthly plane. ‘Skip’ and I met on the first Extreme tour way back in 1989. He was a force of Nature with that New England accent and attitude as well as being a lot of fun to be around. Whether he was running around backstage taking care of things for the band, making his debut in the first video shoot, or holding court on the bus after the show he was always someone to behold. ‘Skip’ you helped make things so interesting in the early days of Extreme as they were conquering the world of touring and your charisma will never be forgotten. I am sorry you lost your battle my friend, but I will always keep you dear to my heart. So many memories, so many good times.” It is said in Malden; today, tomorrow and yesterday... I hereby grant all DPW workers a day off after the incredible job of keeping the streets of Malden clear of snow after the Nor’easter of Feb 1st hit us. Bobby (Knox) had his guys out pre gaming in anticipation so when the white stuff hit, the streets were prepared. Thank you so much, gentlemen, for the hard work! Run it by Bobby first before you take that day off, though. Thank you for the kind words about my column, Debbie Lungo. Flattery will get you everywhere. Stay well and stay safe. Stop the presses! There has been a Breno Giacomini sighting in Malden! Breno (he of the 12-year NFL career and Malden’s GOAT) was spotted at All Season’s Table on a busy Thursday night dining and schmoozing with a couple of his good time buds. He ordered one of everything on the menu. Douglas was happy. Of course, I kid. Maybe between Breno and I we ordered one of everything. Very happy to report the food was as good as usual, maybe even better because we had not been since goodness knows when! Breno looks good. Looks like he could still suit up. Maybe Brady needs a little bit more protection next year?! This gentle giant never forgot where he came from! Love that about Maldonians! Guys like Breno and Ed Markey and Gary Cherone. Need I say more. On a Breno side note: I shot to the top of the list with my grandson Christian (who was with me at the time) when I explained that Breno was a Super Bowl champ and that I knew him. Thanks, Breno! I’m thinking of collaborating on a chapbook with Public Facilities’ Joe Laporte. The title will be “The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly; From Maplewood Square to Edgeworth & All Points in Between.” We name names and expose the colorful and not so colorful characters from one great neighborhood to the other. What do ya think?! My brother Joe and I walked the bike path from behind Sum Studio on Eastern Avenue through the Square, past Anthony’s on Canal to the Bell Rock Cemetery on Medford Street. Damn that was fun! Loved it! Saw Malden from a different vantage point. Very interesting. Good job, Malden! It’s fast approaching the oneyear date of birth (Valentine’s Day) of my beloved granddaughter, Lana. That face, that smile, that personality – smitten at first hold. Love you, Lana; happy birthday, sweetie. “This is the end, beautiful friend, this is the end, my only friend, the end” – Harry Lyon’s mom, Alice, passed away February 12, 2020. She was 96 and died peacefully in the comfort of her own home. How fortunate for that. “The cycle of life” as her son Harry lovingly recalled. Most likely you do not know Harry. Harry was quiet and unassuming growing up. We were school mates together all the way from that fateful day in November of 1963 until the waning days of the Vietnam War in ’75. Emerson School and Miss Paradise’s first grade class to Beebe Jr. High and Miss Bothwell’s Home Room (room 215?) – all the way up to and through MHS, Class of 1975 – a long, strange trip indeed. Harry and I were not best of friends as children. We grew up only a street apart from each other but that was as close as we were. I could throw a baseball at his home on Watts from mine on Charles. But we never played ball together. Our mothers were closer. My mother just adored Alice and the feeling was mutual. I ran with my crowd. Harry was on his own path. I have always respected him and that life journey. I always hoped the feelings were mutual. We would run into each other from time to time. Catch up on life. That was the extent of our relationship. When I ran into him last week in the parking lot of Stop & Shop, time stood still. It had been years since we last saw each other. We recognized one MALDEN: TODAY| SEE PAGE 7
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