THE REVERE ADVOCATE–Friday, October 4 , 2019 Page 15 Revere remembers lives lost to addiction A By Tara Vocino lthough loved ones remember daily, they remembered together during the 13th Annual Revere Beach Memorial at the William Reinstein Bandstand, which was a candlelight vigil in remembrance of those lives lost to the disease of addiction. Felipe Aguilera spoke in memory of his older brother, John, 44, who died of a drug overdose. He said he looked up to him and admired his gogetter, fearless attitude. “I stand here today, because I believe we need to educate others that people that struggle with addiction and mental illness are somebody’s father, brother, son, mother, sister, daughter, etc.,” said Aguilera, who grew up in Fords Village in Beachmont. “I think people forget that sometimes.” He encouraged listeners to not judge addicts, but instead help them to recover, as referenced in First John in the Bible: “A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you. So you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35 NIV). He went on to say that nobody can do it alone. “It takes a community,” Aguilera said. “Together we can make a difference and help one another.” Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@gmail.com. Event organizers: Police Chief James Guido, Harm Reduction Specialist contractor Gary Langis, North Suffolk Mental Health Director of Addiction Services Kim Hanton, Substance Use Disorder Initiatives (SUDI) Office Direct Services Coordinator Carrieann Salemme, Police Capt. Amy O’Hara, SUDI Director Julia Newhall, Healthy Streets Outreach Program Health Educator Christopher Alba, Revere CARES Program Manager Viviana Cataño, Probation Officer Judy Lawler, Revere Beach Committee Member Debbie Hanscom and Chelsea District Court Asst. Chief Probation Officer Frank Russo. Shown, embracing each other, are mothers Patricia Walz who lost her sons, James Michael and Christopher, and Melani Falagan, who lost her son, Rocco, to the disease of addiction. Behind them, Jacob Baril becomes emotional thinking about his uncle, Justin, who died. At bottom left is Lynne Baker, who lost her friend Peg to substance abuse. Also shown is Charlie Patch, who lost his best friend, Holly Alcri. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Guest speaker Felipe Aguilera, who spoke in memory of his brother, John, said he stands there today because he believes people need to be educated that people who struggle with addiction and mental illness are somebody’s father, brother, son, mother, sister or daughter. Boston Bruins singer Todd Angilly belts out “The StarSpangled Banner” and “Ave Maria” beautifully. Family and friends placed photographs of their loved one who died from an overdose on a memorial wall. Mayor Brian Arrigo listens to the names being read of those who died from drug and/or alcohol addiction. Police Chief James Guido, Ward 6 City Councillor Charles Patch, Councillorat-Large Steven Morabito, Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, Ward 4 City Councillor/Council Vice President Patrick Keefe, Ward 6 City Councillor candidate Richard Serino and Ward 1 City Councillor Joanne McKenna showed their support. Karen Simonelli remembers her brother, Richard, who died from alcoholism, during the 13th Annual Revere Beach Memorial at the William Reinstein Bandstand. Police Capt. Amy O’Hara reads the names of those who lost the battle. Firefighters Lenny DiBartolomeo and Gregg Bowen ring the bell as each name is read aloud. Ward 2 City Councillor Ira Novoselsky, Councillor-atLarge Steven Morabito, Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto and Ward 1 City Councillor Joanne McKenna hold candles as bells are rung in memory of those lost to addiction, and each name is read aloud.
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