Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 3, 2025 YEAR | FROM PAGE 9 lized eyesore in the community for the past several years. The Mayor also stated the challenges that were now associated with the project, which involved soil remediation and the removal of three feet of urban fill from timated at well over $2 million. *** It was a ‘Year of Bob’: honors for the iconic Bob Rotondi, then his sad passing at age 85 in June He received a major honor in March, then later that month Bob Rotondi, who passed away after having been in poor health for years. At his birthday party in late March, It was a veritable “Who’s Who” of the city of MalFIRST SCHOOL in MASS. TO RAISE BRAZILIAN FLAG: Malden High School was the first public high school in Massachusetts to display the Brazilian national flag this school year, or ever in state history. (Advocate File Photos) BRAZIL FLAG DAY: A group of Malden High School students of Brazilian culture join MHS Jenkins House Principal Jayson Payeur in celebrating Brazilian Flag Day at the school. the entire park, before drainage materials and synthetic surface field cover were installed. The cost for removing those three feet of urban fill alone is now esover 300 packed the same hall to sing “Happy 85th Birthday.” But sadly, just weeks later, in early June, it was time to say goodbye to “Mr. Malden Babe Ruth,” den, from toddlers to octogenarians – like the Grand Poobah honoree himself. It was also the day to pay tribute to the walking, talking icon/encyclopedia of Malden Babe Ruth Baseball himself. Many say it may have been the biggest birthday party ever held in the city. Malden mayors “galore” were in attendance: present “city CEO” Gary Christenson, his predecessor former Mayor Richard Howard, former Mayor Ed Lucey. Bob had been involved with Baseball as a player, coach, manager and league administrator since the 1950s – about 70 years. He has been the only manager of the Malden Babe Ruth Knights for over 60 years. It was not a day to go over records, wins, losses and championships, though Bob has plenty of those to his credit as well, but a day to say “hello” to Bob, wish him well and thank him for all his service to the Malden community. In early March, Bob was the Legacy Inductee into the newly established Malden Baseball Legacy Hall of Fame. On June 2, Bob Rotondi passed away and it was time to say “farewell” to a Malden legend. *** Farewell to the ‘Man they called Butch’: A 62-year Malden Police Dept. veteran as Patrolman and Commissioner, a true Malden legend and icon Salvatore “Butch” Gennetti, a lifelong resident of Malden, passed away on June 28. Butch was a veteran of the Malden Police Department for over 62 years where he worked as a patrolman assigned to various functions over his long career, including vice, the detective unit and crime prevention, and was appointed by Mayor Richard Howard as the Malden Police Commissioner in June 2010, and then by Mayor Christenson, a position he held until his recent passing. Butch has long been active in local government and community organizations. In addition to his esteemed career with the Malden Police Department, he was also a past President of the Malden Police Relief Association, past member of the Malden Police Honor Guard, member of the Malden Police Softball team and former league President, Mayor Howard’s Ombudsman, Malden School Committee member for eight years and two years as Chairman, cofounder and first President of the Malden Over 40 Softball League, manager of former Kappy’s Kops Softball Team, member of St. Rocco Society, past President and current board member of the Italian American Citizens Club, past President of Malden Kiwanis, past President BLACK REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIERS: A new memorial at Bell Rock Park recognizing 12 Black Revolutionary War soldiers for Malden was unveiled by Mayor Gary Christenson and Wyllis Rose Sr. from Emmanuel Baptist Church on June 28 – with Ward 1 Councillor Peg Crowe helping coordinate the day’s events. legacy in community June continued to be a sad Malden Veterans’ Services O fficer Kevin Jar vis , Mayor Gary Christenson and Superintendent of Cemeteries/Tree Warden Chris Rosa look at the new bronze World War I statue alongside the World I Memorial space at Devir Park on Malden Street. (Advocate File Photo) of the Brittolesi Mutual Aid Society, member of the Irish American Club, member of the Italian-American World War Veterans and member of Club Italia. *** Decorated World War II hero, longtime former Linden School principal ‘Bill’ Dempsey passes in June, at 99; left long, rich month, when William “Bill” T.J. Dempsey, a longtime resident of Malden, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, seven weeks short of his 100th birthday. The son of William and Barbara (Walsh) Dempsey, Bill was raised in Malden along with his nine siblings and cousin Barbara. He graduated from Boston College High School in 1942. After enrolling at Boston College, but before graduating, Bill enlisted in the Army. As a member of the 42nd Infantry (“Rainbow”) Division in World War II, his first combat action was in the Battle of the Bulge. His wartime experience included single-handedly halting the advance of a German surprise attack on his company, for which he won a Bronze Medal. On April 29, 1945, his squad played a key part in opening the gates and liberating the Dachau concentration camp, an experience that haunted him throughout his life. Bill lived and breathed Malden, where he had a long, successful career as an educator, first as a teacher at the Faulkner School, later as principal of the Pierce School and, for 27 years, as principal of the Linden School. It was at Linden that Bill really excelled at positively impacting young people. *** YEAR | SEE PAGE 11
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