Page 18 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 3, 2025 MUSINGS | FROM PAGE 17 like a beacon of our youthful escapades. Figgy lugged an old blackand-white TV to the inner sanctum, its tiny screen flickering with the grainy magic of three glorious channels. The scent of a hibachi grill wafted through the air as we grilled midnight snacks beneath the stars. We’d sit in that dim, dreamy glow, savoring Johnny Carson’s wit, Don Kirschner’s Rock Concert vibes, and the timeless grit of Jimmy Cagney films. The Bandstand wasn’t just a place, it was a portal, connecting us to laughter, music and a cherished childhood. Those nights weren’t just gatherings; they were the moments that etched the spirit of Devir Park into our hearts forever. • The shade trees planted as saplings on the Emerald Street side (in front of the Kelliher, Durso, McCarthy, Petrangelo, McFarland and Guerin houses) sometime in the early 1970s have matured and have really enhanced the beauty of the park. Savvy Senior by Jim Miller How Long to Keep Tax Records and Other Documents Dear Savvy Senior, Is there a rule of thumb on how long someone should keep their old financial paperwork? I have file cabinets full of old receipts, bank and brokerage statements, tax returns and more that I would like to toss. Recently Retired Dear Recently, It’s a great question. As we get older and our financial life gets more complicated, it’s difficult to know how long to keep old financial records and paperwork and when it’s safe to get rid of them. Some things you’ll need to hold on to for your whole life and others for just a month or so. Here’s a checklist I’ve created that can help you determine what to save and what you can throw away. Keep One Month • ATM receipts and bank-deposit slips, as soon as you match them up with your monthly statement. • Credit card receipts after you get your statement, unless you might return the item or need proof of purchase for a warranty. • Credit card statements that do not have a tax-related expense on them. • Utility bills when the following month’s bill arrives showing that your prior payment was received. If you wish to track utility usage over time, you may want to keep them for a year, or if you deduct a home office on your taxes keep them for seven years. To avoid identity theft, be sure you shred anything you throw away that contains your personal or financial information. Keep One Year • Paycheck stubs until you get your W-2 in January to check its accuracy. • Bank statements (savings and checking account) to confirm your 1099s. • Brokerage, 401(k), IRA and other investment statements until you get your annual summary (keep longer for tax purposes if they show a gain or loss). • Receipts for health care bills in case you qualify for a medical deduction. Keep Seven Years Supporting documents for your taxes, including W-2s, 1099s, and receipts or canceled checks that substantiate deductions. The IRS usually has up to three years after you file to audit you but may look back up to six years if it suspects you substantially underreported income or committed fraud. Keep Indefinitely • Tax returns with proof of filing and payment. You should keep these for at least seven years, but many people keep them forever because they provide a record of your financial history. • IRS forms that you filed when making nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA or a Roth conversion. • Retirement and brokerage account annual statements as long as you hold those investments. • Defined-benefit pension plan documents. • Savings bonds until redeemed. • Loan documents until the loan is paid off. • Vehicle titles and registration information as long as you own the car, boat, truck, or other vehicle. • Insurance policies as long as you have them. • Warranties or receipts for big-ticket purchases for as long as you own the item, to support warranty and insurance claims. Keep Forever Personal and family records like birth certificates, marriage license, divorce papers, Social Security cards, military discharge papers and estate-planning documents including a power of attorney, will, trust and advanced directive. Keep these in a fireproof safe or safe-deposit box. Reduce Your Paper To reduce your paper clutter, consider digitizing your documents by scanning them and converting them into PDF files so you can store them on your computer and back them up onto a cloud like Microsoft OneDrive, Apple iCloud or iDrive. You can also reduce your future paper load by switching to electronic statements and records whenever possible. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. • There was a wading pool just about where the basketball court now meets the children’s playground: a circular asphalt hole in the ground with a metal pipe jutting up of the middle, water gushing out of said pole at about 150 m.p.h. leaving bruises noticeable for weeks. • Before the wild rush of water, Park Instructors Tom Powers, Ed ‘Porky’ Garrant, Perry Verge, Donna Angelo or Cliff “Mr. Big Stuff” were the unsung heroes – broom in hand, making sure no broken glass would ruin the fun. Meanwhile, down in the cellar under the Bandstand, Monte, Roger or Charlie Santos were ready for the mission: turn on the water, a gift from the heavens on those scorching summer days. The park was ready – the crowd was waiting – and nothing was more refreshing than that first splash of cool water when the tap was finally turned on! Postscript: Though my Devir Park days may be in the rear-view mirror, my heart leaps with joy at the sight of its long-awaited transformation. The revitalized charm has sparked smiles far and wide, including from Rec Department Big Cheese Joe Levine, who shares in the delight over its evolving aesthetics. A heartfelt thank you to Ward 2 Councillor Paul “Hoss” Condon, Jenelle DeVits, Friends of Devir Park, and the many dedicated city officials who have turned this dream into a beautiful reality. Here’s to the new memories this treasured space will inspire! —Peter is a longtime Malden resident and a regular contributor to The Malden Advocate. He can be reached at PeteL39@aol. com for comments, compliments or criticisms. OBITUARIES Martin Anthony Ciccolo It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Martin Anthony Ciccolo, who was born on March 8, 1932, in Boston, Massachusetts, and passed away on December 29, 2024. Martin's life was one of complex character and dedicated service. Martin is survived by his four daughters: Angela Ciccolo of Revere, MA; Brigadier General (Ret.) Theresa Prince of Sandy Run, SC; Gina LoConte of Saugus, MA; and Debra Clayton of Wareham, MA. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Anthony LoConte, Frankie LoConte, Dominic LoConte, Gia Ciccolo, Elaine McCarthy, 2d Lt. Kenneth Prince, and Julia Prince. As well as five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Gertrude and Angelo Ciccolo; his brother, Joseph Ciccolo; his sisters, Mary Dean and Francis Moody; and his Former wife Elaine Ciccolo. Martin served his country as a proud Marine during the Korean War and his community as a captain of the Malden Fire Department. Known for his cantankerous nature, he was also a fitness enthusiast who enjoyed a beer or two. In true Boston fashion, Martin was a familiar face at Dunkin' Donuts and was often seen wearing his Yankees cap around the city, a testament to his unique spirit and character. Rest in peace, Martin. Your service and distinctive personality will be remembered by all who knew you. A private funeral service will be held for Martin at a later date. Roberta Rea (Domenico) Mauriello Roberta Rea Mauriello (Domenico) of Malden, born April 23, 1942, to Anthony and Lucy Rea Domenico, passed away at home on Monday 12/30/24 surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of Francis Mauriello. Loving mother of Dennis and his wife Lisa and Steven and his wife Kiera. Nona to grandchildren Derek and his fiancé Julia Junker, Gerard, Zaden, and Nyla. Sister of Raymond Domenico and his wife JoAnne of Plattsburgh, NY. Loving aunt to many nephews and nieces. Also survived by many cousins dear to her. Roberta was passionate about OBITS | SEE PAGE 19
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