THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 5, 2024 ~ Malden Musings ~ Page 3 Ernie Ardolino Sr. – 1938-2023 By Peter Levine I t is said in “Malden Musings”... • Ernie Ardolino Sr. passed away peacefully at the ripe old age of 85 recently after having experienced a rich, fruitful life all the while (all agreed) living “la dolce vita.” A sweetheart of a man full of character, charm, individuality, passion and “infectious joy,” as son Ernie explained to us during the eulogy. Ernie Sr. was thought of by many as an iconic fi gure – a real true-life legend who really did lead “the sweet life” – before the word “legend” started being thrown around so casually by people much less worthy than Mr. A. Roberto DeMarco ran for Councillor-at-Large recently. Malden missed a unique opportunity to vote in a man of virtue and a “Son of Malden” with no personal agenda or axe to grind. Virtue being so rare these days. Roberto also possesses a huge heart – couple that with a pragmatic intellect with only the good and welfare of Malden’s vast diverse population in mind. Fuhgeddaboudit! Sorry ’bout that, I jumped on my soapbox – once again, I digress. Roberto knew Ernie Sr. well. Roberto and most everybody else in Edgeworth are related to Ernie (insert smiley face). Roberto speaks: “Known by many and loved by many more, ‘Uncle Ernie’ was larger than life. If you knew him, even for a moment, you would know that the words ‘unique,’ ‘broke the mold,’ and ‘unforgettable’ pale when describing this legend. His mark on this world was felt by all who entered into his line of sight. As my cousin said to me recently, the stories are multitude. I heard a few new ones recently that have given me reason to laugh even as we mourn.’ ‘He will be missed by many but likely my Aunt Anna is making his afterlife memorable. And likely he has already absconded with St. Peter’s keys and started a morning coff ee meeting at DD with the Heavenly Host.’ ‘Love and prayers to Ernie, Elana, Diane and Laurie and the kids and family.’ ‘This world is a little less bright and a lot less fun today.” • Ernie Ardolino Sr. first appeared on my radar screen probably 40 years or so ago. He popped into our lives as the unoffi cial greeter at the Highland Cafe with that sparkling personality with a head of shocking gray hair, guiding us to the next available table for the best pizza north of Hanover Street in the North End. Quick question: Was he born with gray hair?! Pictured from left to right: Angela Winn, Marianna CavutoDiMarco, Marie, Kerri Cagno, Maria Gennetti, Kristin Gennetti, Lisa Gennetti Lipani, Dina Robinson and – front and center – Ernie Ardolino Sr. Fast forward to 2022, Ernie now resides in West Peabody. From time to time, I would run into him at DD on Lowell Street at the corner of Lake, where he would hold court with his paisans. We would talk about his fi ne young boy Ernie Jr. and all things Malden (Ernie, I know I don’t need to say this, but...he was extremely proud of you, which came up in every talk with him, by the way.) Ernie Sr. made friends easily. He was that type of human being. On one of our fi rst meetings at DD he introduced me to his new associates. All were gentlemen whose age was north of 75 or so. All names have been changed to protect the innocent. There was Sal from East Boston, who looked like an extra from Tony Soprano’s crew. He introduced me to Ronny, who looked like he might have gone a couple of rounds with the late Tony DeMarco. Then there was Tommy, a Mike Mazurki lookalike; Boston Herald in his extra-large right hand, large black coff ee in his extra-large left hand and what looked like a most menacing scowl across his well-defined but pleasant face. Ernie found a home. • Emerald Street girl (and Kim Bionelli’s little sister) Judy was in the rafters at the Immaculate tearing our hearts out with that gorgeous voice of hers before gently placing them back where they belong. I held it together during “How Great Thou Art” but lost it during “O, Holy Night.” Judy even had that crusty old curmudgeon from Maine, former somebody, Malden Superintendent of Cemeteries Jimmy Cahill (remember him?), wiping away a tear or two (insert smiley face). Fab job, Judy (I hear you were Ernie’s fave) – say hi to mom for me. As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing sir,” – with the passing of Ernie Ardolino Sr. we lose yet another “Son of Edgeworth.” Although Ernie was a Meffa guy, he married into Edgeworth royalty when he and Anna (Puleo) became man and wife. Thus, becoming one of us (gabba, gabba hey!). Ernie was part of all our lives. That is no exaggeration as witnessed by the mile long line during his wake at the Immaculate Conception Church. Edgeworth has taken its fair share of hits recently, but the MUSINGS| SEE PAGE 21 $3.64 $3.98
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