Gary Hennessey, Frankie Spinale, Paul Skiffington and John Crannell. Each one a fine human being and 1975 MHS grads to boot. Skiff was MHS class of ’76 and Chief Molis was MC ’75, but we don’t hold that against them and still consider them one of us – LOL. Thank you, gentlemen, for your service and dedication to Malden. You all done us proud. Steve, all the best in retirement! You also done really good, my friend, stay well. • Wait one moment, Maldonia, late breaking correspondence from Steve’s big brother, 1974 MHS grad and anchor at third base with all those great Belmont Yard softball teams, big bro Fanny: “When we were growing up, it was pretty obvious that Steve wanted to pursue a career as either a firefighter or a police officer. So, when he graduated from the police academy and became an officer in the Malden Police Department, our entire family was very happy for him as well as very proud of him. He knew what he wanted to do, and he made it happen! The fact that he remained on the force for 30 plus years is indicative of his loyalty to the department and his commitment to the community. Enjoy your retirement, little brother!” • I am quite positive former Belmont Yard teammates (those who have passed on and those who are still with us), such as Dave Hammersley, Mike Ploumbidis, (the late) Mike Berry, (the late) Richie Danforth, Mike Cincotta, Tony Izzicupo, Wayne Vetree, (the late) Mike Moriarty, Mike Buckley, Dave Morrelli and his other big bro Bobby, would want to wish him all the best in life in retirement. Mazel Tov, Steve. Former corner office holder Jimmy Carter, after giving back to humanity his whole darn life “went on to his great reward” last week at age 100. My first vote back in the bicentennial year of 1976 shortly before his brother Billy turned me on to one of the best bad beers of all time, “Billy Beer!” Bowman Street’s most famous son, Kevin Larson (of course), had a brief encounter with fame way back when, and he is not shy in sharing his stories... A Walk Down Memory Lane: Kevin Larson’s Encounters with History Longtime Maldonian and Edyou, from the life of Kevin Larson: • The Year was 1976... It was sometime in March, and a youthful Kevin was working for Arthur Gobbeo. Alongside his brother Eddie, he was handling the Malden Evening News (MEN) for Arthur. The MEN’s office, nestled on Medford Street (not far from the old Stadium Cafe), was a pristine, opulent building. David Brickman, the editor, always had a special fondness for Kevin, constantly joking that he would (someday) be mayor of Malden. • Political Fever in the Air.... The Democratic Presidential Primaries were just a week away, and the MEN office became a hotspot for presidential hopefuls. Each candidate who walked through those doors was greeted by Mr. Brickman. One day, over the intercom, Mr. Brickman’s voice resonated, summoning Kevin to his office. Kevin, ever the political enthusiast, eagerly made his way down the hall. Mr. Brickman, fully aware of Kevin’s budding passion for politics, had a surprise in store. • A Presidential Encounter... As Kevin sat outside the office, anticipation buzzing, Mr. Brickman’s secretary ushered him in. There stood Mr. Brickman with another gentleman. With a twinkle in his eye, Mr. Brickman asked, “Do you know who this is?” Kevin, with confidence and bravado, replied, “Of course I do; you’re running for President of the U.S. You’re the peanut farmer from Georgia, Jimmy Carter!” The room erupted in laughter. Kevin shook hands with Carter, an unforgettable moment etched in time. Though the photo of this encounter remains elusive, Kevin’s vivid memory of that day lives on. • More Faces of History... The parade of politicians didn’t stop with Carter. Another notable figure was Elliot Richardson. In a similar fashion, Mr. Brickman asked Kevin if he recognized the gentleman. Kevin’s reply was spot on once again: “Yes, I know who you are. You were the Attorney General for Richard Nixon during the ‘Saturday Night Massacre!’” More laughter ensued, further cementing Kevin’s role as the office’s political prodigy. • The Pillars of Passion... THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 10, 2025 Kevin’s love for Malden histodie’s little brother, Kevin, recently reached out with another captivating tale – true stories, mind ry and American history wasn’t born in isolation. He attributes this passion to three remarkable Malden educators: Mr. Frank Adorn, Mr. Anthony Bavaro and Mr. Tom O’Donnell. These incredible social studies and history teachers left an indelible mark on Kevin, fueling his lifelong appreciation for the past, especially Malden’s past. As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just Page 7 one more thing, sir” – for no other reason than I am a big Danny Meyers fan (and I heard from Harold Sparrow recently when I left him and Danny off a list of Malden hoop studs from 1972), this week we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Danny making the 1st Team Catholic Conference All-Star Basketball Team at Malden Catholic in 1974 with teammate (6' 8") Harold “Puggo” Sparrow making the 2nd team. As I’ve stated before, Danny would have scored 40-plus per game in his sleep if the 3-point line were around – his range realized through hard work his whole life growing up. Danny dreamed of wearing the Bue & Gold for M.H.S. as a young baller, but M.C. provided a somewhat better hoop path for him. After much anguished reflection, he transferred as a sophomore. Danny says it was an “Amerige MUSINGS| SEE PAGE 19 If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available
8 Publizr Home