THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 16, 2026 ~ Malden Musings ~ Page 5 Billy Settemio — The Straw That Stirred Edgeworth’s Drink By Peter Levine W illiam “Billy” Settemio departed this mortal coil on November 11th, but not before living and loving his way through 68 years of glorious friendships, nonstop kindness, steadfast loyalty and the kind of everyday magic that only a real son of Edgeworth could conjure. Without even trying! Where do I start? Not an easy task when talking about my childhood goombah who I — 56 years ago — affectionately nicknamed “Willie Whiff” for his proclivity striking out in LL for Bob Covelle Sr.’s Giants. His inability to hit a fastball endeared him to us, forever. He loved the nickname, wore it proudly, and we had many laughs about it over the decades while enjoying a cocktail or two. Born and bred in God’s Country — the Edgeworth section of Malden — Billy was a true son of Malden, cut from that unmistakable Maldonian cloth and proud to flash his Malden High Class of ’75 bonafides wherever life took him. From the bustling chaos of the Stadium Café to the many miles logged through greater Boston for Cubby Oil, Billy stitched together a life overflowing with hard work, loyalty and the kind of laughter that could fill a room before he even filled it. That ain’t no lie. For more than 20 years, his presence overwhelmed the Stadium Café, transforming it into a legendary Edgeworth landmark where everyone knew your name, your backstory, and this being Billy, your drink of choice (long before you reached the bar). When he eventually traded the Stadium hustle for the Cubby oil biz, he didn’t leave his trademark grit or generosity behind. Over the next four decades, he became the guy you called when the heat went out (me included). And Billy? He never said no. Not once. Midnight in January? He was there. Sunday dinner just getting on the table? Fuhgeddaboudit! He grabbed the keys and jetted. Showing up wasn’t just something Billy did, it was who he was deep inside him. Billy with some of his favorite people: wife Michelle, grandkids Nolan & Kennedy. To many, he was “Uncle Billy”: the sparkplug in any gathering, the calm voice in a storm, the guy who could meet you once and greet you forever after like an old friend. In recent years, he and his beloved wife Michele built a sunny second life in Naples, Florida, where Billy did exactly what Billy always did: turned neighbors into friends and friends into family. But in his innermost soul, Billy was the ultimate family man. His universe spun around Michele, his children and especially his grandchildren: the little lights that brightened every corner of his world. And while half of Malden affectionately called him “Uncle Billy,” the title that sat closest to his heart was “Papa.” From my place in the universe, I could plainly see how much he so loved each and every one of those little ones who called him “Papa.” You could see it in his proud eyes each and every time he spoke of them. Billy Settemio lived the way every Maldonian/Edgeworthian hopes to be remembered: with loyalty that never, ever slowed down, (real) laughter that rolled through every room (I was very lucky to be part of quite a bit of that) and a love so generous it left people better just for having known him. Just for the record, this ain’t no fake news. It is said in Malden Musings... • I was in Marblehead recently for a remembrance celebrating my cousin Suzy’s life, and I’ve got to say, Marblehead absolutely blew me away. Stunning waterfront views; a quaint, postcard-perfect downtown; historic, ancient cemeteries that whisper stories from Marblehead’s glorious past; and plenty of cozy little hideaways if you’re in the mood for an adult beverage or two. It also happens to be home to MHS Alumni Hall of Famer Mike Goldman, who’s been residing in Marblehead for many moons now, and it’s easy to see why. The place has charm up the ying yang! Mike, Marblehead ain’t no Malden…but it is wicked awesome nonetheless! • A small Michael Goldman refresher for those with short memories...Michael (MHS 1967) is a Democratic political strategist and advisor (think Boston’s James Carville but on steroids), college professor, columnist, political communication consultant, media guru, radio & television analyst, president of “Goldman Associates,” a Malden High School Alumni Hall of Famer, a former alumni of Suffolk Square and (most of all) a VERY proud Maldonian. Mike’s been instrumental in the political careers of a man you may have heard of — the late Teddy Kennedy, as well as Mike Dukakis and former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. G Man has also served in the “kitchen cabinet” of former Governor Deval Patrick. Yeah, impressive! He did field work in New Jersey in 1968 for Robert Kennedy, was the Senior Advisor for (former NY Knick) Bill Bradley during his run for the presidency and (don’t hold this against him) he was also the Senior Advisor for John Edwards (LOL). Malden is very proud of you, Mike! • Malden Musings Redux: I sent this little ditty into The Boston Globe Magazine’s “50 Words” some time back and it was soundly rejected. Oh well. Good thing I have my own column! “Peter enjoys watching Combat! reruns (especially Season 5 in color), loves Bobby C’s Ristorante in Melrose aka Malden North, and has been known to enjoy a Ballantine Ale or two while relaxing on his recliner.” Without further ado...for your reading enjoyment (?) — 50 Words: 1963 Galleria Umberto...” • “1963. The walk from Carney Court in Charlestown to Parmenter Street in the North End is a short one. Mother taking the three of us to Galleria Umberto for square slices of pizza before square slices had a name. Before Ralph, Paul, and their parents opened up on Hanover Street.” • Malden Musings Redux...“It was long ago, and not so far away....” a couple of years before his major league baseball career would end tragically, Roy Campanella appeared at Patkin Cadillac on Eastern Avenue to sign autographs and shake hands with the locals. Patkin’s was located a stone’s throw from the long-gone Harry’s Showboat MUSINGS| SEE PAGE 11 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! www.810bargrille.com
6 Publizr Home