Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 8, 2024 ~ Malden Musings ~ Charlie Byrne Remembered By Peter Levine C harles J. Byrne, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 2 of last year. What more can a person ask for? Mr. Byrne was my social studies teacher at Beebe Jr. High School. He was a really good man, exceptional educator at Beebe and valued role model shaping our young minds. My admiration for Mr. Byrne has lasted a lifetime – somebody I have looked up to (both fi guratively and literally) since the 7th grade. Charlie was blessed with a large, beautiful family. Imagine – four children and 11 grandchildren! What a wonderful life! I recall the fi rst time running into Mr. Byrne at the Highland Cafe when I became of drinking age. From time-to-time Charlie and fellow Beebe teacher Jim O’Connell would enjoy a pint or two at the bar along with one of the Highland’s famous pies. So, I walk into the bar area, spy them bellying up, nursing a draft and, of course, as we were all brought up back then, I address them as “Mister.” “Hello Mr. Byrne, hello Mr. O’Connell.” Both look at me and in unison in a stern tone bark, “Our names are Charlie and Jim!” Never to be forgotten. I had joined the Club; I was now an adult. I just loved that guy. Rest in peace, Mr. Byrne. Bobby Patrie grew up at Devir Park; he had these words to say about Mr. Byrne: “An outstanding baseball coach at Beebe. Got us ready to play high school ball. When I coached soccer I would quote him, “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes habits. Only perfect practice makes perfect!” I had much respect for Charlie Byrne even as a Jr Higher. May God keep family, friends and colleagues for His comfort and grace this Christmas season.” It is said in “Malden Musings”... • Malden...beyond Edgeworth. This week’s article will not contain the word Edgeworth. Edgeworth-free, one week only. Insert smiley face. • Interesting bit of Malden trivia discovered recently as I scanned through my latest collection of “Malden - This Week” issues donated to me by living legend Ronny “The Old Ranger” Cox. I’ve known Ronny since the summer of ’72 (he always had great moss, btw) – and believe me on this one, Malden – Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net if Ron had been paid what he was worth for what he did for the youth of Malden and for the positive impact he has made in this city for the last 50-plus years, he’d be a multimillionaire! On a side note, and this is just my opinion, MATV aka UMA has not been the same since he left. But I digress...this gem appeared in a June 20, 1985, copy: “Red Sox tenants at the Malden Granada Highlands (now Altitude Apt) are Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Al Nipper, Bruce Kison, Jackie Gutierrez, and Mike Trujillo. Sox wives will hold a Charity Las Vegas Night at the Colonial on June 27th. Committee includes Joan Stanley, Debbie Boggs (pre-Margo scandal), Debbie Clemens, and Cheryl Hoff man.” • All the platters that matter! Currently on my turntable: the classic 1958 Ames Brothers release, “Destination Moon.” The four Malden brothers are pictured on the cover in black tuxedos examining the Moon’s surface in this space age–inspired ode to the American public’s fascination with space travel. The cover alone is worth the price, but you haven’t heard “Stella by Starlight” until you’ve heard the Suff olk Square lad’s version. • Richie Cremone Redux: Some dream of silver & gold (hey, there’s a Hank Williams Sr. song there), lottery riches or luxury vacations aboard Viking cruise line. On this cold, wintry late February Saturday evening – as I sit on my recliner watching the Harry-O episode “Double Jeopardy” (David Janssen, 1975) directed by John (One Step Beyond) Newland with special guest (pre–Charlie’s Angels) Farrah Fawcett – I (once again) dream of Richie Cremone’s chicken soup. The soup that made Chef Richie famous and I fall in love with him again (both ~ Home of the Week ~ This Cape Cod style home features eight rooms and offers three bedrooms. The kitchen boasts granite countertops, and there’s a fireplace in the living room which opens up to the dining room. The stunning first-floor living room adds to the charm of the home. With two and a half baths, including one on the first floor, this home also includes a main bedroom on the first floor and an alarm system. Situated on a large corner lot, this property is located in a super convenient location. 128 MAIN STREET, SAUGUS Carpenito Real Estate is now Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate OFFERED AT $660,000 (781) 233-7300 335 Central St. Saugus Commonmoves.com ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Charlie Byrne & Jim O’Connell at the Highland Cafe (Peter F. Levine photo) fi guratively and literally!). • The Malden/Medford-based rock band Extreme are at the top of their game once again – ripping it up around the world without an end in sight. The last “scheduled” show on this never-ending tour is on July 4 at Ferrara Buskers Festival 2024 in Ferrara, Italy. But I highly doubt it if it ends there. They are on a serious roll! Did you know that... Gary (Cherone) and Nuno (Bettencourt) wrote the Market Basket smash hit “More Than Words” on the steps of Gary’s childhood home on Highland Avenue? • I am very happy to report that the North End’s most famous destination for square slices, Galleria Umberto, continues to make the best pie in Boston! This Hanover Street institution – owned and operated by brothers Ralphie and Paul Deuterio (both old Malden Y guys) – has been serving up the best Sicilian slices of pizza, the best arancini, the best panzerotti and the best calzone since JFK was in offi ce! Many more years of success, gentlemen, see you soon! • Special shout-out to M & M Liquors on Broadway for proudly serving the Malden and Melrose area with the coldest beer in town – since 1934! You read that right! They are third-generation family-owned and operated, and it shows! Thanks to Gary and the whole staff for being there all these years for us! And thanks for ensuring the Ballantine Ale is always stocked (insert smiley face)! • Last week I misidentified where Fergie, Jonesy, Brick, Pitty and Benny were sitting. Apologies go out to John at Floramo’s for misidentifying Floramo’s as the 621 Tavern. Again, both fabulous family owned “townie” restaurants where you never get a bad meal or a bad pour. I hope to visit both again in the very near future. • They were the young bloods that ran crazy wild through the neighborhood, the youngsters who owned the streets some 45 years ago, from Avon Street all the way down Highland Avenue to Beebe (occasionally getting into mischief). Jimmy Walker, Bobby Barry and Tony Cardarelli had a mini reunion last Friday night at the I.A.C.C. on Pearl Street with glory day stories thrown around faster than a Nolan Ryan fastball. A touch of gray here, a hint of paunch there (except Jimmy! He ain’t no Joey Walker, but damn, Jimmy aged well!), the three amigos never skipped a beat. It was 1976 all over again! Great seeing you, guys, next time at San Rock! • I hate to see the destruction of 15 Ferry St. It saddens me to see more of Malden’s past disappear. Have we not learned anything in the past 50 years? • Anybody who knows Billy Settemio knows he has a million stories. I am trying to document some of the more “printable” ones in future columns. It’s a work in progress. Next time you see him, let him know you want to read some of them (especially the night in 1978 Montrose’s Sammy Hagar took over the bar!). There are “8 million stories in the naked city.” Billy has 9 million! • Richie Sica turns 70?! Don’t seem possible. Seventy, the new sixty! Must be because he married so well! Looking good, Richie! As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” – it’s been a little over a year since he passed, but Jack Drane certainly left a huge hole in our hearts when he departed. Jack was one of Malden’s most lovable and special characters. In the late 1980s through the 1990s he held court at his music/memorabilia store (“Jack’s Music”) a stone’s throw from (the late, but not great) “Beast That Ate Pleasant Street.” Just as hapMUSINGS| SEE PAGE 19
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