Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 28, 2025 ~ Malden Musings ~ Deb Burke...Step Right Up By Peter Levine C ity Hall will see many leaders come and go, but another Debbie Burke? Fuhgeddaboudit! That’s a once-in-a-lifetime presence that won’t be walking through those doors again anytime soon. She was one of a kind – a true professional and a person I have thought highly of ever since her days at David Brickman’s Malden Evening News. Deb didn’t just serve Malden; she poured her heart into it, shaping its story with dedication, kindness, and an unwavering sense of integrity. Although she has since retired and ridden off into Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Celebrating 66 Years in Business! Owned & Operated by the Conti Family since 1958 “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roof ng • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! the sunset, her legacy is far from gone. As long as there is a Maldonia, there will be echoes of Debbie Burke’s impact – her passion, her influence, her spirit. That’s not hyperbole. That’s the truth. Her departing message to colleagues before she drove down Pleasant Street one last time was pure gold. Leaving with class and dignity, her usual savoir faire shining like a well-cut stone, casting one last enigmatic smile over her shoulder – an exit befitting a legend but not before imparting these last words: “By now, I am sure that most of you are aware that I will be retiring after many years of service in the City of Malden. My last official day as the Director of OSPCD will be Jan. 9, 2025. I have had the pleasure of working with many of you over the years. It has been a great relationship, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working in an environment where ‘teamwork’ and support for each other thrives. The City is moving in the right direction, and I am proud to have played some part in key initiatives including the transformation of Malden’s downtown through the mixed-use redevelopment effort that now houses Malden City Hall. All of you deserve a ‘shout out’ for all that you do to keep Malden moving on a day-to-day basis.” Wait, I ain’t done! Deb graciously agreed to answer some questions for enquiring minds in Maldonia. Of course, she socked it over the Bandstand and out of Devir Park (like Robby Santo used to do!). Have at it, Deb: Question: What one thing would people be surprised to learn about you? Answer: I was born and raised in Medford. Yes, little known secret I am a Medford Mustang, but at an early age I became quickly attached to my adopted city of Malden. From skating at the Rez and sledding down “Seven Bumps” at an early age to attending fireworks displays over Devir Park to shopping for shoes and Former Malden Mayors Richie Howard and Ed Lucey, Deb Burke and current Mayor Gary Christenson dresses in Malden Square, my affection for the city runs deep. Q: Where would you most like to buy a one-way ticket to? A: Any beach with white sands, turquoise colored water and temps in the low 80s. Q: What person, alive or dead, would you like to eat dinner with? A: Lucille Ball, a female comedian, who broke barriers for women. Besides dinner I would welcome the chance to stomp grapes by her side in Italy or work at the chocolate factory with her (inside jokes for those familiar with the show I Love Lucy). Q: What’s one song to play to put yourself in a good mood? A: I don’t have just one. Lol. But I would say anything Motown. Some of my friends call me the Dancing Queen. Q: What is the one piece of advice that most changed your life? A: Don’t overreact. One of my former bosses told me once if you are upset with someone write them a letter. Put that letter in a drawer and look at it the Spring is Here!
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