THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 30, 2025 Page 19 MUSINGS | FROM PAGE 7 a story. “Malden Musings” once again celebrates the Maldonians who left their fingerprints on the fabric of our city — not with headlines or grand gestures (unlike some elected officials in the not-so-distant past aka last June 4th) — but through their everyday grace, hard work and neighborly spirit. They made Malden a place worth calling home. They worked, played, laughed and leaned on each other — something that feels all the rarer in today’s fast-moving, fractured world exacerbated by those (at times) who should know better. In Malden, we remember. We hold dear those who came before us, the friendships that shaped our youth, and those still waiting to be made. Because, in my humble opinion, memories aren’t just things we carry — they’re threads that stitch us together. Who can deny that? Yeah, nobody. With that said, lest we forget... paraphrasing Elie Wiesel, “If we forget those who came before us, they will die a second time.” Maldonians who walked these streets, let’s say their name again... • Bill Mini: Father, husband, teacher/rabbi, historian, author, artist, lover of Malden and World War II vet. • Angelo “Sonny” Mercurio: Pearl Street Bakery manager/ West End of Boston expat. • Josephine M. Cherone: Kind, generous, giving mother of five fine boys. This world is a lot less rich with Mrs. C gone. • Joe Croken: Malden District Court Clerk Magistrate, YMCA Chowhound, friend to many, beloved raconteur. • Anthony “Papa Tony” Spadafora: Patriarch of the Spadafora clan, brother of World War II hero Albert and young Craigie’s grand-pappy. • Harry Mehos: Malden sports icon and Johnny and Mike’s older brother. An individual who 2025 Malden misses a great deal. • Laura Damiano: Saint Peter’s Church insider, treasured Edgeworthian and fierce protector of her four boys. • Walter Kelliher: Eight term Mayor of Malden, consummate insider, World War II Navy veteran. • Bobby Crowley: Singer of songs, father, husband, friend to many. • Joe D’Orsi: Founder of Harvard Pastry on Highland Ave.; born in Italy and World War II Army vet. • Stoneham’s Mario Cantone: Big Cheese at Cantone’s Italian Restaurant on Broad Street in Boston — later to be reinvented as one of the first “punk rock” clubs in Beantown. Bronze Star recipient in World War II and father to nationally known comedian Mario Cantone. Mario was also a proud YMCA Chowhound and one of the Y regulars back in the glory days of the old barn. And a really hot (expletive deleted). Many were the hours we spent entertained in the steam room as Mario dispensed words and tales of wisdom, much to our delight. • Bill Dempsey: World War II vet and witness to history. Teacher beloved by generations. Imagine being loved and venerated by generations?! I cannot. • Barney Kahn aka The Malden Square Dean of Merchants: The King of Kings in Malden Square for decades and The Square’s first Douglas Tran. • Papa Tony’s brother SS Albert N. Spadafora: World War II Army Air Force Gold Star hero. • Edmund Trabucco: Former Malden Chief of Police and much more. • Eleanor Molinari: Housewife, mother, boss of bosses in the Edgeworth neighborhood, married to World War II hero Frankie. Eleanor passed right through the Pearly Gates no questions asked for having made sons Frankie, Johnny and Jimmy (Ernie was always a nice boy) into upstanding citizens, after rocky starts. Insert great big smiley face. Daughters Mary, Angela and Paula? Saints! • Sean Lucey: Ed and Mary’s son and one of the most unique individuals ever to call Malden home; born with an innate sense of what was important in life, the importance of human reasoning, ethics and critical thinking. Yeah, he was way ahead of his time. He loved The Clash and turned me on to Stiff Little Fingers! • “Malden Musings” remembers so we don’t forget. As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” …Happy May 31st birthday to lifelong pally, Greg Lucey — Edgeworth kid through and through, by way of Forestdale, former City Clerk, Councillor-at-Large and forever one of Malden’s best friends. Greg and I go way back — all the way to Beebe Jr. High, where we shared a locker stuffed with dog-eared issues of Mad Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and The Boston Globe. That locker held more than just magazines — it held the early threads of a friendship that’s lasted a lifetime. In high school, we spent countless mornings at Schopell’s in Malden Square, fueling up on pancakes and “what are we gonna do Friday night” questions. And when we weren’t there, we were at Devir Park — playing baseball, football, basketball, whist and whiffle ball deep into the summer nights, under the glow of Emerald and Malden streetlights while the soundtrack of our (at times misguided) youth played on. Mr. Big Stuff, anyone?! The Devir Park Bandstand stories? Those late-night tales are just between Greg and me (and that’s how they’ll stay — smiley face here). So many moments, each one stitched into the fabric of growing up Malden. Every memory as vivid and cherished as the next. No lie. Another (kinda) milestone birthday, Luce — and the gray? You wear it well. Here’s to old friends, the best stories and many more chapters still to come. Postscript 1: Did anyone else catch the thinly veiled jab/slur at the Saint Rocco Feast — and the proud Malden/Edgeworth community that’s kept this tradition alive for over 90 years — on the “Faceplant” page, Malden Network News, a couple weeks back? I sure did. And trust me, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on it very soon. Shame on you, MNN, for disrespecting a celebration that means so much to so many. Postscript 2: John Baglio — get well soon my friend. You are in our thoughts. —Peter is a longtime Malden resident and a regular contributor to The Malden Advocate. He can be reached at PeteL39@aol.com for comments, compliments or criticisms. FOR RENT - EVERETT 1 & 2 Bedroom Apts. All New - Off-Street Parking - Central AC - Gas Heat - Hardwood Floors. Going Fast! Call: (617) 839-8954 & leave message Water and Sewer Rates FY26 Legal Notice City of Malden Public Hearing Public Works Commission There will be a Public Hearing conducted by the Public Works Commission on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 at 3:30 pm at Malden City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street, Conference Room #108, Malden, MA., regarding FY26 Water and Sewer Rates. Karen M. Bourque, Clerk Public Works Commission May 23, 30, 2025
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