Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 31, 2024 ~ Malden Musings ~ Jack Garrity 1920-2024 By Peter Levine M 50 alden real-life Superhero Jack Garrity passed away Eastern Bank Building on Rte. 1S 605 Broadway, #301 * Saugus (781) 233-6844 www.bostonnorthdental.com Dr. Priti Amlani Dr. Bhavisha Patel * Restorative Dentistry * Cosmetic Dentistry * Implant Restoration * Zoom Whitening * Teeth in a Day - All on 6 * Invisalign * CEREC Crowns (Single Visit Crowns) * Root Canal Treatment * Sedation Dentistry ~ Full Mouth Rehabilitation ~ Before After on February 23 at 104 years of age. I wrote an article on Jack last year that is still available online that I am very proud of (https:// advocatenews.net/malden/ news/malden-musings-happy-birthday-104-jack-garrity-2/). This time, I feel that my simple words would fall short if I were to eulogize this amazing man, husband and father. In the future I will attempt to do just that, but for now I will let one of his daughters speak, June Garrity Fagan: “The last two weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster. Saying goodbye to our dad was very painful, even though we knew we would lose him one day. I would like to thank my wonderful husband and beloved children for giving me strength and supporting me throughout these difficult days. The outpouring from friends, family, and especially the Malden Fire Department will never be forgotten. Dad would be so grateful, as are we. Dad lives on in our hearts and will remain with us until we meet again one day. We were truly blessed to have him for so many years. You were the best, Dad. Rest well now.” It is said in “Malden Musings”... • Made my morning last week when I ran into one of Malden’s best human beings, darn good hoopsters and Friend of the Levines: Gregory Rogers. I’m at New Deal Fruit Inc in Revere, just got through ordering my “West Ender” (Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, Provolone & Grated Cheese), I turn around and it’s 1986 all over again and Gregory stutter steps by me as he pulls up and swishes another 15-footer over my outstretched arms. Greg graduated When giants walked the earth: Left to right: City of Malden Veteran’s Service Director Kevin Jarvis, former Malden Fire Chief Jackie Colangeli, Jack Garrity, former Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis, Mayor Gary Christenson and former Ward 7 Councilor Neal Anderson. MHS in ’74 and was a BMOC. He was a shining star, becoming a GBL All-Star as a senior. Greg still calls Malden home and whenever he wants non-fake news, he picks up a copy of The Malden Advocate and reads another exciting episode of “Malden Musings.” Great seeing you, Gregory! Please say hello to Cousin Douglas for me. • The “West Ender” was named after the neighborhood in Boston that was bulldozed into oblivion by Rappaport and his gang without regard for the many working-class families that called the West End home for generations. • Enjoying a pleasant walk back in Malden history as I scan a musty old copy of the Blue & Gold Yearbook from the mid 1940s. Malden High School in 1946 was a vastly different place than MHS in 2024 – in many ways – too many to detail here (maybe a future column). World War II was in the rear-view mirror and optimism for the future is a common thread amongst the students’ yearbook comments. Also, I noticed, many of the girls made their own clothes (Americans sacrificing and learning to live frugally during the war years). Loved this under Rita Mucci’s picture: Rita is a senior and lived at 64 Whitman St. (the house right behind Pumpsie’s) and would be around 95 years old if still alive: “The typical bobby-socker is Rita Mucci, a ‘sharp’ dancer and dresser. [Frank] Sinatra will never lack an audience as long as Rita can swoon, nor will smart clothes be lacking as long as she can sew.” If anybody knows/knew Rita, please contact me at the email below. • Never too early to talk San Rock Festa. Friday, August 9, has North End favorites 12 Barz Band (12barzband.com). Saturday, August 10, the immensely popular Wildfire is back (my advice, get there early if you want a seat up front)! Sunday, August 11, has Steve Savio’s Seabreeze during the afternoon hours (after the Procession) and fan favorites the Billy Joel tribute act, Heart Attack Ack Ack Ack Ack Ack. Another outstanding weekend of music brought to you by San Rock Society President Joyce Mover, San Rock MVP Anthony Spadafora,and the rest of the gang on the San Rock committee! • I don’t talk about these cats very often when I do my Malden back in the day hoop nostalgia trip, but these guys from the Oak Grove area could flat out play. Underrated and often overshadowed by the Amerige Park popinjays – Scott Hanley, Neal Jones, Larry White, Jimmy DiNitto, Danny Marsinelli, Bobby Foley and Bernie McCole could play on any court in Malden. Just saying... • Bobby Martino has “left the building.” Bobby “Mad Dog” Martino was an Edgeworth legend. Period. If you know, you know. He passed on February 16 but not before living and loving his way through a colorful life, on his very own terms. Always. If you grew up in Edgeworth you knew Bobby or his brothers Ed (Perry) or David or his cousins. A larger-than-life presence in the neighborhood – not soon to be forgotten. • Here is a Malden feast for the eyes & ears brought to you by John Horne: “Great post Peter (Dino’s, the Dream, & Joanne Codi)! It brought back a lot of memories! I grew up a few houses down from Gary Cherone. He was older by about 10 years or so years and I didn’t re
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