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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 28, 2023 Page 3 ~ Malden Musings ~ “Happy Birthday 104 Jack Garrity“ By Peter Levine E very once in a while, you meet a human being who blows away all expectations. That happened to yours truly recently, me walking away a better person for the encounter. Yes, that encounter fell into my lap, thanks to a friend, after I sat down with one of the “Greatest Generation,” 104 years young (July 26) World War II vet and retired City of Malden Fire Chief Jack Garrity. It was the pleasure of a lifetime meeting a real-life American hero and Malden superstar. I have a feeling that Jack might wince at that description; from what I have learned over time, real-life heroes, like Jack, are extremely modest. Cutting to the chase, as the cliche goes, they just don’t make them like “Smiling Jack” Garrity any longer – that’s for sure. I met with Jack, two of his lovely daughters, June and Lorri, and an old friend of the family, former CEO of the Highland Cafe Dave Angelo, at Jack’s current residence in North Reading. Jack wears his humility/modesty on his sleeve. Still sharp as a tack, we bantered back and forth for over an hour; we could have gone on longer; Jack didn’t tire – I did! His long, remarkable existence, by any measure, was/is a lesson in a life well lived; his family, the foundation. Daughter Lorri related how... “He has always been our moral compass and is the greatest dad in the world. He worked hard his entire life, motivated by his love of family, the fi re department, and his country. Couldn’t be prouder of him.” Jack’s dad Alexander had a huge impact in his life (I promised Jack I would try not to make this article about his father – insert smiley face). A beloved Malden police offi cer in the 1920s (retired in 1953), he was a role model for his son and instilled in him not only important life lessons but many of the intangibles that made Jack the man of honor he grew into. On a side note, Police Commissioner Salvatore Gennetti is a friend of Jack and was close with his dad. Butchie confi rmed to me everything Jack had told me about his father. He was genuinely loved by all. Butchie, by the way, in a show of friendship was gifted by Alex his police belt that he wore as a patrolman policing the streets of old Faulkner and Suff olk Square. Alex was revered by the large Jewish population (he even spoke a little Yiddish, I was told) for his honesty ANGELO’S A FULL SERVICE 1978-2023 Celebrating 45 Years in Business! Regular Unleaded $3.459 MidUnleaded $3.739 Super $3.989 Diesel Fuel $3.899 Heating Oil at the Pump $4.759 $3.29 9 DEF HEATING OI 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS Hours. Mon.-Wed. 6AM - 6PM / Thurs. & Fri. 6AM - 7PM / Sat. 7AM / Sun. 9AM-5PM and compassion. His life story: I am at a loss at which point I am most impressed with. I guess ya gotta start with his war record. After graduating Malden High in 1938 and after the attack on Pearl Harbor (already a member of the Malden Fire Dept. in 1941), he enlisted and served with the Army’s 14th Flying Tigers. While in the Pacifi c, he served as a radio operator, a mechanic and a gunner on B-25s fl ying in over 50 combat missions over India, Burma, China and the air off ensive over Japan! Think about that for a moment. Fifty missions!! He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal (with oak leaf cluster), fi ve Bronze Battle Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, a Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacifi c Ribbon and the American Theater Ribbon! Holy cow! Audie Murphy ain’t got nothing on our Jack Thomas Garrity! Amazing! Miscellaneous takeaways from my sit down with Jack: 1. As far as his longevity goes, I jokingly suggested to him with fl ying over 50 combat missions in World War II and working for the fire department for over 40 years in (mostly) pre-Urban Renewal Malden that possibly “luck” might have come into play at some point in time. He adroitly commented, concurring, “better lucky than good, Peter.” Love it, Mr. G! 2. I knew I was “In Like Flynn” when we both agreed that Chuckin‘ Charlie O’Rourke may have been Malden’s GOAT. I caught Jack by surprise when I told him I was a big fan of Charlie and knew all about his high school, college and pro careers. Jack remarked something to the eff ect that if “you know who Charlie O’Rourke is, you’re an okay Joe in my book.” Made my day. MUSINGS| SEE PAGE 14 www.eight10barandgrille.com OPEN DAILY FOR DINNER AT 4 PM. CATCH THE CELTICS, BRUINS & NCAA SPORTS ON OUR 6 LARGE SCREEN TV'S! om WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 Prices subject to change DIESEL TRUCK STOP FLEET

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