THE MALDEN ADVOCATE – Friday, August 9, 2019 Page 15 Former Malden principal to be honored Linden School Principal recognized by his “kids” F ormer Linden School Principal William T.J. Dempsey will be honored today, Friday, Aug. 9 from 4-8 p.m. at Linden Park by a group of students who attended the school during the years he served there. The initiative was begun by a group of Linden school alumni to celebrate Dempsey’s 95th birthday and give something back to the neighborhood where they grew up in their beloved principal’s name. Educated in the Malden Public Schools, with undergraduate and graduate degrees from Boston College and Boston University, respectively, Dempsey dedicated his professional career to the Malden Public Schools. First as a teacher at the Faulkner and Pierce Schools and then as principal of the Linden School from 1962-1988. During a total of 38 years, his focus was always the same: the kids. “Times were different,” he said, “but the problems were pretty much the same. We always tried to fight for the welfare of the children.” Dempsey was also a magician, performing professionally over 2,650 times, including five seasons as the resident magician at Santa’s Village in Jefferson, N.H., numerous television appearances and many shows for his Linden School audiences. A World War II veteran, Dempsey was awarded two Bronze Stars for heroism in Germany in 1945. He is a familiar face at Veterans’ and Memorial Day events. “It is remarkable to see that a man turning 95 can have such a following on social media,” said Mary Ellen O’Meara, who posted a photograph on Facebook in January, which within a few days had received over 100 “likes” and comments. “After so many years, Dempsey is still bringing us all together.” Organizers have been working with Malden Mayor Gary Christenson and City Council President Jadeane Sica; the two have supported efforts to honor Dempsey. The playground in Linden Park will be dedicated to Dempsey on Friday during the birthday celebration. The group recently started a fundraiser that reached its $5,000 goal in little more than a week. The fundraiser will continue; all proHELP WANTED 3-5 years experience Building Interlock Block Walls MA driver’s license preferred but not required Must be reliable and dependable Call: 781-321-2074 “COMPLETE GLASS SERVICE CENTER” Storefronts & Entrance Doors Custom Mirrors • Table Tops • Auto Glass Insulated Glass • Window & Screen Repairs 2034 Revere Beach Parkway, Everett 617-389-GLAS COMEAU PLUMBING & HEATING Small Projects Former Linden School Principal William T.J. Dempsey is pictured with Mary Ellen O’Meara and her daughter, Katia. (Courtesy Photo) ceeds will be used to improve the Linden Park playground. Dempsey is still active in local organizations, such as the Kiwanis Club. Even as an elder himself, he visits the elderly every week and offers his services as a Eucharistic minister. The group is still being approached by many, mostly former students, who are interested in donating to the fundraiser. “The response has been surprising, and we plan to continue this movement,” O’Meara said. “The idea is to do something every year and continue Dempsey’s work in the community, always focusing on the local children. He still considers us to be his kids, and ... so do we.” and Emergency Repairs LICENSED INSURED Erik Comeau Master Plumber erikcomeau75@gmail.com FREE ESTIMATES Saugus, Mass. Cell # 781-941-6518 SPADAFORA AUTO PARTS JUNK CARS WANTED SAME DAY PICK UP 781-324-1929 Quality Used Tires Mounted & Installed Used Auto Parts & Batteries Family owned & operated since 1946 AAA Service • Lockouts Window, floor, deck, and gutter Walter Robinson (617) 415-3933 cleaning Power-washing, trash removal & clean up Trespass Towing • Roadside Service Junk Car Removal 617-387-6877 26 Garvey St., Everett MDPU 28003 ICCMC 251976 $ $ $ $
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