Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 5, 2025 ~ Malden Musings ~ Happy Birthday, Carl Gasparello By Peter Levine “O h, happy day! Oh, happy day!” — belted out in my best Edwin Hawkins Singers voice while navigating the aisles of Market Basket in Revere last Saturday morning. And who should I stumble upon, just after snagging one of the best-looking roasted chickens I’ve ever laid eyes on (and at the steal of $4.69!)? None other than my old West Wyoming Street “Coffee Time” buddy, the legendary birthday boy from Malden High School Class of ’53 — Bob and Bill Gasparello’s brother, Carl! Gobsmacked I was! There he stood, the handsome, timeless face of the Marine Corps Sergeant exuding the same calm dignity that had always commanded respect. And as we reached out to shake hands, he remembered my name! Let that sink in: After years apart, Mr. G remembered me. That, my friends, was special. I’ve cherished those mornings in that tiny breakfast nook in Melrose, sipping coffee and soaking in the wisdom, humor and grace of “Uncle Gas” (as well as the cast of Melrose characters that also took coffee there). A man of integrity and heart, Carl left an indelible mark on me, one coffee cup at a time. Happy 90 trips around the sun, my friend! You look marvelous, you carry yourself like a legend, and I hope your day was filled with all the joy you so richly deserve. Love ya, big guy! For those who admire the big guy as much as the rest of us do, a few Carl Gasparello factoids... • Besides being an OG-CG was a Mechanical Engineer for Dymo Business Industries and for many years also owned Lyons Liquors on Ferry Street — next door to Goldman Funeral Chapel (I remember many a menacing glance from Mr. G as a youngster trying to purchase Schlitz at Lyons. I still have nightmares of that intimidating glare — LOL). • When not working as a workaholic, Carl loved to camp at Russell Pond with brothers-in-law and all the cousins. Epic were his many cruises to Bermuda with brother Billy and wife Elena! • “Uncle Gas” to the Giannattasios, Connors, the Kellys of Malden, the Driscolls of Melrose and Uncle Carl “Jr.” to Jim Gasparello and Lisa Gasparello/Casaletto and Deanna Gasparello. • A man with a heart of gold and a love for humanity, Carl gave much back to Malden, working on political campaigns for such local progressive legends of yesteryear David S. Liederman and Ken Desmond. • CG’s four children: Carla (husband Marko Duffy of the Andover Duffys — he the son of the legendary Ballantine Ale drinking father, Brendan); Mark (passed in 2016/wife Denise Cimino) of Boxford; Scott (husband Guy Busa) of P Town; and Phillip (of Melrose). • His beloved four grandchilMid-grade Regular 2.97 3.37 3.47 $3.57 Over 47 Years of Excellence! 1978 - 2025 ULS Full Service $2.99 Order online at angelosoil.com dren: Geena & Marina Duffy, Olivia Connors Gail and Nicolette Brady (husband of Brendan); his two wonderful great-grandchildren: Colin & Chloe (Brady). • Now that you are all caught up, I have the distinct feeling we haven’t even scratched the surface of the life and legacy of this extraordinary man named Carl Gasparello. Again, happy birthday, Carl! Let’s have coffee again in the very near future. “Eenie meenie chili beanie, the spirits are about to speak.” Due to overwhelming demand, I bring to you one last time: “Said no one(s)...” • Travelling behind one of those Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Republic Services stink buckets in the summertime is one of life’s more pleasurable experiences... said no one. • Republic Services employees — especially those who ride the back of the stink bucket — are grossly overpaid...said no one. • The Kinks’ 1975 classic “Schoolboys in Disgrace” is not very good and is unlistenable...said no one. • Republic Services pay their employees/trash collectors a fair hourly wage and have stellar labor protections...said no one. • This past year, Craig Spadafora hasn’t put his heart and soul into Birthday boy Carl Gasparello with granddaughters Marina (left) and Geena his job as Councillor-at-Large... said absolutely no one! • The flower bed at the corner of Webster and Maplewood is not pleasing to the eye and looks like no hard work was put into the display...said no one. • The Malden Summer Concert Series wasn’t good, and the music was dreadful...said absolutely no one. • The annual San Rock Festa was a total bummer and a big disappointment...said no one. • Republic Services is making (former owner) Jimmy Motzkin and the legacy of JRM Hauling proud, handling their employees fairly and equitably...said absolutely no one! • Facebook’s Malden Network News is the proud descendant of the exalted and much beloved Malden Evening News... said no one. • Former City of Malden ARPA Guru Stephanie M. Burke is not missed by Malden or her paisans in the Parking Department...said no once. • It is said in “Malden Musings”... • Hear ye, hear ye!! Going forward Timmy Buckley’s Revere Beach Power Walking Gang of Four will officially have names. No longer will they be nameless, faceless, power walking afterthoughts. Drum roll please... Maria Moreschi’s brother Johnny, Ronny & Dickie Drinkwater’s little brother Freddy, Danny Connelly and Tommy “Stiddles” Littlewood — go forth, young men, and represent Maldonia the only way youse guys know how: proudly with heads held high (do not be tempted by Kelly’s Roast Beef!). Now back to our regularly scheduled programs. • Speaking of Revere Beach — on a sun-splashed Sunday morning in July, big brother Joe and I stumbled right into a living, breathing Who’s Who of Maldonia. First up, none other than House Minority Whip herself, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, alongside her better half Rodney, who were toasting 33 years of marriage. (And in true Bostonia style, KC rocked a vintage Larry Bird #33 jersey — beFLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
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