THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 9, 2022 Page 9 er” Spadafora and his partner in crime, Anthony Spadafora, for their hard work, dedication and passion for this event. Johnny and Anthony just make “stuff” happen. Whatever needs to get done, they get it done! No questions asked. The whole Spadafora family, actually – they got skin in the game so it’s personal for them. Don’t believe the hype? Check out the plaque at “SSGT Albert Spadafora Memorial Square” near Pearl and Emerald Streets. • The grease pole event is “outtasight” and would not be the grease pole without a yard to place it in. We love ya, Raj (of New York Pizza in Malden Square fame) and hope that you forgive us (once again) for not being as neat as we possibly could this year. Next San Rock Festa we’ll perfect it! Thanks again! • Gary “The People’s Mayor” Christenson is such a good fit on San Rock weekend. He gets it and he goes with the flow. He has many friends down in Ward 2, and the mutual love and respect shown on this special weekend is self-evident. He turns “Mayor Gary” off for three days and simply enjoys (and understands) this long-held tradition. Understanding the tradition is vital. Can’t be faked. When he leads the Procession on Sunday afternoon, it is genuine. When he shakes a hand, or gives a hug, it is from the heart. He wears his “Edgeworth Pride” unabashedly all weekend long for all to see. Thank you, sir, for • At San Rock 2022 you were missed, big time: Frank and Eleanor Molinari, Jimmy Palermo, Eddie and Pete Trabucco, “Sal” Trioli Sr., Carmela DiSerio, Steve Bouley, Brian Powers, Hank Pitts, Richie Cremone, Fran Tomasello, Steve DiGiacomo, Jack Pinkham, Phil Longo, John and Mary Gamby, Lucille Spadafora, Jimmy Damiano and his mom Laura, Nancy Cagno, Joey Moreno, Ruth Vona, Phyllis DeDonato, Marie Conserva and Tony and Joan Pisaturo. • Speaking of Billy Smeglin, he is still playing baseball (pitching effectively, from what I hear, at age 63) in the over 45 Boston Amateur Baseball League. I like to tell people that as an 11-year-old teammate of mine on the Twins in Little League at Bruce Field, I taught him everything he knows about the art of pitching. In truth, Billy was a natural from a very young age. Congrats, Billy, great seeing you. • Thank you, once again, to my main man with the pecan tan, the incomparable Johnny “Franklin’s Caretakyour continued support. • The Pisaturos, D’Orlandos and extended family came out for the Procession on Sunday. It was an emotional moment, but the sadness quickly turned to happiness as the family understood that they are not alone, that we go forward with Tony and Joan not to be forgotten. May their memories be a blessing. • Special thank you to IACC President Billy Settemio for opening the Club to one and all! His generosity and hospitality during the San Rock weekend, off the charts! Your kindness and the Club’s beneficence are unmatched in Malden. As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character “Columbo” would say “Just one more thing, sir” – pausing at hallowed Malden ground (Russell and Whitman) at Private First Class Kevin Robert “KC” Crowe’s memorial stone during the Sunday afternoon Procession; always an emotional experience for those of us who escort the Saint. This “Son of Edgeworth” grew up across the street from the memorial and took great pleasure in the Saint Rocco tradition. Kevin lost his life in battle on June 5, 1969, during the Vietnam conflict. His family still resides in the neighborhood, lovingly maintaining the memorial erected for him. It is very important to continue to remember one of our own – PFC Kevin “KC” Crowe. Never to be forgotten as long as there is a Malden; KC always in our thoughts.
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