THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 26, 2025 Page 7 of those cats. Insert yet another smiley face. • I saw one of my besties (and the love of Lisa’s life), MPD Officer George MacKay, at “Batman Corner” — Adam & West — making sure the Procession Pilgrims were safe from the meshuganas using West Street as their own personal speedway. His presence brought a sense of security to the Pilgrims of San Rock while they drank their cold liquid refreshment (spring water, of course) during a very much anticipated Procession break in front of Dom and Sheila Fermano’s home. • What a baseball team I could have put together of San Rock 2025 devotees! All-stars and legendary ball players, such as Ernie Ardolino Jr. (BRL MVP), Eddie Thompson (Stars BRL), Buddy Arthur, Billy Smeglin (MHS, ICL Legend), Mike Ploumbidis (Stars BRL), Shawn Brickman (ICL Legend), Mike Hooper, Kevin McGlinchy (Atlanta Braves), Dave Caiazzo (ICL Legend), Joe Levine (MHS, BRL Colonels), Freddy McCarthy, Ryan Bowdridge, Jenelle DeVits and Paul Condon. Holy cow! • I saw Jimmy and Johnny Molinari not far from the family homestead on Pearl. When the history of Edgeworth/Pearl Street/San Rock is written, there will be a chapter on the whole Moe clan (starting with their legendary parents); I am positive on this. Love you guys, if I haven’t told you so lately (and of course, you also, “Saint Mary” Molinari)! • A special shout-out to Pearl Street’s original smooth talker, cool walker and the Feast’s main man with the pecan tan, the incomparable Johnny “All World” Spadafora! This guy’s a force of nature — dedication, hustle, passion — bringing it all to the table and then some. When something needs to get done, Johnny doesn’t ask how, when or why (well, maybe “why” on occasion LOL); he just makes it happen, like magic. And it’s not just him. His whole family rolls deep with that same Spadafora spirit. They’ve got skin in the game, heart in the cause and pride in every move. John, my friend, Scally Caps off to you. Thank you. • Friday night belonged to the classic rock legends themselves, The Reminisants. They didn’t just play music; they lit the place up. Tight, polished and endlessly engaging, proving once again why they’re total pros with a loyal army of fans. For 26 straight summers, they’ve been the heartbeat of the Mayor’s Summer Concert Series, and now at the Feast they’re carving out the same legacy. Around here, The Reminisants aren’t just performers — they’re true Friends of Malden, and every chord they strike brings us home again. • Anthony, Gina, Nico and Gianna Spadafora, we salute you and thank you for all you do! • Backyard get-togethers have always been the unofficial heartbeat of the Feast, a tradition stretching back decades. Back in the day, the faithful would kick things off in their own yards — grills fired up, homemade vino on every table, accordions dusted off — and somehow, two days later, they’d surface three streets over in somebody else’s backyard, wondering how on earth they got there (insert smiley face). And then there’s the legendary tale — part truth, part myth — of the San Rock reveler who didn’t quite make it home, only to be found the next morning snoring peacefully inside the very wooden structure built to display the Saint. Now that’s devotion! Name revealed only on a need-to-know basis. • Every year, as the Sunday afternoon Procession winds its way through Edgeworth, there’s a moment that always stops us cold — standing at the corner of Russell and Whitman before the memorial stone of Private First Class Kevin Robert “KC” Crowe (KIA Nam 1969). It’s never just me who feels it — you can see it in the eyes of so many others also. KC was a true Son of Edgeworth, raised right across the street, a kid who grew up loving the Saint Rocco tradition that now pauses to honor him. His family still calls this neighborhood home, and in that quiet moment, you can feel the Saint, the Feast and the community all wrapping their arms around them and KC. • Corrections & Amplifications: In the first San Rock article, I mentioned that the late Butch Gennetti’s grandson Robby took home “best moss at the 2026 San Rock Festa!” While he certainly MAY still take home “best moss for 2026” I think I meant to say, “best moss for 2025.” As my old pally Greg Phaneuf says from time to time, “Peter, the more you write, the more you’re wrong.” • Last, but not least, a heartfelt thank you to Mayor Gary Christenson, a leader who never fails to go above and beyond the call of duty. This weekend, the People’s Mayor wore his heart on his sleeve, making no secret of where his loyalties lie (on this weekend at least LOL), proudly showing off that unmistakable Edgeworth Pride from start to finish. His support wasn’t just visible; it was felt in every corner of the Feast. Thank you, Gary, for always standing with us. • Good day, sunshine! I gotta share this good news once again, Maldonia! Wildfire with their cult-like following made the Saturday San Rock night the most spectacular evening we’ve had since the 90th blowout. Thank you, Kenny, and all your loyal followers. Breaking news! Mark your calendars for August 7 and 8, 2026, because Wildfire will return next year for the 96th Festa on both Friday and Saturday night! That ain’t fake news! • For a non-Italian, Jimmy “Who?” Cahill just loves the Feast. Join me in wishing “Stinger” a happy 73rd birthday (Sept. 30)! Many more, my friend. • A truly heartfelt shout out to a man we all love dearly — our dear friend, Italian American Citizen’s Club President Billy Settemio. Year after year, Billy goes above and beyond, giving his heart and soul to make sure the Feast shines as brightly as it does. We may not always put it into words, old friend, but please know this: You are the glue that holds us together, the steady hand and the warm heart behind it all. We love you, Billy — more than you know. • Attention all gabagool groupies — don’t worry, your favorite salty slice of Italian American heaven is already on preorder for next year. Mangia now, thank us later! As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” — in the blink of an eye, another chapter in the long, proud history of the Saint Rocco Feast has been written — and closed. Hard to believe it was my 58th year standing on the blacktop of Pearl Street, yet every August it still feels like coming home. My love affair with Saint Rocco began on a warm Monday night in 1967 (the Sox were in third place at the time) when big brother Joe took me to the San Rock fireworks at Devir Park. I didn’t know it then, but the colors bursting in the night sky over Bruce Field (and Mr. Adorn’s house) would mark the beginning of a lifelong tradition and love affair. Back then, the Feast was the summer’s finish line: the moment we all realized that school was creeping up fast. But before we traded shorts for our Adidas sweatshirts, there was always one last, glorious blowout. For me — and for so many who grew up in Edgeworth and Ward 2 — it’s the continuity that means the most. The way you could set your inner clock by it: second weekend in August, every year, without fail. An organic connection that lives in our hearts and minds, a living thread that ties generations together. Postscript 1: Butchie Gennetti, Richie Cremone, Pumpsy, Pat Chiachi, Phil Longo, Hank & Donna Pitts, Joanne Assetta Iovino, Tony Pez, Eddie the Greek, Bouls, Jimmy D, John and Anna Puleo, Joe and Florence Smarrella, Jimmy Palermo, Dorothy Drago Levine, Tiger, Mrs. Damiano (to name but a few) — we did not forget you …How could I/we ever? Your names echo through the streets of Edgeworth and the Feast, as familiar as the music, the laughter and the scent of Esther’s fried dough drifting down Pearl. We carry you with us every year, in every step of the Procession, in every toast shared, in every hug with an old friend. No need to worry — you will never be forgotten, not here, not among us. Postscript 2: Viva Saint Rocco! A Cent ’Anno! Thank you for another year of cherished memories. Until we meet again, see you next year on Pearl Street — same time, same place, same heart. —Peter is a longtime Malden resident and a regular contributor to The Malden Advocate. He can be reached at PeteL39@aol. com for comments, compliments or criticisms.
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