Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 21, 2022 Malden Musings – Alice Spadafora Tribute by Peter Levine T he Spadafora family and the Malden community at large lost a very special person recently. If you have not already heard, it is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the loss of Alice Spadafora. Alice was a rare soul, dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many. Alice was a true original, her sensitivity, her sense of empathy and her independent spirit constantly shining – through the best Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com The late Alice Spadafora and her family and through the worst of times. Strong willed with a heart of gold, Alice Spadafora spent her 96 years on planet Earth making it a better place for her neighborhood and for the wonderful family she left behind. Alice loved reading my column. That made me extremely happy and very proud that the Alice Spadafora would take the time to read this humble column. We will not see the likes of Alice Spadafora “walk through those doors” soon. Her first grandson, Council~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...Great Family Colonial offers 7 rooms with potential to grow! Covered front porch welcomes you into your NEW HOME. Features entertainment-size, open concept living & dining room offers cozy window seat & built-in cabinet w/ wine rack, family room w/ wood burning stove, HW flooring, tastefully updated kitchen boasting cherrywood cabinets, granite countertops, breakfast bar, ct floor & backsplash, updated 1/2 bath. 3 spacious bedrooms on the second floor & oversized full bath w/ jetted tub, walk in shower, double sink vanity & convenient laundry hook-up, great potential for extra living space in the convenient, walkup attic w/ plumbing for full bath - perfect for a private, master suite, partially finished lower level currently houses a kitchenette & bath in need of sprucing up. Private fenced yard features bacci court, above ground pool, cabana/man cave w/ half bath & kitchenette - perfect for summer enjoyment! Offered at $599,900 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com or-at-Large Craig, is never at a loss for words. Craig put Number 2 pencil to paper and contributed these sweet words to his beloved “Nana:” “Alice Spadafora was a remarkable woman, if ever there was one. An amazing woman actually. A fearless maverick who ruled her roost and brood with the proverbial iron hand, spit fire tongue, wrapped in a velvet glove with the ever-present soft heart. Alice was the complete package of a woman, and a darling loved by all, in spite of her outwardly stern demeanor. She seemed to know everything about everything, had a solution to every problem and was an expert at – well – everything. She had no problem telling you too. Alice did everything one is supposed to and witnessed tremendous change around her in the process. Her life was remarkably ordinary, which, in this day and age, is what made her so extraordinary. She was special, most defi nitely, but not atypical of her generation. She lived on Emerald Street most of her life, married to Tony, raising her four sons, Albert, Billy, Neal, and Tony Jr. Though she wasn’t particularly political, she had no time for today’s oversensitive nit pickers and their increasing foothold in everyday life. She was unapologetic to all but loved all. She would also be the fi rst one to tell a young Craig to dust myself off and get back up after a fall. Her Edgeworth wit could be deadly. The good news being that most lacked the extensive vocabulary to understand their individual tongue-lashings. Which they, more often than not, deserved. She was a diehard Red Sox fan. Often critical of the how the game has shifted and changed. Things such as the move to coddle players excessively and players taking offence to every pitch, every call, every perceived slight. Alice was a member of what Tom Brokaw famously labelled, the ‘greatest generation.’ It was always amazing to think of the advances in economic opportunity, public safety, and science that were foreign to her parents. I know she never envisioned a time in which speaking about what had always been black-and-white truths was somehow controversial. Knowing I had spent so many years with her and that she would always live inside my heart in this special way helped me grow, become more confi - dent and to take risks. Advice that I will take through my entire life. She will forever be a part of me, and I am grateful my three children were able to know her. Especially the youngest Lilliana who just ‘clicked’ with her. That makes my heart smile. Alice represented a sense of security and safety for my family and me. I’d be remiss not to mention her iconic Christmas Eve’s. Christmas Eve was always her holiday, and we’d gather every year for the most extravagant of Italian American celebrations. She has been with us all our whole lives. When we lost Alice, we lost the matriarch of our family, and nothing can ever replace that. Through the laughter, the stories, and the memories I will continue to reminisce and remember my courageous, passionate, loving grandmother.” Picked up pieces while settling in for another episode of “Playhouse 90,” this time starring Malden’s own Jack Albertson... • Had the most pleasant conversation (and not because they praised my column) with a couple that walked into my life recently. Elaine (MHS Class of 1970) and Keith (MHS Class of 1972) had some parking-related questions answered before we started getting into who knows who. They praised brother Joe for the good work he does in Malden; we solved a few of Malden’s MUSINGS | SEE PAGE 6
7 Publizr Home