could straight up shoot a basketball. Pash, along with his younger brother Mark, both played baseball for Bob Rosano’s Stars in the Malden Babe Ruth League, but for Norm, fame and fortune would be had on the basketball courts of Malden not the baseball diamonds. From his home court at Linden Park to Amerige, where he would “snap a wire” and torch the Cioffi brothers, Norm’s gritty old school “in your face”–style defense and that soft half jumper/half set shot of his always made him a tough cover as well as one of the first picks during our cherished b-ball days at the old Y.M.C.A. Beloved by all, not only was Norm a hoopster but he was everybody’s bestie, and before there was Karaoke there was Norm and his signature tune — “My Way” (the Frank Sinatra version, of course) — sung loud and proud up Waitt’s Mount on those glorious Friday nights as a senior; very fond high school memories indeed. Professionally, Norm went on to rack up an impressive 17 years with the Department of Defense (specifically, the Defense Security Service), where he held the rather intimidating title of Deputy Inspector General in Industrial Security. Now, according to reliable sources — and Norm’s résumé doesn’t lie — he was part of the professional staff at D.S.S. Headquarters, juggling high-level assignments in the International Security, F.O.C.I., and Special Access Programs Divisions. He even spent five years as a security inspector right here in the greater Boston area, making sure everything was tighter than Fort Knox. What does all that actually mean? I haven’t the faintest clue — but it sure sounds like top-secret, big-league stuff. As I mentioned earlier, Norm THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 31, 2025 Subscribe to The Advocate: www.advocatenews.net And let me tell you — the Pashoian clan are all individualists. Claire, the ultimate cheerleader for her boys; Lisa, the family’s beautiful and spirited sister; and the youngest, Dave — for the record, hands down the best basketball player in the family (can I get an amen from them that know?). True story! It was a very pleasant surprise wasn’t the only Pashoian who held legendary status around these parts — his dad, the one and only Norman E. Pashoian, was an even bigger local celebrity (hard to believe, I know). “Norman the Doorman,” as he came to be known, was pure class in a crisp uniform — the Ritz-Carlton’s welcoming smile for an incredible 66 years until his passing in 2017 at age 85. A proud 1946 Malden High grad, Norman served a stint in the U.S. Army before discovering his true calling: greeting Boston’s elite with that unmistakable charm. Over the years, he rubbed elbows (and likely traded a few laughs) with the likes of JFK, Jackie O, Frank Sinatra and Yul Brynner — not a bad guest list for a kid from Malden! In 1950, fate came calling — or rather, left a note on his car. That’s how he met the love of his life, Claire LeVangie. Four years of dating later, they tied the knot in May 1954 and built a beautiful life together in Linden, raising four wonderful kids and sharing more than 50 years of marriage before Claire’s passing in 2005. to see Norm at our 50th high school reunion this past September. He looked marvelous and made my imaginary 50th high school reunion all-star hoop team to boot. Bert Cioffi, Arthur Boyle, Mark Burns, Dave Angelo, Jackie Freker, Greg Phaneuf, Danny “Cha Cha” Lynch and Vance Ferratusco rounded out the squad (Rose Tomasello, you weren’t there or you would have made the team also). Actually, all looked marvelous. Thank you to the “Pash” family for making Malden a better place for almost a century now. As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” — YouTube TV is much like a glorious time machine and is good for what ails ya to boot! You sit down on your recliner, Ballantine Ale at arm’s length, and suddenly you’re back in a world of blackand-white gangsters, Technicolor cowboys, and larger-than-life celluloid heroes. Being a hardcore Maldonian — this is the real thrill: If you look closely, you just MUSINGS | SEE PAGE 19 Please vote Leone on Tuesday, Nov 4th. The change we need! JERRY LEONE WARD 6 CITY COUNCIL Paid Pol. Adv.) 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 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! Page 7 www.810bargrille.com
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