Page 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2023 LEGEND | FROM Page 1 tion and spoke briefl y about McCarrick’s work and accomplishments. “He was the guy,” said Hinojosa. “Ace used basketball as his generosity and kindness.” McCarrick, who was born and raised in Revere, worked in the city for more than 70 years before his death in 2018. He was named three times the most valuable player of the New England Catholic Tournament while playing for Immaculate Conception High School in the early ‘50s. He went on to become a coach and athletic director at Immaculate Conception, Revere High and Dom Savio and Pope John XXIII High Schools. In Revere, he served as assistant recreation director, coach, umpire, referee and league administrator for more than 40 years. Hinojosa recalled that back in the ‘80s and ‘90s every summer night there were 20 men’s basketball games playing out on the Hill Park courts. “And we’re talking about A-list playDirector of Parks and Recreation Mike Hinojosa unveils the plaque that will stand in memory of “Ace” McCarrick as the McCarrick family looks on. A lifelong friend of “Ace” McCarrick: Peter DiGiulio with his tee shirt for the dedication ceremony. ers,” said Hinojosa. “At the same time, he also ran a 20-team softball league. To put schedules like that together and to do it for 40 years was extraordinary. And he did it without any thanks.” Hinojosa remembered McCarrick as a warm-hearted leader who saw local sports as a way to bring the community together. Robert Marra, who spoke on behalf of Acting Mayor Patrick Keefe, who could not attend the dedication ceremony, said McCarrick devoted his life to people who play sports, especially basketball. “To these courts will come players of all ages and skill levels, playing this international sport while portraying Revere’s rich ethnic diversity. This is a place of growth and physical challenge. It’s the kind of place Ace would love.” Keefe said McCarrick’s life was a basketball life. He was a catalyst and advocate for Revere youth sports. He had his hand in every sports program that came out of Revere Parks and Recreation. “The games played on these courts are part of Revere’s past and future,” said Keefe through Marra. McCarrick’s son, John, also spoke at the dedication, which he called overwhelming and fantastic for him and his family. McCarrick said his father was aware of a void in the city’s sports programing and launched the fi rst girls hoop and John McCarrick and his sisters, Nancy and Susan, and their families were on hand at the dedication of the basketball courts next to Harry Della Russo Stadium to Robert “Ace” McCarrick. softball leagues. “He believed everyone deserved the chance to be part of a team and experience athletic competition,” said McCarrick, who added that his dad would be so proud of the Ace McCarrick Basketball Courts. “He sincerely loved being here watching all of you play. To my dad, basketball was much more than an opportunity to play a game. He created and supported an inclusive culture. He taught us all we have a responsibility to enhance our community. His approach was always all in,” McCarrick told the crowd. And with that, Hinojosa climbed a ladder and unveiled the new Robert “Ace” McCarrick basketball court sign and Revere grew a little tighter by celebrating and sharing the memory of a local hero. All smiles and fi lled with a son’s pride for his dad, John McCarrick recalled some memories of his dad and his love for sports and his passion to bring it to all who wanted to play. John thanked everyone for their kind words and show of support for the family and on behalf of himself and his two sisters and the entire McCarrick family a sincere thank you for this tribute to his dad. Robert Marra, representing Acting Mayor Patrick Keefe, addressed the gathering and off ered the sentiments of Mayor Keefe. Councillor-at-Large and Candidate for Mayor Steve Morabito, Ward 2 City Councillor Ira Novoselsky and Director of Parks and Recreation/event organizer Mike Hinojosa Director of Parks and Recreation Mike Hinojosa addresses the gathering at the basketball courts and welcomes the family of Robert “Ace” McCarrick. The young and the old, still players at heart, and all through the hard work of Robert “Ace” McCarrick; his legacy and memory will live on as long as kids of all ages play basketball.
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