Page 6 THE REVERE ADVOCATE - Friday, September 6, 2019 Overdose | from page 3 drug-related fatalities as well as promote evidence-based drug policies that save lives and increase public safety. Revere resident Tayla Simone lost her brothers – Ralph Petrillo on June 19, 2015, John Petrillo on Nov. 2, 2017 – and her mother, Maureen, on March 19, 2016, to accidental drug overdoses. “They were so much more than an addict, and the term ‘junkie/druggie’ dehumanizes them,” Simone said. “I ask you to have more compassion on those struggling and to understand the stigma of addiction.” Simone said Ralph Petrillo was a member of Teamsters Union Local 125, a professional movers group, who she said had a beautiful soul and a great sense of humor. He struggled with mental illness and addiction for 20 years. “Ralph made people 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 www.eight10barandgrille.com Kitchen Hours: Mon-Thurs: 12-10pm Fri-Sat: 12-11pm Sunday: 1pm-10pm Come in & Enjoy our Famous... $12 LUNCH Menu! Choose from 16 Items! Served Monday thru Thursday until 3:30 PM Grilled Rib Eye Steak! Only $22.00 includes Two Sides Every Friday FRESH HADDOCK DINNER Prepared Your Way! Includes two sides AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is your vehicle ready for the Summer Season?!! AC SPECIAL Recharge your vehicle's AC for the warm weather! Includes up to 1 IL. of Refrigerant* (*Most Vehicles) Only $59.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2012 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SE Auto., Leather, Loaded, Excellent Condition, Clean Title, Warranty, ONLY 72K Miles! Trades Welcomed READY TO GO! 2009 HYUNDAI SANTA FE GLS 4x4, Most Power Options, New Tires, New Brakes, Just Serviced, Warranty, Only 130K Miles PRICED RIGHT! 781-321-8841 $6,995 $5,995 Easy Financing Available! 1236 Eastern Ave • Malden EddiesAutotech.com We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle! • Family Dentistry • Crowns • Bridges • Veneers/Lumineers • Dental Implants • All on 4 Dental Implants • Emergency Dentist • Kid Friendly Dentist • Root Canals • Dentures • Invisalign Braces • Snap On Smile • Teeth Whitening Rossetti-Cowan Senior Center participants and newsletter helpers include Carmela Giangregorio, Roseann Colannino and Grace DiPierro. These ladies were working on collating the “Revere Senior Power” newsletter for September 2019. 505 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 Tel: 617-387-1120 www.gkdental.com We are the smile care experts for your entire family feel good,” Simone said. John Petrillo was a commercial truck driver and had an influence in several addicts’ lives as an active member of Narcotics Anonymous. Recovering addicts told Simone that if it wasn’t for him, they’d still be struggling – or dead. Joseph Puzzo, a chef, passed away in 2003 when he was in his late 30s. “He was clean two years and doing good,” his brother, Thomas Puzzo of Malden, said. “All it took was one time.” With a heavy heart, Mayor Brian Arrigo said so many people he knew growing up have been taken by overdoses – and he’s only 39. He went on to say that approximately 50,000 people under the age of 50 have passed away in the last year from overdoses. Revere resident Tayla Simone, who lost three family members to accidental overdoses, urged people to have compassion rather than dehumanizing those struggling with addiction. Simone said the Substance Use Disorder Initiatives (SUDI) office represents compassion, understanding, resources and love, adding that it’s a safe space. There, addicts receive help from professionals and from other addicts. With a heavy heart, Mayor Brian Arrigo said that so many people he knew growing up have been taken by overdoses and he’s only 39. “So many told me if it wasn’t for brother John, they’d be dead,” Simone said. “Now they’re together in Heaven, fighting against this War on Drugs and shining a bright light in our city.” Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@gmail.com. Staying busy at Rossetti-Cowan In House Dental Plan for $399 (Cleanings, X-Rays, Exams twice a year and 20% OFF Dental work) Schedule your FREE Consultations today
7 Publizr Home