Volume 22, Issue 4, 2006

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Printed in the Spirit·of the Mid-Town Journal and Dedicated to Being the
Collective Conscience of Urban Renewal and Eminent Domain in the City of Boston•
December 2006
VOLUME 22,'NO _4
· James Campano, Editor/Publisher
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Email: j. campano@worldnet. att.net
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(617) 628-2479
The true story of the crash that took ·
Buf:Idy Clark's life, a~d injured five
others on the twin
Cessna
by Frank E. Dee
Buddy Clark was a _likable,
versatile singer whose career was
cut short at the age of37 by an airplane crash on October 2, 1949, at ·
9 p.m. PST. In November of 1946,
before his untimely death, everyone was humming or singing Buddy Clark's big hit song, "Linda."
It was the number one hit song in ·
America at that era of time.
Buddy Clark and five other the way back to Los Angeles, the
friends rented a small plane to plane developed a sputteriflg enattend a 'Sanford vs. Michigan' gine problem, due to lack of gas,
Continued on page 3
football game. After the game on.
Another West End hero honored
ANNUAL WEST ENDER MASS-Conversing outside St. Josephs Church before the Mass on Sunday,
September 24 were: Nancy Paterna, Josephine Spinale Silvestro, Jennie Spinale Caccia, Margaret Passanisi
DiMare, .Carlo Caccia, Frank Privitera and Peter Limone. More photos on page
Jim,
~_West
A tiny postcard with GIGANTIC
niANK YOU for all your help! I ·
· recently received a phone message
On October 28th the fourth
. from Tom Mattarazzo (Boston Vet·of the West End Museum
drawing
erans Affairs) just in time for Veterfundraiser
was held.
an' Day saying there is an individual
Here
are
the winners:
plaque honoring another WestEnder ·
$1500Frank
Privitera
on a Hero's Sq. at the comer of:New
$300
Liebman
Family
Chardon and Hawkins streets. (The
·
$50
Frank's
BarberShop
plaque you initiated with the other piness about this happening because
West Enders was all filled up.)
of the· loss of your own brother. $?0 - Joe Ascolese
William (Billy) Bastie died dur- THANK YOU! And bless you, Jim, $50 - Bruce Guarino
$50 - Marty Figueira
ing the Korean War as a teenager. I for all you do.
.
The West End Museum fundLove, Peace, Elise·Lockhart
know you can understand my hapraiser will continue into 2007 with
Look for information in .future editions of The
the first drawing to be held JanuWest Ender about a 50's dance next Oct. or Nov. ary 29, 2007.'
For only $60 for the yea,r, you
will be eligible to win $1500 four
times during the year. There will
be four separate drawings, each
one has prizes of $1500, $300
and four $50 prizes. There is also
End Museum's 2006 fundraiser ends successfully
and 2007 fundraiser seeks even more suppoxt
bt
P.O. BOX440-413
SOMERVILLE MA 02144
/
a $200 attendance prize, but you
must be present at.the time of the
drawing to receive the prize. _
The West End Museum direly needs your support if it is to
continue. So please support this
endeavor. You could benefit by
winning and· even if you lose,
you benefit by supporting the museum.
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DECEMBER 2006
PAGE2
Greb (Consolo)
West End Museum·donations
If you are a West Ender and your.name is not on ttie West End Museum's donation
list-it should be. Fill out the donation form below and drop it in the mail.
WEST END HERO- $10,000 or more
Theresa lmbomone
Tom MacDonald
Frank Privitera
Reginalcfo Raso
· GOLD PHILANTHROPIST - $3,000 or more Virginia Rogalski
John Rosato
Bruce Guarino
Barbara Ruchames
.
PHILANTHROPIST - $1 ,000
Mary Ann Russo -In memory of her parents Bernard &
Sean Jackman-In honor of his Mother and
Francesca Bettinelli
Vincent J. Russo
Father Jim and Claire Jackman
Mr. Vincent Saraceno
BENEFACTOR - $500 .
Jim Campano
John DeMarco
Paul Joltki
.Dominic Russo
SPONSOR - $250
Beth & Marshall Arkin
Kevin McGrath
AI & Anna Cohen
Leonard Nimoy
John Cucinotta
Dorothea (Koresky) Pastore
. PATRON- $100
James (Jay) Almeida
JoeAnnello
Robert Bova. ·
Louis & Laura Caccia
Kevin Clifford -In memory of his Father. John Clifford
Bernard Condelli
Angie _Deluca
Tony DeMarco
Joe DeSantis
Mr. &Mrs. Joseph Franchina
Herbert Gans
Arthur Geller
Conrad Geller
Alan Gropman
Agnes lwanow·
Joe Leece·
'·•
John Locatelli -In memory pf his brother Lee ·
William MacAuley
·
Joseph J. Matara
Richard Nedd
JimNoe
John Raso
Vincent Raso
Mimi (Baker) Roberto - Remembering Vinnie Roberto
City Councilor Mike Ross
·
Judge Santo Ruma
AndrewSamo
Ms. Margaret Scimeca , In memory of her Husband,
Michaei"Mikey Shoo" Scimeca
William Sharrio
Spina & Delia Families
William Tomczyk
Robert Vatalaro
Zina Venezia
Arthur Venditti
Malcom Zimmerman
SUPPORTER - $50
S. James Alberino
Theresa Arria - In mem9ry of Isabel & Conatto Arria
Santo Aurelio
Louis & Bebe Aurelio
Bernard & Francesca Bettinelli
Mr. &Mrs. James Bramante
. In Memory of Dominic J. Bruno
Francis Cartolano
Irene Collyer - In memory of her deceased parents
Salvatore Condelli
Joe Difazio
Josephine Zizzo Dzygala - In loving memory of parents
Rose &Joe Zizzo
Mrs. Helen Feeney
Gloria Fernandez
Ed Fitzgerald
June Getchell
Laurence.Goodman
~.
John 9. Sergei
Mark Skiffington.
Richard Settipane
Jonathan Slate
Dorothy and Leonard Sudenfield
Richard and Lois Testa
Eleanor Venezia
Bill & Carolyn Wood
Nadine Zdanovich
FRIEND- $25
Beth and Marshall Arkin
Salvatore (Terry) Castro Domenic Calabruso
Cecilia Dalessio
Joe Dionne .
Carol Downs
Joseph Edmunds
Mr. &Mrs. Gandolfi
Florence Gillman
Agnes lwanow
Joe &Patrica Jackman
In Memory of "Tur Johnson
Edwin Kaufman
Harold Kaufman
·Cecelia A. Kelly
·Theodore Kocyk
Mary Lyons
Josephine Maranto
Gerry Moscaritolo
Christopher Nikolla
Adelle Bomstein Pechet
Alberta Raneri - In memory of Andrew Raneri
Anthony Sarno
Carmella Scott .
Stanley Skeiber
Frank & Margaret Spinale
Sandra Stein
Cart & Betty Tedder
Dorothy Ventresca
Gloria Welch
Mary E. Wright
Corinne Zeman ~ In memory of her mother Ros;Jiie Warren
OTHER
Peart Brodsky
Gertrude Batman
' Loraine Carvalho
Camille Carter - In memory of Vincent J. Nigro
Leo S. Cipriano
Irene Collyer
Josephine Condelli
Kathleen Daloisio
Alfred Ferrara
Barbara lanchino
Lillian Kawa - In memory of her husband Edward Kawa
Ann Minichiello
Eileen Morrill
. AngeloNoe
• Dino Papadakis
Myer Sherman
LTC Stanley C. Skeiber USA (Ret)
Lillian Spero
Michelle Turner
William Hume Vance
Eleanor Venezia
Boxer Tommy Greb (Consolo) entertaining some ofhis fans at the West
End House. Shown in the front row (1-r) are Joe Ternullo, Bob Nicolosi, Ed Langone, John Consolo and Lester Freeman, his manager and
traineT. Pictured.in the back row are Peter Effenchuck, Guy Consolo,
James Mead and AI Lanza.
The West End Museum needs a fund raiser wtlo has the
ability to explore all ptlases and avenues of fu_ndraislng.
If you know of anyone with-these skills please contact ·
the museum: PO Box 8996, Boston, MA 02114.
The West End Museum is open.
For museum hours please call
617-723-2125 for up-to-date information.
W:be West Qfnber
. P;Q. BOX 440-413 - ~_. SOMERVILLE, MA 02144
TEL 617-628-2479
Staff·
Editor ••••••.••••.•.••.•.•.••.••••.•.•.•..•.•.•• JA.MES CAMP.ANO
Co-Founder •••••••.•.••.••••••••.•.•••••••• RAYMOND J. PAPA
All letters, articles and photos submitted to this publication
become the property of The West Ender.
Jim Campano is the only person authorized to accept
memorabilia for The West Ender.
The West Ender will return pictures if you enclose a self-addressed, stamped
envelope, but will retain all rights to publish them and to use the images
The West Ender is a quarteriy publication. - ~
r-------------------,
West End Museum Donation
I wish to donate to The West End Museum to·hasten its progress so
the story of the West End will not ~e forgotten. Send donations to:
·poBox 8996, Boston, MA 02114:
West End Hero
$10,000+
Gold Philanthropist $3,000+ .
Silver Philanthropist $2,000+
. $1,000
Philanthropist
Benefactor
$500
Sponsor
Patron
Supporter
Friend
Other_ _ __
$250
$100
$50
$25
Name--------------------------------------------~------------------------~
Address _____________________________________________________________________
Cizy _ _ _ _ _ _~------------
State/Zip - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Donations to The West End Museum do not support or in any way
go to the West Ender Newsletter.
.J
L..:
-------------------
- ~be
DECEMBER 2006 -
West ~nb~r
PAGE 3
Clark-was on the vergeofbecominga .top'superstar vocalist
music lessons for him and started
Continued from pag_e 1
One parked truck was hit by
him off on a professional career as
and lost altitude and crashed on
a piece of the plane, but no one
a band vocalist and radio star. He
Beverfy Boulevard, in Califor- · was in the true~ at the time about
appeared
for nine years on a Bosnia. Buddy was thrown from the ·
9 p.m. PST.
ton radio show, sponsored by I.J.
plane. He did not survive the
Buddy Clark's real name
Fox, the company owned by Mr.
crash. At that time, he was 37 · was "Samuel Goldberg," he was
years old reaching new heights
born 1912 in Dorchester, Mass., -- David Lilienthal.
Sam made two evening bt:oadof popularity, when tragedy
a suburban city of Boston, and
casts, and sang six days a week
struck.
grew up in the West End of Bos~
on morning. shows. Sam was
The strange part of this freaky
ton. As a youngster, he expressed
now
on his way to a new musi~
accident was that no one else on . strong interests in sports, body
cal career with his own Boston
the plane was reported to have
building, exercising, and one of
radio show, with a new name,
·died, nor was there any one on
his big dreams was to become a
where he was billed as Buddy
Bev~rly Boulevard reported
professional baseball player.
Clark, ... a name that had more
hurt. James L. Havter, pilot of
Buddy even had plans to
of a show business flair than his
the chartered twin engine Cessbecome a lawyer, He attended
own. It wasn't too long that the
nas plane who suffered chest
Northeastern Law School in
Buddy
Clark stylish unique bari~
Boston.
injuries gave his explanatjon of
tone
voice
was catching · on to
the crash: He was attempting
A strong love for music,
local audiences in his own ~orne
· to land the plane at suburban
however, was stronger than his
state of . Massachusetts. Within
Burbank, Ca:, because· of a low
dreams of becoming a·pro basea
few years after his successful
. supply of fuel . when it ran into
ball player or an attorney.
radio show, he was now
Boston
overcast. When it emerged. he
As a young boy Buddy sang
ready
to
tackle the big 'Apple'
said, he didn't know where he
as often as he could at gather... New York City, where singers
was. "! : switched on the emer-.
ings, and in_what today's times
often went to seek their musical
gency fuel tanlcjust before we
would becalled 'joints' -- local
care.ers by joining the big bands
got over Los Angeles." _he said.
pubs, where the floors of the local
... And Buddy was no exception.
"When she started sputtering I
pubs and barrooms were covered
· In 1934, he made his big band
thought the fuel line might have
with ·sawdust. He often times
singing
debut career in earnest as
been clogged, but later 1_figured
.sll9-g just to earn enough to pay
a
vocalist,
with the Benny Good. we were out of gas. ·I just picked ' for a square meal. Neighbors and
man band on the "Let's Dance"
i a spot'and set &er:down/i -- ·:: . •. ::-. ::;friendS who heard this young la4
radio show.
The plane clipped branches
sing were supportive, whether he
Buddy was bill'ed on several
from treetops and sheered off . sang on the streets or in a pub ...
other top _radio shows. Includtwo power lines. Directly over
he was well_liked. It wasn't long
ing the "Hit Parade" from -1936
Beverly Blvd., it lost its tail as- - before Buddy was appearing
to 1939. Buddy worked hard to
se~bly and crashed. Four of the
with local Boston bands, singing
achieve his musical goals. He
passengers were tossed clear· of
his heart out to supportive loyal
even supplemented his vocal acthe wreckage by the impact. DeBoston fans.
.
tivity by appearing, often times
. spite the heaVy- traffic on the BevAt 17 years old the young Sam
unaccredited, on the transcrip~
Goldberg was singing at a local
- erly Blvd., the California police
tion discs recorded with such gi~
. regarded the craSh a little short
wedding in Boston when he was
ants of the big band era as Fred
of a miracle that the plane landed
heard bv David Lilienthal, a proRich, Archie Blyer, Freddy Maron Beverly Blvd. without causprietOr of Boston's leading furriers
tin, Lud Gluskin, Nat Brandying greater damage, and drivers
I.J. Fox, located on Washington St
below pulled · to the: curb upon . in Boston. Sam became a protege · wynne, and other popular bands
seeing the plane overchead.
, of Mr. Lilienthal who arranged
'
Great 1 OOth anniversarJ! gala! Thank you for your reminder
. that my subscription to The West
Ender is about to lapse. I would
not want that to happen. Enclosed
please find my check to continue
my receiving my newspaper which
I have been enjoying so much.
I also want to comment on the
great 1OOth anniversary gala that
my friend Peggy Saslow and I at-
ery year he would return back to
of the radio stations that couldn't
the West End of Boston and per~
afford to have a live music pro~
form for friends, and fans alike.
gram of their own.
Jacob Burnes at the tinie was an
In fact, Buddy Clark's renowti
official o~ the West End House
as a "Ghost Singer" was such
on Blossom St in Boston, where
that film producer Darryl F. ZaClark was an _alumnus of the fanuck hired him to do the singing
mous West End House; Burnes
for actor Jack Haley in "Wake
recalled: "The young singer was
Up And Live," a 1937 movie
. about a popular radio singer who _ a good looking boy, an excellent
debater and a fine athlete. He
gets "Mike Fright." The Hoi~
lywood welcome -m at was now · was the catcher on the West End
lfouse basebldl team and was on
laid down for Buddy. He was of~.
the basketball team."
fered his own radio show, called,
Buddy Clark put his career
"Here's To Romance," and he
on hold by enlisting into the
even played a small cameo role
U.S. Army for three years during
. in the 1942 film "Seven Days
World ,War II. While serving his
Leave," which starred two of
country, Buddy sang with many
Hollywood's leading stars, Luof the military ban48 . until his
cille Ball-and Victor Mature. He
discharge in 1945, in which he
also sang for actor Mark Stevens
resumed his career.
in the musical hit "I Wonder
For the last ten years of his
Who's Kissing Her Now."
singing career as a super star in
Buddy made scores of hit re~
cords, IJlany of them with Xavier - radio and a top ranking celebrity
Cugat's orchestra. The baldirig . of the juke boxes, he had lived in
an aura of success while earning
Clark who didn't care whetb~r
over a S100,000 a year, which in
he lost his hair or not; earned the
title of the. "Contented Crooner," . ·those days would be equivalent
to millions of dollars .to popular ·
partly because of his radio spon~
singers of the 199Q~ ·an,_d :no;w. qf
so_r.on the "Carnation Contented" ·
the
2000s.
~ ·- · ' - ~:. •
ptogrnm;:~~r also because of his
appeal to the bobby-sox fans. He ·, -::EDJ.tORs:NOTE: ,,., < I' . •'': ; i
My special sincere thanks go to
didn't care if his fans swooned
two wonderful people: Mrs. Lorwhen he saqg. He was noted in
raine Parretti, of Milford, Mass.,
saying: "Just so they keep buy~
and Raymond De Simone, of
ing my records. I'm getting old
Lexington, Mass., who helped
· and bald, and I'm not the type to
make them squeal and 1 have no · make this story possible. Without their assistance, this . story
burning ambition to be a movie
would not have been possible.
hero."
They both donated their time
Although fame and fortune
In researching ¢.~ archives of
came to Buddy Clark, in the 30's
Buddy Clark with me at the Bosand 40's, ·he was one who never
ton Public Library, In Copley
forgot where. he came from as a
Square, Boston. ·
struggling singer of Boston. ·Ev-
Remembering old friends of tbe West -E nd
· Dear Jim,
Enclosed is my <;heck for the
renewal of The West_Ender.
I also want to thank Marie Camuso for the wonderful tribute to_
Mary Cozenza Chugh.
She was a great friend, we
went all through high school to~
gether. ·She would · wallc all the
way from Pitts Street to Auburn
· Street to call me for school ev, ery morning. We would walk to
North Station to take the trolley
I learned that Vin Moscaritolo . to Girl's High School.
(Bl~ckstone 46) recently climbed ·
After we graduated we -both
Machu Pichu in South America.
worked at John Hancock Insur~
Two years ago he climbed · Mt.
ance Co. We saw each other evKilimangaro in Africa. Do you
ery day. Sorry to say after I left
suppose his inspiration was Miss
to raise a family we lost contact.
McHugh in the Blackie?
I was so sorry to hear that she
Larry Gilligan
had passed away.
tended. She drove from New Jersey and I from Cape Cod in order
to do it together. It was certainly a
memorable experience--a once in
· a lifetime event.
Also please . note my Florida
address so -that I will not miss an
.issue. Thank you for keeping the
memories alive.
Joyce Spector Mekelburg
Learned about Vin Moscaritolo
Jim;
Enclosed is a check for my
dues and a little extra to get a
sandwich at Klayman's Deli.
I had a great _time at the reunion in October. I met people
I hadn't seen in years especially
one from Quincy.
I also have enclosed a photo of
us Aubw:n Street kids who made
·- their confi.imation at St. Joseph's
Church. I don't remember th~
year... around 1948 or 49.
Back row: Helen Cucunotti,
Fran (Pedulla) Meucci, Chubby .
Qddo, AnnMarie PariJlo; Front
row: · Phil ' Oddo, Betty Olsen,
TonyOddo
. Love the paper and read it
from cover to cover.
FranMeucci
DECEMBER 2006
4&
~
LEITERS
Young men of the West End
The 50s
Bargain ofthe century
Editor,
Enclosd is my subscription
renewal fee for the bargain of
. the century. The extra is to help
toward the production and distribution of The West Ender and the
cost of mailings.
Our nostalgic look at the past ·
through the graphic photos and
letters in The West Ender makes
every renewal a must do. To relive the magical days of the West
End era is pure nostalgia.
J. Almeida (Bomber)
Keep the ,West End alive
Please keep the West End alive
in our hearts ·and minds.
It is truly a part of American
history that should never be forgotten. The go9d people that
came to our country and made
America what it is today.
The West End, North End,
South Boston. It did not matter
what country our grandparents
came from they strived to work
hard and be true Americans and
they brought us up to be the
same.
God Bless All.
Lorraine Kogos Gladstone
A wonderful time in my life
Dear Jim;
Please renew my West Ende~:
subscription. I always look forward to receiving each issue.
Although I was only 14 when
we were made to move, now and
then I see a familiar face in a
picture or a letter from someone
either my family ktlew or I reThe photo in the upper left shows (1-r) Vinny Moscaritolo, Phil Oddo, Mike Imperato and Sonny Othmer.
Upper right is Andy Sarno with Richie Testa in the background in 1950. /:;ower left are Don Celata, Jim
Esposito and Jim Campano. Lower right shows Donato Smoot, Ricky Deagan and Chubby Oddo. ·
Catching up with the Caccia's
Hi Jim,
I've been a past subscriber
to The West Ender, but when I
moved to Florida and spent summers in Boston for some reason
the post office had all my newspapers messed up: I've read a few
of the past issues.
I met you at the annual West
Enders Mass on September 24th.
I asked you there to put my brother, Bob and I, Carlo, in for The
West Ender for 2007.
· My brother · Vincent "Vin"
Caccia passed away last year. He
was a West Ender and served in
World War II. May I also say the
four Caccia boys Vin, Lou, Carlo
and Bob lived on Norman Street
across the street from Old Washington School.
By the way, may also I say I
married Jennie Spinale of Hale
Street. God only -knows how
many Spinales that were in the
. wesLEnd.
Thank you for all the work
you do.
Carlo P. Caccia
"Unforgettable" West Enders
Dear Jim,
·. Enclosed is my renewal for
/ The West Ender and a little more
to help defray the cost to publish
The West Ender.
Many kudos to you for the time
and effort you put into keeping the
publication going.
Singer Nat "King" Cole said
it all in the first two lines of his
famous song, "Unforgettaole."
Through near or far, no truer words
apply to former West Enders.
Wishing you all a happy and
healthy new year.
Sincerely,
Leo S. Cipriano ·
Melrose,MA
Looking for members of
William Blackstone School - Class of 1948
Contact: Joe Salmeri
i Gloria Road, Randolph, MA 02368
Message to:
Barbara .Hatch
Hi Jim,
In answer to ,Barbara Hatch: I
would love to see or speak to her.
My brother Arthur is living
in Florida and I'm living in West
End Place.
I love reading The West Ender.
Enclosed is my dues and a little
extra.
Thank you,
Elaine Hannon
Reunion was great! .
Hello to all West Enders.
The reunion .was great! My
sister Maureen (Deary) McDevitt agreeded that we should
have our own name tags to wear ·
to help identify each other.
The food was excellent! "That
was some light buffet." It was so
great to see the people 'that we
Message to Phil Oddo
In memory of
Joseph Rob~nson
Hi Phil (Oddo)
Saw your picture in the last
edition. You ·look like your father,
only a -little heavier. Brought back
many ~ond memories. Be well.
Irene Kortright (Phoenix, Az.)
Good work!!
Save every issue
Dear Jimmy,
Enclosed is my renewal of my
subscription and a· little ll}Ore.
Keep up the good work!!
"Anna May" Gigante
Dear West Ender;
It's such a welcome to receive
our subscription yearly.
Frank & Margaret Spinale
P.S. I saved every o!le of them
·
from day one.
Riminis~enza
Likes pies & news
Dear Jim,
Thanks for continuing all the
work you do to keep this paper.
going. I look forward to seeing
our friend's pictures and news in
The West Ender when we receive
it.
Thanks again,
George Manzelli
member. A recent letter from Phil
Pisano who I went to St. Joseph's
School with was most enjoyable
to read, and I have many happy
memories brought back from a
time of my life that was so wonderful.
Keep up the good work.
Maryanne Petkievich Johnson ·
Keep it up!
Dear Sir,
Enclosed you will find my
subscription renewal and a little
more. Keep up the good work.
Peter K. Toli
formerly of 73 Brighton St.
Enjoy ·reading
I look forward to reading The
West Ender.
Alice Rosenthal
recognize~.
Enclosed is my renewal with a
little extra for whatever. Keep up
the good_work.
Kathy Deary Corso D' Aloisio
(Brother Deary's Sister)
Dear Mr. Campano;
I am enclosing a check for my
renewal of The West Ender and
· also in memory of my husband
Joseph who died this last year.
Thank you for your hard work .
in keeping alive the memories of
our days living in the West End.
Libby Hciffinan Robinson
27 Eaton St.
Looking forward
to more issues
Hi Jim,
Enclosed is for my subscription renewal plus alittle extra.
All is fine with us and hope
the same is true with you.
Looking foward to more of the
same good news in upcoming issues of The West Ender.
Your 01' Pal, _
Chuchi
'QI::be West QEnber
DECEMBER 2006
PAGES
OBITUARIES
Edward R. Fiizgerald
of the hite Adele (Favilla) who. .Home, 70 _Fulton Street, .Bos- kne}V what she loved. And, boy,
She was the belcived wife
did she love her family! Could
Edward R. Fitzgerald, Esq.
of Peter and loving motlier of died in 2004. He was the de- ton, MA .02109 or to· the Joslin
passed away oil July 19, 2006
Richard and his wife Andrea voted son of the late Zelinda Diabetes Center, Inc., 1 Joslin there ever be anyone who did
more for her nieces and nephwas a fixture on Beacon Hill
of Stoneham, and Robert of . (Martignoni) Rossi & Giuseppe · Place, Boston, ~A 02215.
ews than Mary did? · She had
and the West End and was Medford. Also survived by 2 Rossi.
Memories of
only two weeks off a year, but
known by many.
grandsons, Marc and Anthony.
Oscar was born in Pontremoli, Italy in 1920. After WWII
Mary (DiMare)
during that time, . she treated
He had liyed on · Anderson
Stepdaughter of Mary Spagnolo
.When my mother and I were many of us to Disney movies
Oscar came to the United States
Street for almost 60 years prior of Melrose _and daughter of the
leaving the · funeral home the
and settled in the West End
appearing in Boston, lobster
to his death on July 19th after
late Emil and Grace (Arata)
of Boston. In 1959 he moved
other day, Fred, the Funeral
meals at Dini's Restaurant, ice
suffering a stroke in July 2004.
Spagnolo . Sister of Charles
cream sundaes at .Bailey;s and
his family to Medford. Oscar Director, mentioned, "By the
He was born at home in
Spagnolo ofSaugus. Also sur1926 in the West End at 7 AIvived by several loving nieces was a chef and worked at the
way, you'll have to select some water rides on the Swan Boats.
1200 Beacon St. Restaurant in
readings and some music for
Auntie Mary was always 'happy
len Street to John L Fitzgerald and nephews.
the mass." I turned to Franny,
Brookline, Resevoir Club in
to hold babies, do peek a boo
and Jane (nee Shea). His father
Funeral was from the Cinand asked, "Mom, what was with toddlers, play checkers
was a former State Senator,
cotti Funeral Home, Medford. Cambridge and the Holiday Inn,
on Mass. Ave. in Cambridge. that .l ovely piece you chose for
with the young ones, or discuss
President of the City Council,
Interment was in Oak Grove
He retired in 1974 and enjoyed Aunt Rae's funeral years ago?
stocks with the older ones.
Mayor and Fire Commissioner.
Cemetery. ·
He attended local schools,
Contributions in her memory helping others with volunteer Something ab'out ·a woman." · She was always so pleased to
work.
graduatiqg from Boston Engmay be made to the Mass. GenMom thought for a second and
see us, and from the moment
In addition to his late wife
lish High School in 1944. He
eral Hospital Thoracic Oncolanswered, "A Gentle Woman,"
when we rang that bacisdoor
enlisted in the Navy, served on ogy, c/o Rebecca Suk-Heist, and parents, Oscar is survived that was the name of the piece. · bell, smelled that coffee brewing, devoured all those goodies
the USS Panamint in the Pacific
Development Office, 165 Cam- by his son Joseph Rossi and his 1 looked at mom and immediately added, "Well, that's not
wife Ann Louise of Newton.
and left with our special treats,
during World War II; attaining bridge St., Boston, MA 02114.
going to work!"
we all knew that we _were very
Loving grandfather of Loretta
the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
Carmella Cancellieri
Cox and her husband Tim of
Our Auntie Mary would . much loved.
After the war, he · enrolled at
Carmella (Solimine) Cancelnever have been described as
Some of my fondest memoBoston College and graduated
lieri of Boston, died peacefully West Roxbury, Elizabeth Morefield and her husband Jack of a "gentle woinan. , . Mary had ries are of being at 34 Windsor
i_n 1.949. .
on Saturday, September 9, 2006
Brighton. Loving great grandmore moxie than any .other Road with all of the cousins on
He married Elizabeth Dick at Hannah Duston Healthcare
woman I've ever known. Mary
Sunday afternoons. There she
father of Emily, TJ,"David and
of Beacon Hill in 1950 and toCenter.
Alex. Brother of Anna Maria stood on her own two feet, of(and of course Auntie Josie,
Until five years ago, she was
gether they raised three daughand the late Adele, Aurora, Anna ten in rolled down: nylons, and who was a GENTLE WOMAN,
ters (Kathleen, Maureen and
a lifelong resident of Boston.
Iside, Ada, Othello and Olizio.
she never, let anyone push her God bless her soul) (she) would
Elizabeth) and one ~on (Edward
She was employed by the City
around. 'My- sister C~thy often · -~UP.P!Y us ~-~th Gingt?r Al~, ViR;-, Jr.) ·on Anderson Street.
- of Bo&torr and also a home- _ Funeral was from tlie De'llo
He managed his family's
maker..Slie was p; edeceased by Russo Funeral' liome;·Medford: ·jok:es • that -· Aunt.ie.-\ Mary : was • •ennaFingers,-custardorBostqn a feminist long before Glo- · Cream Pie, silver rhints,,semanBurial was at Oak Grove Cem.parking lots near North Station.
her husband of 60 years, Joseph
etery, Medford.
ria Steinem!' It's true; no one
za, hard ceci 's and Pistachios.
while attending what is now
Cancellieri, her parents, Salvatold Mary what to do, and God
(By the way, which cousin was
New England School of Law.
tore and Paolina Sqlmine and 7 Mary DiMare
help the person who tried. In
it who put the pistachio up her
The parking lots continued to
brother~ and 3 sisters.
Mary DiMare, of Medford,
her later days, she would often nose causing Auntie to run for
' operate until the mid~ 1980's.
Carmella is survived by her formerly of the West End, died
say, "Hey, I'm 80 and I'm old the tweezers to pull it out?)
loving sister, Gloria Delcore
He was admitted to the MassaWednesday at the North End
enough to do and say whatever There was routine at Auntie's
chusetts Bar in 1962 and estab- of Everett; Daughter and sonCommunity Nursing Home. She
I want.'; But we all know, Mary place; Cousin Da~ny compared
lished the law firm of Mavros
in-law, Priscilla and Michael was 88 ..
was
always old enough to say
it to attending a well loved
& Fitzgerald in Lynn, MassaDeLong of Bradford; Sons and
Born l.n. Italy, she was the
whatever she wanted.
play: we knew the scenery and
chusetts where he specialized daughters-in-law, John and
daughter of the late Giuseppe
I remember hearing stories
the actors, we knew which acts
in probate imd real estate matJeanne of CT, Joseph, and Gail
and the late Alfia (Gianino)
of how she bought her own lipwould unfold, often with the
ters. He maintained an active
of CT, and Ronald and Marie of DiMare. Mary worked many
stick when she was a teen and exact same dialogue, and we
law practice until 2004.
Revere; her treasured grandchilyears as a stitcher with Silins
she wore it bright and red even all knew how the performance
For a number of years he
dren and great-grandchildren,
Manufacturing Co. in Boston,
if it went against what "good would end. And boy, was that
and her many nephews and making aprons. She was a dealso worked. at the Registry
girls" did. I recall tales of her
ending sweet! How happy Aun· of Motor Vehicles on Nashua nie({es.
voted aunt to her many nieces
standing up against the bosses
tie could make l_lS by presenting
Street supervtsmg teletype
A Mass of Christian Burial and nephews.
in the. sweat shop she sewed us with a piece of gum from her
communications with state and was celebrated in St. Leonard's
She was a devoted sister to
in every day of her working
stash in the bedroom bureau
local law enforcement agenChurch, Hanover Street, North Frances Matara and her husband
career. She played the role of and with a QUARTER from
cies. He retired from the RegEnd. Interment was in WoodJoseph, Domenic DiMare and
shop steward and she wasn't her purse! · Oh, that quarter!
istry in 1991.
lawn Cemetery, Everett.
his wife Margaret (Passanesi)
going. to let anyone push "the How generous we thought she
Tne1 family summered in
Contributions may be made
all of Somerville, Joseph Digirls" around. And who here · was with those quarters; little
Winthrop on Point Shirley for
in Carmella's memory to the
Mare and his wife Betty Ann of
hasn't had the experience of
• Continued to page 6
more than 50 years. ·
Hannah Duston Residents AcCA, the late Josephine, James,
going shopping with her! Pity
He was pre-de,ceased by his
tivity Fund, 126 Monument John and Salvatore DiMare. She
IN WhMOR1 ()} ...
the pushy salesperson who tried
brother, Col: John I. Fitzgerald,
Street, Haverhill, MA 01832 or was a special aunt to 20 nieces
to show her a shoe she wasn't
Benny Pacheco from Mr. & Mrs.
Jr. and his sister, Jane F. Fento Beacon Hospice·, Inc., 529
and nephews.
Almeida
interested
in,
or
the
man
at
nell.
Main Street, Suite 101, Boston,
Her funeral was from the
Jack Mirium & Frank Gropman
Roberto's
who
tried
to
get
her
Sally Ann (Spagnolo)
MA 02129. Boston.
Delio Russo Funeral Home,
from Alan Gropman
Medford. Burial was at Oak to buy potatoes when she only
DeAngelo
Oscar Rossi
The
Sicuso Family
wanted_peppers! Yes, Mary alGrove Cemetery, Medford.
Sally Arm (Spagnolo) PeAnMr. Oscar Rossi, age 86, died
Savatore
Purpura
Memorial contributions may ways knew exactly what she
Joseph
Robinson
gelo of Medford, formerly of Thursday, October 26, 2006 in
wanted, and what she wanted
be made in Auntie's name to the
Hy Naglin & his buddies who are
the West End of Boston, died Weston after a lengthy illness.
was
what she got!
all-gone
on November 5, 2006.
Oscar was the beloved husband North End Community Nursing
Likewise, Mary also always,
/
II.
I
PAGE6
DECEMBER 2006
0BITUARIE.S
Memories of Mary (DiMare)
Continued from page 5
did we know what she was doing with the rest of the coins
on our behalf!
Even today, 4 years after
Mary 's estate was settled, it's
hard to believe how smart
Auntie was with her money.
To think of how she saved so
much from the little she was
paid, and then earmarked it for
each of us is incredible. All of
us have greatly benefited from
Mary 's frugal ways, and I for
one will be forever grateful
not only for her generosity but
also for her teaching me the
value of compound int~rest!
Mary never married and
never had kids of her own,
but please let me know if you
come across anyone who acted
more maternally than Mary
did when her mother, the lovely Alfia, needed mothering.
Find me another woman who
would schlep her way by foot,
bus and train, through heat,
snow an~ rain to be by the
~~dside o(~ l<:>ved ;~ne for ten
years running. Mary was there
combing Alfia's· hair, stroking
her face, updating Iier on day's
events, and orchestrating that
Alfia was well taken care of
every day, for a decade. And
did Auntie ever, ever complain? Never. What she did out
of love for her mother should
stand as a shining example for
all of us.
When Alfia was gone, Mary
continued to take care of others. Every Sunday morning,
the brothers and often a few
of the male nephews would
again ring that back bell, sit .
at the kitchen table, and wait
for Mary to wait on them and
spoil them rotten. She'd pour
their coffee, cut their pieces of
pie, -laugh at their jokes, and
give them their space for their
weekly card games. The men
found refuge at Mary 's place,
and she found joy in helping
to keep the DiMare clan connected.
Yes, our Auntie Mary was
unique. She never put on a
pair of pants in .her life, but we
know, she really did wear the
pants in the family. She never
drove a car, but she certainly
steered her own wheel and
mapped out her own course,
and although she never graduated from high school, she
certainly has schooled many
of us in the important lessons
of life. Auntie Mary taught us
that family comes first, hard
work pays off, and saving for
a rainy day makes a lot of
cents! Auntie Mary, we bid
you a fond farewell. Go and
~e _'Y.ith your mother Alfia ~.d
your sister Josie, and please
let those brothers of yours up
there (Johnny, Sammy, and
Jimmy), finally take care of
you! You deserve it!
Bill Stone
passed away
Please tell everyone who was
a fiiend of my husband, Bill
Stone, that he passed away on
August 1st this year.
Sincerely,
Renata Stone
2006 vVest Enders Nlen1orial Circle
The following West Enders have contributed $100 or more in memory
oftheir loved ones for 2006. Now is the time to send in your donation
to be included in the 2006 West Enders Memorial Circle.
Joseph & Anita Russo, Sylvia Grey, Moe Guarino, Joe Solano
and Carmine Steriti from Vincent J. Russo
Eugene "Gino" Kawalski from Gaetana Kawalski
Gaetano & Josephjne Privitera from Frank Privitera
Josephine C. (Russo) Riley from Hon. Domeri.ic J. Russo,
Vincent Russo, Joseph A. Russo
Lillian Pallotta from Anthony -Pallotta
Vmcenzo & Rosaria Interrante, Salvatore & Olympia Bramante,
Mary Marchesini & Rose Interrante from Joe & Joseph Interrante
William (Bill) Sharrio from Rita Sharrio
Anthony (Junior) Comperchio, William (Bossy) Hoar, James
(Gussie) Guskiewcz, Roger Jackman & Joseph Lanza from
Tony Lo Voulo and Ralph Santoussouso
Jack, Mirium & Frank Gropman from Alan Gropman
Best and
nicest people
Enclosed please find my
check and a little extra. Remember the best and nicest people in
the world came from the West
End. Always a West Ender.
Norman Snider
34Allen St.
Always a
West Ender
Hi Jim;
Here is my subscription and
little more. Keep up the good
work. I love reading The West
Ender.
I was born and raised on Hale
St. My late husband was Vitale
(Val) De Marco. He was the ice
and oil man. My brother, who is
now deceased, was John Bucceri. He was a member of the
Mercury Club. "Always a West
Ender"
Zena DeMarco
a
Fond memories
Enclosed is my renewal to
The West Ender. I really enjoy
reading The West Ender. Brings
back fond memories. Keep up
the good work. .
Sincerely,
J. Frank Falanga
Brings back
.
memor1es
Dear Jim;
Enclosed is my check. Please
renew my subscription, and a little extra to cover postage. I look
forward to The West Ender. It ·
always brings back many memories. Keep up the good work.
An Allen St. resident,
· Margaret Donigan
In memory of
Sicuso Family
· Enclosed is my sub"scription
for The West Ender. Also a little
extra in memory of the Sicuso .
family.
Thank you,
Fran Sicuso & Josephine Polcari
Send the paper
Hi Jim,
How have you been? 1 am
interested in getting The West
Ender mailed to my house again.
I haven't had it since I have
moved from Stoneham.
Also enclosed is my donation.
Thanks, Bill Sarcia
Old friends reunite· in the Carolinas-since retiring several
years ago, Paul Dembicki (left) and Chuchi Mirowski (right), have
both been enjoying a very active retirement. Recently, when faul and
Joyce Dembicki moved/rOm NC!ples, Florida to Greenville, South Carolina, they reconnected with Stan "Chuchi" Mirowski and his wife
Cleo "Cookie", who have been in Boiling Springs, North Carolina for
the past 10 years. Being only 60 miles apart, they have enjoyedplaying
golf regularly by meeting at various courses midway between them.
Lots oflaughs combined with a good round ofgolfhave made for some
great times, which is quite typical when West Enders get together.
In memory
of Sal
Keeping up
with old friends
Hi Jim;
Here is my donation for 2
years for The West Ender in
memory of my husband Sal.
Tillie Purpura
I enjoy reading The West
Ender and look forward for the
paper to come each time. It keeps
me up on all my great friends
from the West End.
· Tillie Purpura.
Thank you for
the reminder
Thanks for the reminding me.
I enjoy The West Ender too much
to drop it. Keep it coming.
Lee Schell
In memory of
· HyNaglin
Here .is my subscription to
The West Ender as well as some
extra in memory of my father Hy
Naglin and all his buddies from
the West End. They are all gone
now but we need to keep all the
memories alive.
Barbara Ruchames
Brings back
fond memories
Dear West Ender;
I am sending payment plus
a little more. Keep on sending your wonderful news. Your
newspaper brings back wonderful memorie&.
Thanks,
Estelle Corin
Happy Holidays
To All
Thanks for all the good news,
a little extra enclosed. Happy
Holidays to all.
Carol and Red Evers
PAGE7
DECEMBER 2006
LEITERS
Another memory of the Old
West End-_ The .smells
Hi Jim.
Enclosed is my subscription
fee plus for 2007. Now we get
down to what we all enjoy, memories of our beloved West End.
Most of us remember the
sights and the people we see in
the wonderful old picture.s in
your paper. Alas, only half of my
memories. The other half is the
. memorable, pleasant and sometimes pungent smells of the West
· End. Rose, my beautiful wife of
51 years and I thought of a few.
1. Bowdoin subway station .
2. West End House gym
3. Range oil ·
4. Hot · stone ledge outside
tenement window when wet with
summer rain
5. Polish bakery on Leverett
street
6. Fish markets on Spring
Street
7. Silver Bakery
8. Cutler's linoleum store
9. Barney Sheffs
10. Bruno's barber shop
11. Minnie White's dill pickles ·; _, ...... - .•· · ,.. ·..
'-'
12. Different ethnic cooking·
smells on each tenement floor
13. The gas stack when lit for
hot water
14. Tangerine ski.tis aroma
when placed on a hot stove
15. The crab man's·pushcart
16. Wine making
17. The Rialto Theater
18. Orzata lemonade ori Merrimac Street
19. The smell of the circus animals behind the Boston Garden
20. ScUlly's pool room and
the gym above
21. Shoeshine polish under
·your fingernails 22. my father's
home made root beer
23 .Klaman's nickel baloney
sandwich
24; Lazzaro's sugar cones
25. and I'll never forget Joe
andNemo's
We are sure all of you readers
. have your own favorites. Please
send them in so that we can remember too and enjoy them with
you. Shared memories are what
we all enjoy and what this paper
is abQut .Thanks to all who make
it possible)'' ... ·'~ ,., · .. ·.. __, · · · ·
Rose and John Vatalaro
Thanks to Herb Shifres
for his article last issue
Dear Jim;
Enclosed find a little something for the West End Museum.
i would like to take a moment
to thank Herb Shifres for that
great article he wrote in the last
• issue. It brought back so many
memories which I also remember very often and vividly.
Sincerely,
Ellis Field
Checking in ·from Nevada
Dear Jim;
Please. find · a check for my
subscription and a donation:
Living so far away from home
in Las Vegas, Nevada, I look for-
ward to receiving the newspaper
and reading about my former
neighbors. Keep them coming.
Louie Pokat
Lucky in Love, Luckr in Friendship
by Ellzabeth Matara-Flynn
How long can a friendship
last? Ask any member of the
Lucky Ten, and you'll hear the
answer, "A lifetime, or at least
for 60 years!" Recently, a celebration was held for · a group
·dfwomen whose friendship has
withstood the test of time.
In 1947, a group of "girls"
from Boston's West End decided to get together on Tuesday
nights (since that was one night
they WEREN'T out with their
boyfriends). Every Tuesday,
September through May, the
"Club Girls" visited one another's homes for 3 hours of chat,
support, and delightful desserts.
Even w!J.en their beloved West
End was demolished, the girls,
who had scattered to places
such as Somerville,- Medford,
Concord, and Natick, continued to trek to one another's
home for their weekly bonding
sessions.
According to Margaret Di-
Mare, the long time treasurer
of the group, the $.25 dues collected ip the eal'ly years allowed
the women to arrange additional get togethers which included
bowling, roller skating - and
dining' out. (Remember Chickland, Nick's litld· MoiitiC~llo's?j
Arid latei, wh~ri . dues 'were .ffi.:
creased, they were able to treat
their mothers to a brunch at
Blinstrubs or include their husbands in the annual closing of
club sessions in May. (ln. 1948,
the tab at the Latin Quarter for
the girls and their guys totaled
$115, corsages included!)
Together the w·omen celebrated many milestones, including the joys of wedding
· anniversaries (some have been
married close to 60 years) and
births (all had at least 3 children and too many grandchildren to count), and they even
cruised aboard The Oceanic together with their husbands the
year the "Club" turned 25. .
In September, a celebration
to commemorate. the 60th Anniversary of the former West
Enders; life long friendship
was held in , Melrose when
daughters and daughters in law
.got to·gethttr 1to honor tht "The
CIUb"''for
t1ie1f
.
· : ~Y.earS' 'of~devo,~ r~q
tion"io' mt:ndsnip,.motherhood,
and marriage. Many stories
were shared including those
from the daughters who recollected those Tuesday nights
when their mothers brought out
the good towels, changed the
toilet paper to the expensive
roll, and prepped for hours because Club was coming to their
house that night! :rl)e daughters
of Jennie Caccia, Toni Christo,
Camille Costantino, Margaret
DiMare, Rose Freccero, Martha Goveia, Frances Matara,
Anna Pipitone, Tillie Purpura,
and Yolanda Tkaczuk saluted
their mothers, "The Club," as
they entered their 61 st year of
their everlasting friendship.
2more
subscriptions
Keeping in touch
So many names ...
So many m~mories
Paper is wonderful
Dear Jim;
Here i~ my subscription dues
·
for next year!
The paper is wonderful. I'm
sorry it took me so long to get it.
Looking forward to the West End
reunion which will be my first.
. Rose Cogliano Manganaro
Thanks for the memories
Hi Jim:
How's it going? You're doing
one hell of a job. You can thank
Mr. Todd from our printing class
that something rubbed off on you
from the old Blackstone School.
Thanks for the memories.
God Bless,
Don Nicolosi
-1
Hi,
I am enclosing my subscription to The West Ender and
I would appreciate it if you
would send a subscription to
my niece, Sharlene .Grossman
also.
We ·have such fond memories of our West End years . .
Thank you· so much.
Florence Breslouf
Look forward to receiving
The West Ender. I like reading
all thc:t articles. It is like keeping
in touch with .the old neighborhood.
Thank You,
JoeZimbone
Another supporter
Enclosed is my subscription
to The West Ender. Plus a little
more.
Lorraine "Mercurio" Carvalho
1..,
J.
.J
.J
{
.I
.I
.:
.... •
, Gentlemen,
Enclosed. check . is for annual subscription and just a bit
more for the quarterly publication 6fthis great journal where
I continually see nam~s that
conjure up so many wonderful memories of my younger
years.
Thanks so much,
Julius Breslouf
..)
../
.J
J
..1
.I
.I
PAGES
DECEMBER 2006
Annual West Ender Mass,
Once again, St. Joseph's
Catholic Church hosted the annual West Ender Mass on Sunday, September 24. The current
Pastor, Rev. Dan O'Connell, and
all the current members of St.
Joseph's Church joined former
West Enders to share in the St.
Joseph's community Sunday
worship. It was also a great
opportunity to reminisce with
former classmates about St. Jo-
Sept~
24
seph 's School.
As in the past, the 11:30 a.m.
mass was offered for all former West Enders. A reception
and light lunch was held in the
church hall after _the service.
Winner of the West End birdhouse.
. After the luncheon in 'st. J()seph s Hall, there was a raffle drawing.Margaret DiMare displays her first prize winning "Fancy Birdhouse"
to Frank Privitera, Eleanor Montini and Zina Mishosa Venezia
Before Mass at St. Josephs Church, old friends get together to say
"hello. " (1-r) Frank Privitera, Sal Ve11ezia, ·Peter Limone
(1-r) Stevie (Langone) Gallarelli
·and Barbara (Pasqua) LoVoulo
At the luncheon (Jfter the Mass (seated, 1-r) Peter Limone and Frank
Privitera; (standing) Rev. Dan 0 'Connell, pastor of St. Josephs
Church.
Refreshments were served after the Mass in the churchs lower level.
(standing) Zena Menosa Venezia; (seated) Frank Privitera and Eleanor Montini
one wait to enter the church.
Another winner of a West End
birdhouse.
'-
DECEMBER 2006
Mores scenes from Annual Mass
~{Je We~t
.Qfnber
Songs fro.m the St. Joseph
Class of 1946 reunion
Dear Jim:
On September 16, 2006 members of the 1946 St.
Joseph graduating class met at the Hi!ltop Restaurant in Saugus to celebrate the 60th anniversary of
their graquatio11. Although it was a mOdest group,
people traveled from Florida, Maine and Georgia
to celebrate 60 years of friendship and memories.
Attending were:
"
_The Things We Learned
at St. Joseph"
(1-r) AI Raso, Kathy Campana and Jim Campana catch up at the Annual Mass at St. Josephs Church.
This was written to the tune of, "The Things We
Did La8t Summer."
Try to remember an early September,
When trees were green and nuns were youthful,
Try to remember an early September,
We were five or six and life was playful,
Try to remember that day in September,
A new first grade member with eyes so tearful,
Try to remember that moment so tender, so fearful.
·Try to remember a later December,
When w~r and death erased our childhood,
Try to remember a colder December,
When youngsters died and lost their manhood,
Try to remember a wartime December,
When we prayed together in brotherhood,
Try to remember the coming together; so good.
Old friends gather at St. Josephs before the Mass. (1-1) Frank Privitera, Alfie Raso, Jimmy Campana (publisher of "The West Ender")
PAGE9
Try to remember the final September,
The war an ember, of memories burning,
Try to remember the final September,
New Eighth grade members, young and learning,
.Try to remember the work in September,
That blossomed in June after months of churning,
Try to rememb~r but those who remember keep
yeiuning.
Try to remember a Sunday so tender,
With admiration for graduation,
Try to remember the church and the splendor,
The hymns,·the service, the final sensation,
Try to remeQJ.ber the last day so tender,
A day full of memories. and celebration,
Try to remember the last day of tender elation.
Getting together for small talk b'ejore the annual Mass. (l~r) Eleanor
Spinale Venezia, Frank Privitera, Sil Macarone, Peter Limone an~
Dick Intravaia (rear)
·
Santo Aurelio and his wife, Josephine. Nat Noe
·
and his wife, Jean.
Paul Barbera and his wife, Betsy. George Leary
Jr. and his wife, Kathleen Charles Intravaia and
fri.end. (Millie) Frank Fisichella ·
Bob Vatalaro
P.S. I had prepared a couple of sets of lyrics for the
occasion (enclosed) and thought you might be interested in printing them, if space allows.
"Try To Remember'' .
(St. Joseph 1938-1946)
This was written with the song by Ed Ames in
mind. It has four stanzas:
1. Entering the first grade at St. Joseph in 1938;
2. Pearl Harbor and World War II;
3. September 1945 ...the end of the war, the beginning of our last year.
4. Graduation Sunday at St. Joseph, June 1946
We thought that we were cool,
Attending "Sister" school,
How did we kn:ow the days would be so long,
But the things we learned at St. Joseph,
I'll remember,
My whole life long
We learned the Golden·Rule,
In elementary school,
And memorized the. Ten Commap.dments too,
The things we learned at St. Joseph,
·I'll remember,
· My whole life through
The May Procession walk,
We knew we shouldn't talk,
Or even show a smile or frown,
And when we reached our pew,
We'd sing a hymn or two,
But never while we're sitting down
Exams came every year,
We passed them through our fear,
By learning both the words and pictures too,
• The things we learned at St. Joseph,
I'll remember,
My whole life through.
The furnace and the vents.
The fall and winter scents,
Fitzgibbons and his bag of tools.
And in winter's frigid roar,
You'd hear us praying for,
A blizzard that would close the schools. ·
But when graduation canie,
We'd never be the same,
By choosing paths that could be right or wrong,
But the things we learned at St. Joseph,
I'll remember,
My whole life long.
Jim Noe and Tony DeMarco arrive at the annual Mass.
Tony DeMarco and Jim Noe get together in 1974
in Winthrop.
.j
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PAGE 10
West Qfnber
DECEMBER 2006
Judge Santo Ruma retires a·fter·24 year~ on the bench
also participates in varied charitable
· endeavors and serves as a trustee of
the McCarthy Foundation which
donates money to charities on the
North Shore.
Judge Ruma and his wife, Joan,
reside in Wmchester, Massachu- setts. They are the parents· of one
daughter, Linda Ruma Kurtz, who
along with her husband, Glenn
Kurtz, are attorneys in New York
City. They haye one grandchild, .
Kevin, age six.
The Honorable Santo J. Ruma
Section 40. In 1977, JudgeRuma
was appointed as an Associate Juswas counsel to the Speaker of the
tice of the Peabody Division of the
House of Rep~tatives. Judge
· District Court Department in 1983
Ruma was a member of the Suand became its Presiding Justice
preme Judicial Court Committee on
on August 16, 1984. From 1984 to
Gender Equality where he worked·
1989, he was also an Associate Jus- · to address findings of gender bias
tice of the Appellate Division of the
iti the judiciary. He also served on
District Court Department
the Supreme Judicial Court's Task
Force on Judicial Education. In
A p~ of the Medford public school system, Judge Ruma readdition, he sat as a Moot Court
ceived his bachelor's degree from
Judge at Boston University Law
School and volunteers as a mentor
Boston University in 1962. A 1965
.graduate ofBoston Univ,~i):y .ytw .,for ~y~~~·,.Judge.~~
,,..__ .
..., J....
•
"school,' Judg~ R~ma)eg~ his legal cil.reer iii"1966, concentrating
in the areas of real estate, business
law and litigation with the Boston
law firm of Richardson and Tyler.
In 1968, he joined the firm .
of .Kaff and Goldberg where he
specialized in business and commercial litigation. In 1970, Judge
Hi Jim,
Ruma opened a private practice in
At right is a photo from the
Boston. From 1970te 1977, he was
golf banquet and below are the
counsel to the Department ofNatustats.
ral Resources, now the DepartWe're looking for more golfment of Environmental Affairs. As
ers to join us !).ext year. We start
_ part of those duties, Judge Ruma
our league around May at Cedar
acted as a hearings officer dealing
Glen Course saugus on Moilwith permits to be granted by the
days.
- Department of Natural Resources
Thanks,
under the Wetlands Protection
Mike Messina
Act. He diafted the first state-wide
Golf Master
regulations governing the Wetlands
Protection Act under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 131,
l.
_,
-
. -
.
.
The Salem News, Thursday,
Nov. 9 publishedastory on
judge Ruma. This is a partial
reprint of that story....
by Julie Manganis
PEABODY- On a recent afternoon
in Peabody District Court, Judge
Santo Ruma was hearing the case ·
of a woman accused of fraud. The
woman was there to accept responsibility and make restitution.
Ruma addressed the woman
about her case-then inquired
about her daughter, who had also
been ~ front of him because of a
drug problem.
:o: _ ''How;'s she doing?" he asked
the defendant. "Is she still with
the law with his concern for some
that fellow?" he asked, ·referring
of the people appearing before
to a young truin who had also aphim.
peared before him. He was pleased
Ih his first week as a judge, he
to learn the couple had broken up~
was assigned what appeared to be a
believing the young man ·to be a
simple Sniall claims case--a bank
bad influence. And then he asked
was suing a woman to collect on a
about the defendant's sister, who · car
she had cosigned for her
had also appeared-before him over · . daughter.
the years.
But the daughter had been murIt was the kind of scene one
dered
might expect to see in a small town
While the law was· clear-the
where everyone knows everyone
mother owed the bank the monelse, not in a busy suburban court.
ey-"Sometimes in this business
But it's the norm in Ruma's
you've got to take 'in the interest
courtroom.
of people, and sometimes that's at
Ruma capped a 24-year tenure
odds with the respect I have for the
as a judge yesterday. On Dec. 8, he
law," Ruma said
.
will turn 70, the mandatory retire-He's still fascinated by the law.·
ment age for state coUrt judges.
'"There.have been so many opporFor most of those years, he has
tunities to get into legal issues that
presided over PeabOdy District
:
are unique," he said
Court, a placehe'dnevereven been
·'"That's been a challenge to me
to when he got call telling him the
and probably the most exciting part
former presiding judge had died
of the job," Ruma said '"That and
while on vacation. But it became
the humility of the job. You help
what he calls a "second home," as
people day in and day out."
he's come to know the community,
Even those ·he has sent to jail
including multiple generations of
have, at times, thanked him later·
some families. Ruma has alwa:Ys
for helping them turn their lives
. struggled to .~~ ~- for
· c;ont(nu~d to pagf! 11
roan
a
· West 'Eiid
Golf League
ends season
m
'·
West End Golf League
Mike Messina Golf Master
Joe Giordano Treasurer
8/112006
2006
vVEsT ENDER
GoLD CLUB
The following ~st Enders have
contributed $500 to our cause in
2006, aimed at keeping alive the
spirit ~/the ~st End.
Frank Privitera
105 Av- 05Rd~ Tell!! W1 . W2 '!!_3 ~~-- '!!_.~J~_JW7 W8 W9 W10 W11 W121W13 W~=i
- ~':W1~~~.f:Sj W17 W18 W19 W20 ~~!!. ~~~~,-A-"= '"47 47 431-51 461 47 : 45 42 49 44 43 42 1 _ ~- _____j_j__ __
546 ___12 45.50
19 A
50
0 53 56 53 .53 · 57 52 0
__ _54 _52 ___ t - - ' ___ I
:
480
9,
Phil Zucco
eo
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o 59 58
o 54 eo _53 . ~.! eo _ _ __
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513
e 57.oo
Sam Plni
. 46.18
21 A
45 45 . 45 42 47 . 49 . 45 43 42 --.. r- 461--45 ___
- __ _ J__
__
538 12 1 44.83
Ofclt Collins
46.18
18 B
51 50 47 51 50 ·52 0 51 45
0 49 47
r-·1
r-493 10 · 49.30
Joe Trlng~le
49.8
17 B
51 so 50 52 49 50 53 51 51
49
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556 n
50.55
Mego Bramante
53.1
17 B
54 · 54 54
0 54 55 55 53 54
57 . 56. 56
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owen
52.1
18 B
51
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425
8~
Joe Giordano
49.18
23 c
54
0 48 49 47
0. 0
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387
8~
Dicit lntravaia
$1.18
23 c
51 52 50 49 52 56 53
0 51
49 54 49
see 11 ~ .
Gus Oettorre
45.8
10 C
48
0 42 43 45 42
0 43 0
0
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309
7 44.14
Rich Raso
• 53.13
18 C
57
0 50 55 50 53 55 _ 54~~~~ --~ 51
588
11 53.27
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Joe Freni
50.1
20 sc
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Bob Papa
54.12
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Bob Nadeau
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m:be We~t (fnber
DECEMBER Z006
PAGE 11
The summer of1959
This letter is d_edicated to all those people who say: "Are you one of those crazies who won~ get over
the taking of the West End?" Rappaport and company (Seon Bonin, Ted Schoolman) made millions while
we received less than one-third of what our property was worth. Thank you Misters Rappaport, Bonin and
Schoolman, for the biggest land grab in Boston history.
After we signed the papers the
My parents emigrated from
above what they were offerfat man said he would not find us
Augusta, Sicily . to St. Louis, ·
ing. We refused the offer. In the
a place because we had not coMissouri, where my brother, Domeantime Duane Construction
operated with the authorities. It
menic, sister Carmella and I were
Company was leveling houses
was up to us. So my husband and
born. They came to Boston when
left and right. They wanted to get
I went up to Beacon Hill to find
we were little and settled in the
the job done as quickly as posa place, but there was none availWest End. First at 28 Hale Street, · sible. We stuck to our ~- We
able on such short notice. Being
refused to sign until we gota dethen at 7 Norman Street where
summertime (July 22, 1959) we
my brother Jim was born, then to
cent price. Duane would harass
decided maybe we could rent a
46 Wall Street where Jodie was
us. He would bang the wrecking
furnished apartment in Revere.
ball to scare us. Ours was about
born. From there they moved to
So off we went and we did find a
152 Chambers Street. I was marthe only building standing. Some
place. We spent one· of the most
ried at. St. Joseph's Church were
of the children would thinK the
miserable months of our lives
Father Powers officiated.
place empty and throw rocks at
there. The landlady had nailed
After a while my husband
the windows. I was worried that
all the windows shut. We almost
and I bought a piece of property
our children would get hit. We
suffocated. There were no showat 85 Poplar Street. We had six
signed the papers.
ers because she said the tenants
spacious rooms which we fixed
When the fat man came with
· up at considerable expense. But
the documents he promised to
ovt1rftow the bath tub. J.sneaked
we did not mind, as this was to
find us a place to live. But that
a portable shower and attached it
be (we thought) our permanent
was a lie. A few days later my·
over the tub.
home.·Plus we had some income
son called me at work and said
In the meantime we had found
a place in Arlington. Arlington is
from the other apartments which
the sheriff was in the house. I
a lovely town, nice · people but
came . in handy. Our children · quickly left work and hurried
not like the West End where my
were doing nicely. There were a
home. When I got home there
husband, after a hard days work
lot qfthings going for the youngwas this fat man sitting down
on construction would stop at the
sters then.
with a gui1 and an attatk dog and
The Housing Authority came
tw~ men were taking out our furbar room .on Leverett Street and
, cool off with a glaS,s of beer and
one day and told us we have to
niture. I asked fatty what was go. socialize a bit with
ing on and he said they were putm endS
vacate, our property was being
before supper, And ·after that sit
. taken by eminent domain, And
ting our furniture in storage. My
outside and chat with the friendwhat ·is eminent domain? I did
son wanted to get at the fat man,
ly passersby.
not know. When my husband
but what chance did a seventeen
My husband took it much
came home I asked him. He did
year old have against a slimy fat
worse than I did. He was a good,
not know either. How could anygoon with a gun and an attack
hard working man, a good husone come into your home and
dog. I tried to ca.hD. my son.
band, and a devoted father. He
take (steal) your property? We
When my daughter came
were confused and a little frightfrom school and saw the mess
was never the same after this
ened. But it happened!
travesty.
After a while he cou14
.
she started to cry. "Where are we
not
hold
a
job for long. And then
One day this fat man came
going? And ':"hat happened to
it was one hospital after another.
all my clothes?" she cried. I was
to us with an offer for our home
It really hit him badly. He did not
which was far below the asfrightened but I did not want to
sessment. Ho:w could they do - show it. I did not want to traumadeserve that. And that was the
tize the children.
this. We were paying taxes way
summer of '59.
his
· Thank you
for the paper
Thank you
for your efforts
Hi,
Enclosed is- my renewal to
The ·west Ender plus a little more
for expenses. Thank you for a
wonderful paper.
Mary {No.e) Gucciardi
Dear Jim,
Enclosed find my check in
support of your efforts to maintain a wonderful tradition.
· Very truly yours,
Judge Santo J. Ruma
Best wishes &
Happy Holidays
Please renew our subscription
for our West Ender. We look forward to reading it.
Best wishes and Happy Holidays.
Steve and Dorothy Maio
Thank you
for your efforts ·
Dear Jim,
I continue to enjoy reading
and seeing all the familiar names
and faces.
Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Rose J. (Noe) Matthews
West Ender is
read first
Thank you
and dedication
· West Ender the
read before the
is opened.
for your work
in making The
first item to be
rest of the mail
Sincerely,
Sebastian V. Paci
and Vema M . Tallini
-~
j
-,
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•
Meeting at the WECA Youth Festival-(1-r) MaryHutchings, Vinny Raso, Jim Campano, Barbara Lo Voulo, Bill Lo Voulo,
Councilor Mike Ross
Judge Santo Ruma retires
Continued from page 10
went on to practice civil and crimi. -nal law and worlced for a state
around.
agency and then for former House
Ruma never :actually planned
Speaker Tom McGee, who eventuon becoming a lawyer. The son
ally asked if Ruma would like to
of an _Italian immigrant who had
become a judge.
started a couple ofbusinesses in the
Ruma, who· lives in Wmchester
old West End of Boston, Ruma'§
has planned a busy day for his first
family expected him to go into the
day of retirement
family business after he graduated
_ For years, a group of fonner
from Medford High School.
West Enders has gathered regularly
Instead, Ruma, who had recentin Medford for a coffee klatch-a
ly married, set his sights on college
get-together he's always wanted to
and attended Boston University,
attend bUt couldn't because it usualwhere he excelled He was such 'a
ly happened while he was in cowt
good student he saw his future in
He's also taking his daughter
academia and got accepted to the
and grandson to the aitport, he said,
graduate school, where he woYld
to a
of persOOal
teach two courses and be paid
items he was bringing home and
$7,500 a year.
Meanwhile, his best friend had . pulling out a homemade card
"I'm glad you're retiring. I
decided to go to law school He.
can see you more," wrote Kevin,
asked Ruma to come with him to .
6. Ruma will spend some time in
take the entrance exam, and Ruma
Florida this winter. ''Then, I'll see
did so on a laik
what I'm ~oing to_do."
A few months later, just before
Unlike some of his colleague
the semester was to start, Ruma
he's not in~ted in mediation
learned one of the two courses he
or in returning to practice law. He
was slipposed to teach at BU had
might like to do some legal analybeen given to someone else. He
sis, he said
was incensed--:and realized · he
And then there's another idea:
wo¢dli't be able to manage on half
"Santo's GelatO," he said, chuckthe income.
_ling as he went on to describe his
"I walked over to the law school
idea of opening an Italian ice cream
and presented myself and started
shop. ''You give people ice cream,
classes that September," he said
they give you money, everyone's
As it turns out, "It was some
happy," he said
thing I was well-suited for." Ruma
waikin'fover
bOx
2006 \>Vest E.nders
Century Cll1b
the following West Enders have contributed $100 or more to our r;:ause in
2006. We salute them! Now is the time to send your check in the amount of
$100 ifyou are interested in becoming a member.
William MacAuley
· John Cucinotta
Judge Santo Ruma
Kevin M. McGrath
JoeAnnelio
Santo Aurelio
Beth &-Marshall Arkin
Robert Vatalaro
Frank Privitera
Frank Celeste
Nino Parisi
Bruce Guarino
Richie Hartnett
Yvonne Sannicandro
Richie Terranova
Alan Gropman
Donald Zerendow
Victor DeMarco
-t
t
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•
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•
Former.West Enders ••
•
«be We.ut ~nber
PAGE 12
DECEMBER 2006
~
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Email: josephfurtunato@yahoo.com Voicemail 617-625-4438
phone 617-742-0011
fax 617-742-0021
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Saturday 8 PM
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The West ·E nd Mu~el.lm is o,r en.
For museum hours please call .. .
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"Dedicated to Service"
Cambridge
Clev. Clr/Brookline
·Hyde Park/Dedham
Lynn
Medford
Newton/Brighton
Quincy
Somerville
South Boston
Waltham
West Roxbury
. Weymouth
•
•
•
•
Katherine Alberino
Jay Almeida
Louis Aurelio
Frank Bicchieri
Helen Blodgit
Florence Breslouf
Jules Breslouf
Carlo & Jean Caccia
Anthony Campano
Francis Cartolano
Lorraine Carvalho
John Cashmam
Leo Cipriano
· Joann Compiano
Estelle Corin .
Margaret Donigan
Louis Pokat
Carol & James Evers
Josephine Polcari
Alfred Raso
Flora ~brielson
Stephanie Gallarelli
Reginald Raso
Larry Gilligan
Dorothy Regolino
.
Lorraine Gladstone
Anna May Reminiscenza
Alan Gropman
Mimi Roberto
·
Ron Guarino
Libby Robinson
Macy Gucciardi
Barbaea Rucheames
Elaine ~on .
Judge Santo RW:na
Theresa Imbomone
Lillian Sal8inone
Rocco I...arffarello
Joseph Sa1meri
Stephen Maio .
Leonard Sarver
George Manzelli
Joseph.Scarlata
Rose Matthews ·
Peter Toll
Mary Costan1D · . VIncent Mi~l
. John Vatalaro · ·
Steve Curiey .· .. · ArlthOOy Minichiello
Mary Wright
Kathleen DalOisio
Stanley Mirowski
Donald Zerendow
Angie DeLuca
DoD Nicolo8i
Joe Zimbone
Vmcenza DeMarco
John PastOre
Phil Zucco
.