~ Malden Musings ~ Jack Garrity 1920-2024

By Peter Levine

Malden real-life Superhero Jack Garrity passed away on February 23 at 104 years of age. I wrote an article on Jack last year that is still available online that I am very proud of (https://advocatenews.net/malden/news/malden-musings-happy-birthday-104-jack-garrity-2/). This time, I feel that my simple words would fall short if I were to eulogize this amazing man, husband and father. In the future I will attempt to do just that, but for now I will let one of his daughters speak, June Garrity Fagan: “The last two weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster. Saying goodbye to our dad was very painful, even though we knew we would lose him one day. I would like to thank my wonderful husband and beloved children for giving me strength and supporting me throughout these difficult days. The outpouring from friends, family, and especially the Malden Fire Department will never be forgotten. Dad would be so grateful, as are we. Dad lives on in our hearts and will remain with us until we meet again one day. We were truly blessed to have him for so many years. You were the best, Dad. Rest well now.”

It is said in “Malden Musings”…

• Made my morning last week when I ran into one of Malden’s best human beings, darn good hoopsters and Friend of the Levines: Gregory Rogers. I’m at New Deal Fruit Inc in Revere, just got through ordering my “West Ender” (Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, Provolone & Grated Cheese), I turn around and it’s 1986 all over again and Gregory stutter steps by me as he pulls up and swishes another 15-footer over my outstretched arms. Greg graduated MHS in ’74 and was a BMOC. He was a shining star, becoming a GBL All-Star as a senior. Greg still calls Malden home and whenever he wants non-fake news, he picks up a copy of The Malden Advocate and reads another exciting episode of “Malden Musings.” Great seeing you, Gregory! Please say hello to Cousin Douglas for me.
• The “West Ender” was named after the neighborhood in Boston that was bulldozed into oblivion by Rappaport and his gang without regard for the many working-class families that called the West End home for generations.
• Enjoying a pleasant walk back in Malden history as I scan a musty old copy of the Blue & Gold Yearbook from the mid 1940s. Malden High School in 1946 was a vastly different place than MHS in 2024 – in many ways – too many to detail here (maybe a future column). World War II was in the rear-view mirror and optimism for the future is a common thread amongst the students’ yearbook comments. Also, I noticed, many of the girls made their own clothes (Americans sacrificing and learning to live frugally during the war years). Loved this under Rita Mucci’s picture: Rita is a senior and lived at 64 Whitman St. (the house right behind Pumpsie’s) and would be around 95 years old if still alive: “The typical bobby-socker is Rita Mucci, a ‘sharp’ dancer and dresser. [Frank] Sinatra will never lack an audience as long as Rita can swoon, nor will smart clothes be lacking as long as she can sew.” If anybody knows/knew Rita, please contact me at the email below.
• Never too early to talk San Rock Festa. Friday, August 9, has North End favorites 12 Barz Band (12barzband.com). Saturday, August 10, the immensely popular Wildfire is back (my advice, get there early if you want a seat up front)! Sunday, August 11, has Steve Savio’s Seabreeze during the afternoon hours (after the Procession) and fan favorites the Billy Joel tribute act, Heart Attack Ack Ack Ack Ack Ack. Another outstanding weekend of music brought to you by San Rock Society President Joyce Mover, San Rock MVP Anthony Spadafora,and the rest of the gang on the San Rock committee!
• I don’t talk about these cats very often when I do my Malden back in the day hoop nostalgia trip, but these guys from the Oak Grove area could flat out play. Underrated and often overshadowed by the Amerige Park popinjays – Scott Hanley, Neal Jones, Larry White, Jimmy DiNitto, Danny Marsinelli, Bobby Foley and Bernie McCole could play on any court in Malden. Just saying…
• Bobby Martino has “left the building.” Bobby “Mad Dog” Martino was an Edgeworth legend. Period. If you know, you know. He passed on February 16 but not before living and loving his way through a colorful life, on his very own terms. Always. If you grew up in Edgeworth you knew Bobby or his brothers Ed (Perry) or David or his cousins. A larger-than-life presence in the neighborhood – not soon to be forgotten.
• Here is a Malden feast for the eyes & ears brought to you by John Horne: “Great post Peter (Dino’s, the Dream, & Joanne Codi)! It brought back a lot of memories! I grew up a few houses down from Gary Cherone. He was older by about 10 years or so years and I didn’t really know him, but my mother absolutely adored him! My favorite story of hers from around this time was when she pulled her car out of the driveway and realized she had a flat tire. She pulled over in front of his house (on Highland Ave) and he happened to be coming out at the same time. She was going to walk home to call for help, but he insisted on changing the tire for her. He absolutely made her day. She was one of his and Extreme’s biggest fans from that day forward and for the rest of her life would never miss an opportunity to extol his virtues and tell everyone why ‘that Gary Cherone is such a nice boy.’ I’ve never had the opportunity to personally thank him for what he did, so I’ll throw it out here on the off chance he happens to see this. Thank you for your kindness, Gary! As much as I love your music (and damn, Six is a great album!) regardless of your career you’ll always be most remembered by me as the neighbor who was there for my mom when she needed help. A great example of old school Malden at its finest!”

“Sherman, set the Wayback Machine to…” speaking of the 1985 Malden Men’s Recreational Basketball League, here are the top 10 high scorers during the 1984-1985 Winter season at Malden High School:

• Amerige Park’s “Big Dog” Danny Meyers at 25.4 ppg. He took everybody on one-on-one – a trail of tears from Amerige to Devir to Linden and all points in between.
• Medford’s own Mike McCormack at 25.1 ppg. Smooth and classy – can’t say that about all Medford guys (I kid you, Tom Natola).
• Saint Joe’s standout and Cliff Cioffi’s bestie Dennis Cakert at 22.8 ppg. Dennis was a killer on the court! Friend, or foe, you were just another notch on his leather hoop belt to him.
• The pride of Lincoln Park John Stanasek at 21.6 ppg. Stana (like Shawn Brickman) could beat you in his sleep, the best! No debate.
• Ray “The Pride of Medford” Buckland at 21.5 ppg. All hail, Ray Buckland! Never saw anybody play the game of hoop so well so effortlessly. Rest in peace, our friend.
• Salem State alum (NY Knicks’ coach Tom “Thibs” Thibodeau teammate at SS) John Furlong at 20.6 ppg. Fergie was another guy who just got the job done on the court. He’d cut you down no matter what size you were.
• Another great Meffa baller: Gerry Martin at 19.2 ppg. Never knew there were that many nice guys from Medford (insert another smiley face)!
• The late great MHS Sports Hall of Famer Rod “Puggy” Forbes at 17.6 ppg. Ruthless on the hardwood – nobody better, nobody tougher, nobody smarter! No debate.
• City of Malden crossing guard by day, best “Papa” by night Shawn “Big Shot” Brickman at 17.1 ppg. Mini Stana could outshoot you and out tough you also.
• Melrose-born via Malden Catholic adopted Devir Park guy Steve Johnson at 14.9 ppg. Smarter, tougher and more talented than you on the court (think Hondo meets Bill Bradley).

As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” – sad news from John King of the Malden Historical Society: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joe Cesario, a cherished member of our Society and an indispensable figure on our Board of Directors. Joe’s invaluable contributions spanned decades; his commitment unwavering since the inception of the Antique Show committee over 30 years ago.

“His dedication knew no bounds as he selflessly devoted countless hours to enhancing the Society’s mission. From graciously loaning items from his personal collection for our exhibits to delivering captivating talks at our meetings, Joe’s presence enriched our community profoundly. His melodic voice, raised in song to uplift and entertain us, will echo in our memories.

“Joe’s absence leaves a profound void within our Society. His legacy of service and camaraderie will endure, yet his presence will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones during this difficult time.

—Peter is a longtime Malden resident and a regular contributor to The Malden Advocate and can be reached at PeteL39@aol.com for comments, compliments or criticisms.