~ Malden Musings ~ Retirement Congratulations to Officer Steve Bellavia

By Peter Levine

It is said in “Malden Musings” – random thoughts and assorted post-holiday season ramblings…

• One of the best Christmas themed radio shows every year is Angelynn Grants’ ode to the holiday season over at WMBR 88.1. Her December 20 edition was a banger with a boatload of classics, including the following: “Hello, Mister Kringle” by Kay Kaiser, “Sleigh Ride” by Ella Fitzgerald, “Jingle Bells” by the Steve Allen Trio, “December” by Kay Starr and “Go Where I Send Thee” by the Golden Gate Quartet.
• Listen up Maldonia! If you don’t know by now Neil Sullivan’s holiday pies at his joint on Pleasant Street (Cornucopia Café) are the best darn pies on the North Shore! How on earth can I assert such a proclamation with so much confidence?! Fuhgeddaboudit! Cuz I was the very happy recipient of a couple of his Apple/Peach Crunch deluxe treasures, and I nearly bust out of my black Adidas sweatpants devouring my fair share these past holidays. So, Malden, next time you see Neil make sure you order one of his famous pies – do yourself a favor; indulge then fuhgeddaboudit!
• Roberta “Bobbie” (Romsey) Bloom, 95, of Dedham, formerly of Randolph & 1946 Malden High School graduate. I have her yearbook right here in front of me; she is absolutely adorable and lived at 100 Harvard St. She is “neatness itself and attractive and will never break her word.” How cool is that?! May her memory be a blessing.
• Maldonia! Please welcome to Team Malden our newest Director in the Human Resources Department at City Hall, Odelisa Macedo. Odelisa follows in the very large Chuck Taylor’s of outgoing Edgeworth legend Anthony “Matt’s Little Brother” Chiccuarelli, who leaves after many years of working for the city he loves, grew up in and knew where all the best places to catch last call at were. Rumor has it that in retirement Chic will follow Bruce to every corner of the earth to hear the perfect version of “New York City Serenade.” Fun Odelisa trivia: In 2018 Odelisa rode a camel in the Sahara Desert in Taouz, Morocco. “Malden Musings” welcomes you, Odelisa, with open arms and wishes you much success.
• Steve Bellavia has left the building. As Rick Pitino once ranted, “there’ll be no ‘Steve Bellavia’ walking through that door anytime soon!” Yes Maldonia, the Malden Police Department took another hit last month with the retirement of Belmont School Yard’s most famous son, Steve “Bain” Bellavia. After 37 years of devoted service to the MPD, Bain retired on November 30, relinquishing his position as the most senior patrolman on the force. Never seeking the limelight, like many of his generation, his distinguished career nonetheless deserves recognition and much more. So, here ya go, Steve… I remember Bain as a really “good kid” growing up. I also remember when he was part of that dynamic duo on the mound for the Belmont School Yard softball team of the old Ronny Cox organized Outreach Softball League. Along with Donny Boyce during the 1970s through the 1980s they simply dominated. Steve came at you from the right and Donny from the left. Boyce and Bain and “pray for rain” (who recognizes where this came from?)! An unbeatable combo with the Belmont 10 taking many championships during that era.
• Steve is one of the last men standing, as the saying goes – officers who joined the force during the Reagan Era who helped transform the MPD into the envy of most forces on the North Shore and beyond – now retired contemporaries all serving honorably and with the highest sense of integrity, such as Kevin Molis, George Grimes, Gary Hennessey, Frankie Spinale, Paul Skiffington and John Crannell. Each one a fine human being and 1975 MHS grads to boot. Skiff was MHS class of ’76 and Chief Molis was MC ’75, but we don’t hold that against them and still consider them one of us – LOL. Thank you, gentlemen, for your service and dedication to Malden. You all done us proud. Steve, all the best in retirement! You also done really good, my friend, stay well.
• Wait one moment, Maldonia, late breaking correspondence from Steve’s big brother, 1974 MHS grad and anchor at third base with all those great Belmont Yard softball teams, big bro Fanny: “When we were growing up, it was pretty obvious that Steve wanted to pursue a career as either a firefighter or a police officer. So, when he graduated from the police academy and became an officer in the Malden Police Department, our entire family was very happy for him as well as very proud of him. He knew what he wanted to do, and he made it happen! The fact that he remained on the force for 30 plus years is indicative of his loyalty to the department and his commitment to the community. Enjoy your retirement, little brother!”
• I am quite positive former Belmont Yard teammates (those who have passed on and those who are still with us), such as Dave Hammersley, Mike Ploumbidis, (the late) Mike Berry, (the late) Richie Danforth, Mike Cincotta, Tony Izzicupo, Wayne Vetree, (the late) Mike Moriarty, Mike Buckley, Dave Morrelli and his other big bro Bobby, would want to wish him all the best in life in retirement. Mazel Tov, Steve.

Former corner office holder Jimmy Carter, after giving back to humanity his whole darn life “went on to his great reward” last week at age 100. My first vote back in the bicentennial year of 1976 shortly before his brother Billy turned me on to one of the best bad beers of all time, “Billy Beer!” Bowman Street’s most famous son, Kevin Larson (of course), had a brief encounter with fame way back when, and he is not shy in sharing his stories…

  A Walk Down Memory Lane: Kevin Larson’s Encounters with History

Longtime Maldonian and Eddie’s little brother, Kevin, recently reached out with another captivating tale – true stories, mind you, from the life of Kevin Larson:

• The Year was 1976…

It was sometime in March, and a youthful Kevin was working for Arthur Gobbeo. Alongside his brother Eddie, he was handling the Malden Evening News (MEN) for Arthur. The MEN’s office, nestled on Medford Street (not far from the old Stadium Cafe), was a pristine, opulent building. David Brickman, the editor, always had a special fondness for Kevin, constantly joking that he would (someday) be mayor of Malden.

• Political Fever in the Air….

The Democratic Presidential Primaries were just a week away, and the MEN office became a hotspot for presidential hopefuls. Each candidate who walked through those doors was greeted by Mr. Brickman. One day, over the intercom, Mr. Brickman’s voice resonated, summoning Kevin to his office. Kevin, ever the political enthusiast, eagerly made his way down the hall. Mr. Brickman, fully aware of Kevin’s budding passion for politics, had a surprise in store.

• A Presidential Encounter…

As Kevin sat outside the office, anticipation buzzing, Mr. Brickman’s secretary ushered him in. There stood Mr. Brickman with another gentleman. With a twinkle in his eye, Mr. Brickman asked, “Do you know who this is?” Kevin, with confidence and bravado, replied, “Of course I do; you’re running for President of the U.S. You’re the peanut farmer from Georgia, Jimmy Carter!” The room erupted in laughter. Kevin shook hands with Carter, an unforgettable moment etched in time. Though the photo of this encounter remains elusive, Kevin’s vivid memory of that day lives on.

• More Faces of History…

The parade of politicians didn’t stop with Carter. Another notable figure was Elliot Richardson. In a similar fashion, Mr. Brickman asked Kevin if he recognized the gentleman. Kevin’s reply was spot on once again: “Yes, I know who you are. You were the Attorney General for Richard Nixon during the ‘Saturday Night Massacre!’” More laughter ensued, further cementing Kevin’s role as the office’s political prodigy.

• The Pillars of Passion…

Kevin’s love for Malden history and American history wasn’t born in isolation. He attributes this passion to three remarkable Malden educators: Mr. Frank Adorn, Mr. Anthony Bavaro and Mr. Tom O’Donnell. These incredible social studies and history teachers left an indelible mark on Kevin, fueling his lifelong appreciation for the past, especially Malden’s past.

As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” – for no other reason than I am a big Danny Meyers fan (and I heard from Harold Sparrow recently when I left him and Danny off a list of Malden hoop studs from 1972), this week we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Danny making the 1st Team Catholic Conference All-Star Basketball Team at Malden Catholic in 1974 with teammate (6′ 8″) Harold “Puggo” Sparrow making the 2nd team. As I’ve stated before, Danny would have scored 40-plus per game in his sleep if the 3-point line were around – his range realized through hard work his whole life growing up. Danny dreamed of wearing the Bue & Gold for M.H.S. as a young baller, but M.C. provided a somewhat better hoop path for him. After much anguished reflection, he transferred as a sophomore. Danny says it was an “Amerige thing” to want to play for M.H.S. “Spring hoop leagues, Saturday afternoon games, and the crew that played there before me; Billy Hanifan, Paul Abare, Art Dunlea, and even (but don’t tell them) Cliff Cioffi, (the late) Gary Campsmith, and George Miller – plus many, many others.” My note…you were the best, Danny. Nobody could cover you. Not even Cliff Cioffi! Insert smiley face. Hopefully, we’ll see you soon, my friend (maybe at the biggest shindig and the biggest social event of 2025, Joe Levine’s milestone birthday party?). Maldonia, if you don’t get an invite, don’t feel bad, the hall can hold only SO many people. LOL.

I hang my head in embarrassment as Puggo was spot on a couple weeks back when he wrote “Danny and I would have crushed” the group of players that I had mentioned. Puggo was an unstoppable force back in the 1970s. His height combined with a serious skill set made travelling to Harvard Street Park to play his crew always fun and competitive – but extremely frustrating trying to get a shot off against the likes of Puggo, his cousin Dane, George “Tommy” Hoffman, Kenny Fulgham and Doug Rogers. Puggo went on to star at Tufts in Medford and (I believe) played alongside Gail Huff’s husband, Scott Brown.

Danny and Puggo weren’t the only ones making a splash at Malden Catholic in 1974. Remember the ’74 hockey team winning the state championship?! Mike Fidler, Buddy Goodwin and Jack and George Hughes making the 1st Team Catholic Conference All-Star Team! M.C. was stacked with stud athletes in the 1970s (hello, Mark Cannon!)! But 1974 might have been the best. And, of course, Malden was represented! Steve Harvey, Mike & Steve Hooper, Jimmy Rooney (a teammate of mine on the Twins in Little League), Buddy Lawler (?) and HOF goalie (retired Malden firefighter) Dave “Brother of Flash & Mike” Norton. One final MC shoutout: Who can forget this stand-up guy, Medford’s own Caesar Angiulo?

Just for the record, let me give you my early ’70s Maldonia hoop all-star five; your mileage may vary, and you are more than welcome to share your opinion (agree or disagree). My top five from 50 years back: Danny, Harold, John “Stana” Stanacek, Mark “Bunza” Burns and Bruce Vining (Bert Cioffi coming off the bench). Discuss amongst yourselves.

Postscript: Just for the record, you may not agree with every “letter to the editor” that Kevin submits, but there is absolutely nobody in these here five square miles who loves Malden as much as he does. Well, maybe not as much as the Lucey family, but very, very close second in line. LOL.

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