~ Malden Musings ~ Saluting MHS Class of 1973

By Peter Levine

To the legendary Malden High School Class of 1973 — I Salute You! Word has it — via the ever-reliable Maldonia grapevine — that this humble column has found a few fans among the Class of ’73. If that’s true, I’m both flattered and grateful. You guys (and gals) were icons in our eyes! Trendsetters, rebels and unofficial role models to us wide-eyed kids in the Class of ’75.

Okay, so maybe you didn’t exactly rewrite the record books on the ballfields or in the gymnasiums of Malden High. But what you brought was style, swagger and a kind of cool confidence that made us look up to you. You were the blueprint for making merry and good times — and we were more than happy to follow your lead.

Me and my lifelong partner-in-crime, Jimmy Damiano, would occasionally find ourselves swept into your orbit — especially during the “behind Robinson’s News” era in Linden on the Saugus Branch. Do you remember the scene? High-spirited hijinks, 1973-style, with enough shenanigans to fill up Jack Haney’s Grille twice over (or Morrisons). And speaking of Jack Haney’s — we’d sit shoulder to shoulder with the cool seniors, sipping drafts while skipping second and third period like it was a religion. Our high school careers may not have been destined for greatness, but man, they were unforgettable.

What I treasure most about the Class of ’73? Friendships — the real kind! The kind that lasts half a century and counting. Ronny Drinkwater, Steve Saraceni, Bruce Macdonald, Mike Clapp, Dommy DiSario, Bruce & Brian Knight, Danny Peavey, Danny Bolan, Stef Moro, Tommy Stein, Gus Murray, Bruce Neale, Bruce Vining, Larry Gilbert, Mike Keegan, Johnny Molinari, Larry Kinnon, Bobby McCarthy, Vinnie Disano, Matt Chiccuarelli and a whole cast of characters too numerous to list. Never to be forgotten.

And yes, let’s not forget the ladies of ’73, such as Susan Casper, Denise Rocco, Patti DiPietro, Janice Brandano, Diane Bozzi and Linda Swanson. You dazzled us back then — and some of us are still dazzled. Me and Jimmy D.? Hopelessly out of our league, of course. But big-time admirers, no question. Insert smiley face here.

Here’s to you, Class of ’73. Thanks for the best of memories — and for leaving a lasting footprint in said memory bank.

In the “and as we wind on down the road, our shadows taller than our souls” department, I bring to you Richie Cremone Redux. Many of us dream of silver and gold (unabashedly stolen once again from Hank Williams Sr.), of lottery windfalls or sipping cocktails on a Viking Cruise with Ann-Margret (hey, I could have picked Raquel, but Ann “Marg Rock” left an indelible impression on me once I saw Tommy!). But on this very warm, late-June Saturday evening, as I sank into my well-worn recliner watching “Harry O” starring David Jansen — the 1975 “Double Jeopardy” episode — directed by John (One Step Beyond fame) Newland, featuring a pre-Charlie’s Angels Farrah Fawcett, I dream, once again (yes, once again), of Richie Cremone’s steak tips with roasted potatoes. The Pearl Street potatoes that made Chef Richie a legend and put Brandano’s Restaurant on the map; the barroom comfort food that makes me fall for him all over again; both figuratively and to be truthful, literally. Get over it, Maldonia! I will continue to proclaim my love for Richie Cremone — till the cows come home and beyond. As Gentleman Jim Reeves once sang, “I’ll forget many things in my lifetime, but I won’t forget you.”

Which reminds me of the famous Rufus T. Firefly line… “I could dance with you till the cows come home — on second thought, I’d rather dance with the cows till you come home.”

It is said in “Malden Musings”… more amazing Public Facilities Director Eric Rubin factoids… ER’s grandmother’s cousin, Abie Bain, was an accomplished Jewish middleweight boxer who fought Maxie Rosenbloom in 1930 as a light heavyweight at Madison Square Garden. After boxing, Abie had a successful career in Hollywood working in many boxing-inspired films, including as technical advisor on the 1962 Rod Serling classic, “Requiem for a Heavyweight,” starring Anthony Quinn. Quinn’s character “Mountain Rivera” was modeled after Abie using the same rough voice and mannerisms. Congratulations to me as I bring you yet another esoteric (some say useless) slice of Maldonia history. All the Maldonia trivia/history you can use or discard as you please!

• Rest in peace, Hugh W. Small, longtime resident of Malden, who passed away on Friday, April 25, at the age of 96, at the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea. Hugh was born in Malden in 1929 and raised one of the best Malden families, ever! My sincerest condolences go out to his sons and my pals: Ronny, Al and Hugh.
• More Than Words sighting… Anybody else catch Extreme’s MTW on Episode 5 (“In the Palaces of Crowned Kings”) of the Disney Plus show “Paradise”? A kid who grew up on Highland Ave. playing hoops across the street at Amerige Park and hung pictures of Aerosmith and Alice Cooper on his childhood bedroom wall wrote that unforgettable tune! True story.
• Anybody else got a copy of Malden-based metal maniacs B.F. Raid’s latest sonic blast of a CD? I was gifted a copy by the guy I inadvertently left off my best drummers of Malden list a little while back: the incomparable Jamie Forbes (apologies for that, Baines). Bill (Kotowski), Bruce (Owens), Matt (Howard — no relation to Moe) and Jamie just kill it on this metal throwback disc. My fave (so far) Joe Schmoe.

As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” — it was long ago, but not too far away, that one unforgettable night unfolded under the lights (and stars) of Devir Park (and in the shadow of the Bandstand). The memory still burns bright, like it happened just yesterday. If “Dazed and Confused” had a deleted scene, this wild 1971 night would’ve been it. The evening started off low key, but the energy from the Irish American to the Bandstand to the Fells built quickly.

The gathering? A full spectrum of Malden’s finest misfits: torn and frayed aging hippies; Bandstand hooligans; leather-clad bikers; overfed, long-haired leaping gnomes; Diane Wishoski and her (with all due respect, of course) attractive group of friends; kids from over the Fells; and just about every type of teen spirit imaginable. The big-league diamond was more Woodstock than Inter-City League. Pot circles spoked out across the outfield like tribal campfires, each one 10 to 15 strong. Laughter, smoke and music mingled with the scent of Boone’s Farm apple wine, Schlitz and the burning of holy herbs.

There was music this evening also. The soul of the night so to speak. A wiry, mysterious troubadour strumming wildly on his mandolin (?) belted out song after song as if he were trying to ward off the sunrise (or some unforeseen, unwelcome guest?). I’d only recently learned his name after pestering a few that were in attendance (thank you, Marty Murphy and Paul McKinnon): Dave Sampson, a local legend I never properly thanked.

But I digress, as I often do… As our local hurdy-gurdy man hit what must have been the eighth verse of “Sympathy for the Devil,” “I shouted out, ‘Who killed the Kennedys?’” — the spell broke. Malden’s finest came charging in like something out of a Scorsese scene, pouring into the park from all directions. Kids bolted like startled deer, laughter trailing behind them. No arrests, no beatdowns, just a busted-up good time that found new life up at the Rez.

And that, my friend, is the gospel truth — and I’m sticking to it.

Just for the record: MPD overzealousness took place occasionally in Maldonia of yesteryear (shocking, I know)! The youth of early 1970s Maldonia knowing to resist the “elevator” at all costs (insert smiley face).

Postscript 1: On occasion, Pete “he of the very large brain” Robinson good-naturedly refers to my column as “fake news.” He is to be forgiven; Pete fell under the spell of Howie and the Boston Herald many years ago and is skeptical of all other news sources (except the New York Post, of course). Pete, if you are reading today and doubt the veracity of the first Postscript, contact Frank Levine for confirmation. He and I ran home that night like scared little rabbits and never looked back. Insert smiley face.

Postscript 2: The Class of 1973 at times gets a bad rap. Just because the football team went winless and a few of the seniors spent a little too much time on Revere Beach at Victor’s or over on Park Street doesn’t mean the 651 that eventually graduated should all suffer. (I say all this facetiously, of course.) The class was loaded with brilliant students and some really good athletes. Janice Brandano and Denise LeBlanc came up with the “theme” for the class of ’73 — “767 Let It Be” which combined the number of classmates (who entered as sophomores) with the Beatles hit song from their final album. Kids such as Joey Mayne, the hockey co-captain. Elaine LaSpina, the girls’ softball co-captain. Ronny Drinkwater, all-state football star (how many Maldonians can say they fought Muhammad Ali in an exhibition match — Bevy did!). Deb “Bobby’s big sister” Goodwin, president of the Pep Club. Al Goldstein, president of the German Honor Society. Janice Brandano, field hockey co-captain. One of the best Malden athletes of the past 60 years, Jane Brunelli, field hockey/basketball/and softball co-captain. Janice Ruane aka Mrs. Rick Raymond, president of the Green Room. Ronnie Ryner, president of the Black Student Union. David Sager, Class Treasurer. Doug Lund, wrestling co-captain (whose brother Dennis I had the pleasure of recently seeing for the first time since he caught for the Colonels in the BRL back in 1973). Barbara “Beth & Russell’s big sister” Sampson, President French Honor Society. Lee Kinnon, swim team co-captain. Jerry Robbins, co-chair Santa’s Psychedelic Shack (JR Fact 1: JR was my teammate on the BRL Stars; JR Fact 2: Malden misses him a great deal! JR Fact 3: Malden eagerly awaits the newest destination of the Jerry Robbins Memorial Field location). Edgeworth’s best and brightest, Hank O’Brien, basketball co-captain. Edgeworth’s mutton-chopped, classic black leather jacket–wearing original capo, Stevie Saraceni, football co-captain. Bruce Vining, hoop co-captain and “Boy Athlete of the Year” (and today still looking as though he could put up 25). The late, great Steve “Stef” Moro, outstanding student athlete! And of course, Joe Levine, who was simply Joe Levine, leader of the pack, who all agree in 1973 was one cool cat (e.g., his nickname was “Chills,” not ours). That’s a wrap, 1973, hope you guys enjoyed the kudos, and I hope to see many of you at the San Rocco Feast in August!

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