~ Malden Musings ~ Mr. Edgeworth Dom Fermano Remembered

By Peter Levine

Malden took a punch to the gut on the morning of May 28 as news of Dom Fermano’s passing spread like wildfire throughout the city he loved so much. Things will never feel quite the same again. The San Rock Feast will never be quite the same again. The Italian American Citizens’ Club on Pearl Street will never quite be the same again also. Truthfully, for many of us, life itself will never quite feel the same.

The number of lives Dom touched during his long, generous and unforgettable life is impossible to measure. His friendships, kindness, stories (did Dom have stories!!), laughter and presence stretched across generations. He had a way of making people feel special, welcomed and part of the gang — whether you knew him for 50 years or five minutes.

Personally, I’m heartbroken. A small but meaningful piece of my world feels shaken by this loss. Some people leave behind memories. Dom leaves behind an imprint on an entire community/neighborhood. Sheila, please know you are not alone. So many people are carrying this sadness with you and holding your family close in their hearts.

Heroes Among Us Remembered: City of Malden Inspectional Services Director — the one, the only — Nelson Miller speaks on the passing of a very good “Friend of Malden,” Wayne Martineau:

“Many of you know that Wayne Martineau had been courageously battling cancer. That fight came to an end this weekend, when Wayne passed away peacefully at home.

“Wayne was a Maldonian to his core. He took great pride in his upbringing in ‘the projects’ and remained deeply committed to the people and community that shaped him. It is no coincidence that he chose a career dedicated to improving the health and safety of others’ homes, work that reflected his lifelong commitment to helping those around him. Serving others wasn’t just part of what Wayne did; it was central to who he was, and he carried that purpose with him to the very end.

“Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Wayne can attest to his kindness. He was, simply put, one of the nicest people you could ever meet. He loved his family fiercely, and even in the face of profound personal loss and hardship, he maintained a remarkable sense of gratitude and positivity. It was often hard to comprehend how one person could endure so much, but Wayne was extraordinary in that way. Saying he will be missed feels insufficient, it feels more like we’ve lost a part of ourselves that cannot be replaced. Please keep Wayne’s family in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”

It is said in Malden Musings…

• As I stroll the corridors of our beautiful City Hall, one stop I always try to make is the second floor where the Karen Anderson Memorial Quilt (handcrafted by Karen and donated and dedicated in June of ’24) lines the wall outside the Clerk’s Office. It is there that I take a moment and reflect on Karen’s legacy in Malden. I place hand to glass and thank Karen for what she has meant to Malden for well over 50 years — a fitting tribute and a beautiful work of art for us to remember a Maldonian who can never, ever be replaced. Here’s to you, Karen, Malden Musings remembers.
• In the See Click Fix can be wicked fun department, I bring to you this week’s SCF that is sure to bring a smile to your face: “Man parked his car between the no parking signs. Sat on the steps and smoked his marijuana making the houses smell. He threw his blunt on the street and walked down the street.”
• I get a text last week from old paisan Joe “Pez” Pisaturo. Pez is living the dream — cruising the Adriatic Sea with his lady love and a crew of lifelong goombahs, soaking in the RPPC beauty of Croatia, a half a planet away from little old Malden. So, there he is at the Captain’s Dinner aboard the yacht, the sun melting into the Balkan coastline, prerecorded sounds floating through the warm night air before the live band takes over. And wouldn’t ya know it…as former M.H.S. Principal Dana Brown says, “all roads lead back to Malden.” Because suddenly, echoing across the sparkling Adriatic comes a song created not in some fancy-schmancy Hollywood studio, but on a front stoop on Highland Ave. across the street from Amerige Park — “More Than Words” by Gary Cherone and his partner in greatness, Nuno Bettencourt. Pez says Gary and Nuno would probably laugh and say, “ka-ching!” Pez turns to Paula and says, “May I have this dance me lady?” And moi? With all due respect to Croatia, the Adriatic and every billionaire yacht floating nearby (insert shameless plug), I’m looking forward to Smokin’ Joe at the IACC (open to the public) on Saturday night, June 13. Insert smiley face.
• Malden, if you can tell me what “RPPC” stands for (everybody but you, Frankie) the next Bud’s on me. Insert smiley face.

As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” — in the better late than never department… Happy belated birthday to the late, great Karen Anderson. In 2023 Malden mourned the (very) deep loss of our former City Clerk (and much more) after her having served Malden for well over 30 years; dedicating herself to Malden doesn’t even begin to do it justice. Especially known for her wise advice and guidance (raising hand, me also), her commitment to Malden and for her knowledge of everything and anything Malden (and that ain’t no bull!). Whether analyzing voting results, discussing laws and ordinances or performing a marriage ceremony, Karen’s focus was always to help residents, assist staff and make Malden a better place. She captured the hearts of many and her positive impact on our community will last for many, many years to come. Happy birthday, Karen, Malden remembers and loves you!

Postscript: On a very personal note, and for all to bear witness right here in black and white, I’d like to express my love for Dom. Over the past 20 years or so, Dom became much more than a friend to me. In many ways, he was a father figure — someone whose guidance, wisdom, encouragement and unwavering friendship impacted my life immeasurably. I was not fortunate enough to have been close to Dom until the recent past when he took this half Jew(ish), half Italian kid from the other side of Highland into his inner circle. We immediately hit it off. I knew I was part of the “in” crowd a few years later when I received a coveted invite to one of Dom and Sheila’s legendary 4th of July Backyard Hoedowns. I finally made it in Edgeworth! Soon after, I pledged fealty to one of the wisest, one of the kindest, one of the most generous hearted men I have ever known (did I also mention he was like wicked smaht?!). Many’s the time he talked me off the ledge, particularly, the time a very local social club mocked the Saint Rock Procession in their newsletter, and I wanted guns to come out a blazing in our next newsletter? Dom says, fuhgeddaboudit! His years of wisdom behind him guiding this extremely principled man, much like Master Po in the 1970s “Kung Fu” TV show convincing me (paraphrasing), “grasshopper, this too shall pass.” Dom spoke softly (for the most part), and his words resonated with me much like they did with master student Kwai Chang Caine. In conclusion, ti amo Dom. I will personally make sure Maldonia never, ever forgets you (and I am sure Sheila will also). Till we meet again (hopefully) in the Highland Café/I.A.C.C./San Rock Festa in the next world, thank you, Mr. Edgeworth, for bringing me into the inner sanctum, for being such a mensch, and more importantly, for being Domenic Fermano! May your memory be a blessing.

—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.