Frank Cali celebrates 100 years

Local organizations coordinate birthday bash

The Malden community came together on April 19 for a very special occasion: the 100th birthday of Frank Cali. Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) organized a party with Frank’s family, friends and neighbors. Also in attendance were an array of state and city leaders, including State Senator Jason Lewis, State Representatives Paul Donato and Steven Ultrino, Malden City Council President Stephen Winslow and the Director of Community Services at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Annette Peele. Frank received Citations from the dignitaries in recognition of his milestone birthday and his contributions during his 100 years.

Frank has been a resident of 630 Salem St. for over 20 years. He is known for his thoughtfulness, sense of humor and positive outlook.

“He has an incredible faith in God and is always kind and considerate of others here at 630 Salem. If Frank misses a day or two at the meal site I get bombarded by all the ladies wanting me to check up on his location,” noted MVES’ Resident Service Coordinator at the building, Terri Fitzgerald.

Terri collaborated with the Malden Housing Authority (MHA) to plan the birthday bash, which included a catered lunch, gold and silver decorations, and a cake that was as tasty as it was enormous! There were also displays that shared popular culture facts from the year of Frank’s birth, 1924, as well as Red Sox stats from that year, in honor of his love of the team. MVES CEO Lisa Gurgone and MHA Executive Director Stephen Finn both addressed the crowd to wish Frank a wonderful birthday and share some of their favorite stories about him.

Frank was a shoe cutter by profession. For 77 years, he worked for popular manufacturers like Stetson and Stride Rite. He loved crafting leather into shoes, so much that he turned down an offer to become a foreman. While working at the upscale company French, Shriner & Urner in South Boston, Frank cut shoes for many movie stars, including Pat Boone and Frank Sinatra!

Frank’s most important role is being a family man. He was married to his wife Rose, his “angel,” for 68 years. Together they had two children, Jim (Vince) and Ann, who were on hand to help him celebrate his big day on April 19. He is deeply proud of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren!

Frank enjoyed some good-natured teasing about his love of gambling on the dogs and the horses, his luck at the Bingo table, and his favorite meal – rabbit. Yet all who attended were quick to pay tribute to his role in the Malden and 630 Salem St. communities, his devotion to his family and his kindness to everyone he meets.

“The sweetest sentiment that his son Jim shared, and I couldn’t agree more,” said Terri, “is that if Frank had two nickels he would figure out how to give you five nickels!”

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