~ Malden Musings ~ Billy Settemio — The Straw That Stirred Edgeworth’s Drink

By Peter Levine

William “Billy” Settemio departed this mortal coil on November 11th, but not before living and loving his way through 68 years of glorious friendships, nonstop kindness, steadfast loyalty and the kind of everyday magic that only a real son of Edgeworth could conjure. Without even trying! Where do I start? Not an easy task when talking about my childhood goombah who I — 56 years ago — affectionately nicknamed “Willie Whiff” for his proclivity striking out in LL for Bob Covelle Sr.’s Giants. His inability to hit a fastball endeared him to us, forever. He loved the nickname, wore it proudly, and we had many laughs about it over the decades while enjoying a cocktail or two.

Born and bred in God’s Country — the Edgeworth section of Malden — Billy was a true son of Malden, cut from that unmistakable Maldonian cloth and proud to flash his Malden High Class of ’75 bonafides wherever life took him. From the bustling chaos of the Stadium Café to the many miles logged through greater Boston for Cubby Oil, Billy stitched together a life overflowing with hard work, loyalty and the kind of laughter that could fill a room before he even filled it. That ain’t no lie.

For more than 20 years, his presence overwhelmed the Stadium Café, transforming it into a legendary Edgeworth landmark where everyone knew your name, your backstory, and this being Billy, your drink of choice (long before you reached the bar). When he eventually traded the Stadium hustle for the Cubby oil biz, he didn’t leave his trademark grit or generosity behind. Over the next four decades, he became the guy you called when the heat went out (me included). And Billy? He never said no. Not once. Midnight in January? He was there. Sunday dinner just getting on the table? Fuhgeddaboudit! He grabbed the keys and jetted. Showing up wasn’t just something Billy did, it was who he was deep inside him.

To many, he was “Uncle Billy”: the sparkplug in any gathering, the calm voice in a storm, the guy who could meet you once and greet you forever after like an old friend. In recent years, he and his beloved wife Michele built a sunny second life in Naples, Florida, where Billy did exactly what Billy always did: turned neighbors into friends and friends into family.

But in his innermost soul, Billy was the ultimate family man. His universe spun around Michele, his children and especially his grandchildren: the little lights that brightened every corner of his world. And while half of Malden affectionately called him “Uncle Billy,” the title that sat closest to his heart was “Papa.” From my place in the universe, I could plainly see how much he so loved each and every one of those little ones who called him “Papa.” You could see it in his proud eyes each and every time he spoke of them.

Billy Settemio lived the way every Maldonian/Edgeworthian hopes to be remembered: with loyalty that never, ever slowed down, (real) laughter that rolled through every room (I was very lucky to be part of quite a bit of that) and a love so generous it left people better just for having known him. Just for the record, this ain’t no fake news.

It is said in Malden Musings…

• I was in Marblehead recently for a remembrance celebrating my cousin Suzy’s life, and I’ve got to say, Marblehead absolutely blew me away. Stunning waterfront views; a quaint, postcard-perfect downtown; historic, ancient cemeteries that whisper stories from Marblehead’s glorious past; and plenty of cozy little hideaways if you’re in the mood for an adult beverage or two. It also happens to be home to MHS Alumni Hall of Famer Mike Goldman, who’s been residing in Marblehead for many moons now, and it’s easy to see why. The place has charm up the ying yang! Mike, Marblehead ain’t no Malden…but it is wicked awesome nonetheless!
• A small Michael Goldman refresher for those with short memories…Michael (MHS 1967) is a Democratic political strategist and advisor (think Boston’s James Carville but on steroids), college professor, columnist, political communication consultant, media guru, radio & television analyst, president of “Goldman Associates,” a Malden High School Alumni Hall of Famer, a former alumni of Suffolk Square and (most of all) a VERY proud Maldonian. Mike’s been instrumental in the political careers of a man you may have heard of — the late Teddy Kennedy, as well as Mike Dukakis and former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. G Man has also served in the “kitchen cabinet” of former Governor Deval Patrick. Yeah, impressive! He did field work in New Jersey in 1968 for Robert Kennedy, was the Senior Advisor for (former NY Knick) Bill Bradley during his run for the presidency and (don’t hold this against him) he was also the Senior Advisor for John Edwards (LOL). Malden is very proud of you, Mike!
• Malden Musings Redux: I sent this little ditty into The Boston Globe Magazine’s “50 Words” some time back and it was soundly rejected. Oh well. Good thing I have my own column! “Peter enjoys watching Combat! reruns (especially Season 5 in color), loves Bobby C’s Ristorante in Melrose aka Malden North, and has been known to enjoy a Ballantine Ale or two while relaxing on his recliner.” Without further ado…for your reading enjoyment (?) — 50 Words: 1963 Galleria Umberto…”
• “1963. The walk from Carney Court in Charlestown to Parmenter Street in the North End is a short one. Mother taking the three of us to Galleria Umberto for square slices of pizza before square slices had a name. Before Ralph, Paul, and their parents opened up on Hanover Street.”
• Malden Musings Redux…“It was long ago, and not so far away….” a couple of years before his major league baseball career would end tragically, Roy Campanella appeared at Patkin Cadillac on Eastern Avenue to sign autographs and shake hands with the locals. Patkin’s was located a stone’s throw from the long-gone Harry’s Showboat and almost across the street from the old Faulkner Mfg. Company. One exceptionally small hand that “Campy” shook that day in 1955 was then 10-year-old Harvey “Nat the Cat” Nadler. Young Harvey also had an issue of Sport Magazine signed by the Hall of Famer but for the life of him cannot remember where he placed it.
• Let’s see if Critic’s Corner at the 621 Tavern & Grill (Tommy Lubin, Terry Matthews & Ralphie Kelly) remember this outstanding team: For the first time since 1964, the 1970 MHS hoopsters qualified for the Tech Tourney with a record of 12-5. Stacked they were with these outstanding cagers: Irwin Zalko, Willie McCoy, co-captains Richie Barriss & Paul “The Bear” Abare, Cliff “Choff” Cioffi, Jimmy “Pags” Pagliccia, Dave “Moulty” Moulton, Tommy Poirier and Jackie “The Pride of Amerige Park” Maltzman.
• My recent visit to the Bread of Life facility and my private tour with Patty Kelly — Development Director at BOL — reminded me of her Christmas memory of yesteryear: “Growing up on Seaview Avenue (next door to my cousins!) we spent a lot of time in Maplewood Square. I remember the beautiful Christmas tree standing in the middle of the square and how festive it was. I thought Santa delivered it himself! Speaking of Santa, the very best memory for me (as well as many Maldonians, I’m sure), is visiting Santa at Pine Banks. How magical it was! Santa took time out of his busy schedule to visit Malden just to hear my wishes. I asked Santa where Rudolph was, and he said he was out back in Pine Banks having a snack. I thought that was the greatest thing ever — that Rudolph liked Pine Banks as much as I did. Maybe this year Rudolph can visit the fabulous dog park!” Priceless, Patti!
• I’ve always liked June Lockhart, who passed away recently at the wonderful old age of 100! If she appeared in nothing else but “Lassie” she would have been legendary, but her subsequent role in Jamie Forbes and my favorite TV show, “Lost in Space,” endeared her to us forever! Then I read her obituary in The Wall Street Journal (thank you, Anthony Spadafora!): “Offscreen, Lockhart insisted she was nothing like the women she portrayed. ‘I loved rock ‘n’ roll and going to the concerts,’ she recalled in a 1994 interview.” Out of sight, man! Rest in peace, Maureen Robinson! The original hipster mom!
• Anybody else catch City of Malden Health & Human Services Department’s Addiction Recovery Resource Specialist (and Bella’s dad) Paul Hammersley on their television sets as part of an Awaken 180 commercial?! Newly svelte and looking like a million bucks (and a natural on the small screen), Hammer may have missed his calling in life.
• Breaking news…spotted the forever lovely Michelle Jesi — from that famous Malden clan — at the Big Y in West Peabody right before the holidays. Looking as radiant as she did in high school, Michelle is one of the many Maldonians now calling North Malden aka W. Peabody home these days. A very Happy New Year, Michelle, see you in the produce aisle again, I’m sure!
• Happy, happy birthday to 90 years young Barbara Malachowski! Stay well, Barbara, and have a great 2026!
• Little known Malden High School sports stud Billy Gavin Jr. trivia…Billy got his very first haircut at Gabby’s on Highland Avenue by the man himself, Johnny Angelo. True fact!
• The most spectacular birthday party of the Malden winter social season was a couple weeks back for Nicky “The Silver Fox” Angelo at Win Ho Palace on the Meffa Malden line (ain’t that place wicked good!?). Nicky turned 100 years young on that Saturday afternoon with a room full of friends and family, including a couple of “wise guys” from the HBO “Sopranos” TV show — Frank Santorelli aka “Georgie” and John Fiore aka “Gigi Cestone.” Also in attendance were a couple of local celebrities: Public Works Commission member Dickie “Mr. Wonderful” Barricelli and Public Facility (MVP for 2025?) Dave “Elbows High” Angelo.
• Speaking of “The Cat”…you had to be there, and I guess you have to know Harvey “Nat the Cat” Nadler, but here goes anyway…witnessing Julie Gavin do THE best Harvey Nadler imitation was worth the price of admission alone! Julie nailed Harvey’s gruff and gravelly intonation pitch perfect as Harvey and Billy Wilson were saying good night to the congregation at the Italian American Citizen’s Club right before last call. Thank you, Julie, for brightening up our evening!
• Save the dates! Richie Willis is getting the gang back together! Richie Willis & Company presents “Memories of the 60’s & 70’s” at the Stoneham Theatre on January 10 & 11 as well as January 17 & 18. For tickets call the box office at 781-279-2200 or go to greaterbostonstage.org. Always an entertaining time — this year Richie’s got a seven-piece band and I see Dickie Paris is back on stage also! These shows sell out early so do not wait. Order tickets early and often.
• Speaking of Harvey Nadler and on a serious tip…Please send warm thoughts, prayers and every positive vibe you’ve got his way as he works through recovery from a devastating fall. I’ll start; Harvey, you are truly loved, my friend. Heal up and come back strong so we can keep smiling, laughing and soaking up all the good moments this life still has waiting for you.

As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” — the title of this article came courtesy of Officer Sal Gennetti, a lifelong friend of “Uncle Billy,” who quietly tossed that line my way at Forestdale Cemetery, just after the burial. If you knew Billy even a little, you know it fits him perfectly. Sal, his late father Butch and really every Gennetti you could name-check shared a lifetime of laughs, milestones and simple Edgeworth moments with Billy and his family.

Edgeworth took a heavy hit this past year, losing both Butchie and Billy — two pillars whose absence is felt every time someone tells an old story or pauses before a familiar name. In tight-knit neighborhoods, that’s what happens. Billy had a rare gift: He knew everyone, and not surprisingly, everyone knew Billy. I saw it firsthand. He could effortlessly weave together three generations of Maldonians, never missing a beat, remembering who your uncle was, which corner you hung on and exactly which cousin married whose sister at the wedding that half of Edgeworth still talks about to this day.

His memory was famous — a living vault of long-forgotten names, one-of-a-kind stories and perfectly timed punchlines. His humor? Fuhgeddaboudit. And his heart? Bigger than Edgeworth itself. That heart was the magnet — the reason people gathered around him and never quite wanted to leave. And like his best pal, Joey “Pez” Pisaturo (65+ years strong), some bonds just don’t fade.

We miss you, Billy. We love you, Billy.

Postscript 1: James Hand was a somewhat obscure country music singer/songwriter who passed away in 2020 but not before creating some of the best music of our lives. His song “Here Lies a Good Old Boy” seems as though it was written with Billy in mind. Please take a moment, do yourself a favor, find the song and enjoy. No need to thank me.

Postscript 2: I would be remiss if I did not mention Billy’s sidekick in life, his beloved little brother Dommy. Through life’s many ups and downs and back again, these two were thick as thieves with an unbreakable brotherly bond. Their love and respect for each other was acclaimed. Dommy, from the bottom of my heart (my whole family, actually), please accept our sincerest condolences and know that Billy will never, ever be forgotten, especially by the Levines.

—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.