~ Malden Musings ~ Ernie Ardolino Sr. – 1938-2023

By Peter Levine

It is said in “Malden Musings”…

• Ernie Ardolino Sr. passed away peacefully at the ripe old age of 85 recently after having experienced a rich, fruitful life all the while (all agreed) living “la dolce vita.” A sweetheart of a man full of character, charm, individuality, passion and “infectious joy,” as son Ernie explained to us during the eulogy. Ernie Sr. was thought of by many as an iconic figure – a real true-life legend who really did lead “the sweet life” – before the word “legend” started being thrown around so casually by people much less worthy than Mr. A. Roberto DeMarco ran for Councillor-at-Large recently. Malden missed a unique opportunity to vote in a man of virtue and a “Son of Malden” with no personal agenda or axe to grind. Virtue being so rare these days. Roberto also possesses a huge heart – couple that with a pragmatic intellect with only the good and welfare of Malden’s vast diverse population in mind. Fuhgeddaboudit! Sorry ’bout that, I jumped on my soapbox – once again, I digress. Roberto knew Ernie Sr. well. Roberto and most everybody else in Edgeworth are related to Ernie (insert smiley face). Roberto speaks: “Known by many and loved by many more, ‘Uncle Ernie’ was larger than life. If you knew him, even for a moment, you would know that the words ‘unique,’ ‘broke the mold,’ and ‘unforgettable’ pale when describing this legend. His mark on this world was felt by all who entered into his line of sight. As my cousin said to me recently, the stories are multitude. I heard a few new ones recently that have given me reason to laugh even as we mourn.’ ‘He will be missed by many but likely my Aunt Anna is making his afterlife memorable. And likely he has already absconded with St. Peter’s keys and started a morning coffee meeting at DD with the Heavenly Host.’ ‘Love and prayers to Ernie, Elana, Diane and Laurie and the kids and family.’ ‘This world is a little less bright and a lot less fun today.”
• Ernie Ardolino Sr. first appeared on my radar screen probably 40 years or so ago. He popped into our lives as the unofficial greeter at the Highland Cafe with that sparkling personality with a head of shocking gray hair, guiding us to the next available table for the best pizza north of Hanover Street in the North End. Quick question: Was he born with gray hair?! Fast forward to 2022, Ernie now resides in West Peabody. From time to time, I would run into him at DD on Lowell Street at the corner of Lake, where he would hold court with his paisans. We would talk about his fine young boy Ernie Jr. and all things Malden (Ernie, I know I don’t need to say this, but…he was extremely proud of you, which came up in every talk with him, by the way.) Ernie Sr. made friends easily. He was that type of human being. On one of our first meetings at DD he introduced me to his new associates. All were gentlemen whose age was north of 75 or so. All names have been changed to protect the innocent. There was Sal from East Boston, who looked like an extra from Tony Soprano’s crew. He introduced me to Ronny, who looked like he might have gone a couple of rounds with the late Tony DeMarco. Then there was Tommy, a Mike Mazurki lookalike; Boston Herald in his extra-large right hand, large black coffee in his extra-large left hand and what looked like a most menacing scowl across his well-defined but pleasant face. Ernie found a home.
• Emerald Street girl (and Kim Bionelli’s little sister) Judy was in the rafters at the Immaculate tearing our hearts out with that gorgeous voice of hers before gently placing them back where they belong. I held it together during “How Great Thou Art” but lost it during “O, Holy Night.” Judy even had that crusty old curmudgeon from Maine, former somebody, Malden Superintendent of Cemeteries Jimmy Cahill (remember him?), wiping away a tear or two (insert smiley face). Fab job, Judy (I hear you were Ernie’s fave) – say hi to mom for me.

As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing sir,” – with the passing of Ernie Ardolino Sr. we lose yet another “Son of Edgeworth.” Although Ernie was a Meffa guy, he married into Edgeworth royalty when he and Anna (Puleo) became man and wife. Thus, becoming one of us (gabba, gabba hey!). Ernie was part of all our lives. That is no exaggeration as witnessed by the mile long line during his wake at the Immaculate Conception Church. Edgeworth has taken its fair share of hits recently, but the key takeaway about that neighborhood is that it is all one big family (it helps that just about everybody is related one way or another). What affects one, usually affects all. Robert DiGiovanni is an old-school Edgeworth guy who entered the Edgeworth Hall of Fame with this explanation of the hood: “I don’t think the geographical lines of Edgeworth can be accurately mapped out. It’s more a feeling of love deep in our hearts, for a place where we raised thousands of our sons and daughters. It’s a tradition more than a location, in our minds, of years past and present, of our parents, families, friends, and memories both good and bad, residing in this part of the world forever, we call Edgeworth.” Ernie, Edgeworth will not soon forget you.

Postscript 1: Reverend Alfonse Capone was inspiring at the “Celebration of the Life of Ernest A. Ardolino.” (Who else but Ernie Sr. could get away with being celebrated by somebody named Al Capone!?) For real, his son Ernie just crushed it offering the eulogy for his rock, his famous father Ernie Sr.

He began with a touch of humor; “Today we are here to honor Ernie Ardolino Sr. You may have called him Babe, some dad, or Mr. A, or just plain ‘coach.’ And a few other inappropriate names that we can’t mention right now!”

And he concluded proudly proclaiming, “Dad, you will be missed, but I promise you will never be forgotten, which makes you a true ‘Legend.’

In between Ernie poured his heart out. Not a dry eye in the near capacity Immaculate rectory – especially in the front two rows where the family sat. On a side note – Ernie, you missed your calling, dude, public speaking may be your strong suit! When he shouted out his sister Elana, well, the picture he painted even got this old curmudgeon searching for a tissue: “Since my mother’s passing in 2011, it has been my sister Elana who has done so much for him. She was always daddy’s little girl, and the bond those two had will never be broken. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you did for him.”

No truer words were ever spoken when Ernie concluded: “The ripple effect of our dad’s influence spreads further than we have ever realized.”

Postscript 2: Mr. A – as your devoted and loving son had mentioned during that glorious eulogy of his – time may march on, carrying you further and further away but believe me (and your son) when we say, you will never be forgotten. Forever to be carried in the hearts and minds of your children, your grandchildren and the rabble-rousing group of friends you assembled over the many years.

Postscript 3: Ernie’s wake was held at the Immaculate Conception Church due to the anticipated crush of humanity expected to attend. And did they show up! The last wake this large was Queen Elizabeth II. Actually, it was Queen Anna’s wake (his late wife) in 2011 that may have been even bigger. It was a sea of love as most of the Greater Boston area/the North Shore took time from their busy lives to show their respect for this beloved father, grandfather, husband, coach, mentor, friend and much more. No doubt this celebration of his life was a love fest for the ages. I love that I have memories of this incredibly charismatic man that I will keep forever. For Ernie Ardolino Sr:

“And then one day

“A magic day, he passed my way

“And while we spoke of many things

“Fools and kings

“This he said to me:

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn

“Is just to love and be loved in return.”