Tomasone Recipient of Ted Williams Home Run for Humanity Award

By Phil Orlandella

Former North End resident and community activist Robert “Ted” Tomasone, Clerk Magistrate of Somerville District Court, was honored with the Ted Williams Home Run for Humanity Award at the Boston Area Church League annual Fellowship luncheon held at the Back Bay Hilton.

Tomasone has dedicated his life helping the North End/Boston community and inner city youth programs, especially in the North End.

He is credited with raising over $2 million dollars to sponsor community activities ranging from afterschool programs, exposing North End kids to music, theatre, sports, and museums, a community Christmas luncheon for seniors and shut-ins.

Tomasone also coordinates the North End Athletic Association (NEAA) Golf Tournament. This year $20,000 was raised to sponsor neighborhood events.

He is responsible for initiating a major tradition in the community, the North End Christmas Parade which features Santa Claus arriving by helicopter at Puopolo Park. Hundreds of people attended the holiday event.

As President of the NEAA, Tomasone was instrumental in keeping the non-profit agency’s programs alive and well.

In addition to this most recent award, recognition of Tomasone’s contributions include: The I Migliori Award from the Pirandello Lyceum, the Boys Town of Italy Humanitarian Award, the Mass Association of Italian-American Police Officers Grand Knight of the Order, the Justinian Law Society’s Justinian of the Year Award and the Legionnaire Award presented by Order Sons of Italy in America.

            Other community leaders honored at this event included: Former State Senate President Robert Travaglini who also served as District One Boston City Council representing the North End. Travaglini received the Distinguished Leadership Award