By Phil Orlandella
Tony DeMarco Was a Class Act
The late Tony DeMarco is the only North End resident to win a world sport championship when he captured the welterweight crown on April 1, 1955 at the Boston Garden defeating then champion Johnny Saxton in a 14 round slug test.
Following his upset victory, DeMarco was motorcade through the streets of the North End in a convertible with residents shouting Tony, Tony, Tony.
Born Leonardo Liotta at age 16, he was not eligible to fight professionally, the age limit was 18, so he used the birth certificate of a friend, Tony DeMarco. He went on to win 45 of 71 fights, with 33 knockouts.
Tony considered himself a slugger but out of the ring he was a kind person that was recognized by many as the champ when he visited the North End.
A statue of Tony was placed at the corner of Hanover and Cross Streets recognizing his accomplishment in the ring and public life.
He was involved in many fund-raising events and President of the Boston Chapter of the National Italian Hall of Fame and was inducted into the organization.
He was also inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2019.
DeMarco was featured in “The Flame and Fury of Fleet Street,†a segment of a documentary, Boston’s North End an Italian American story.
An autobiography was written about the champ entitled Nardo Memories of a Boxing Champion. Nardo, was one of DeMarco’s several nicknames.
Tony from the opening bell of his professional career was a tough competitor in every way but, out of the ring until his passing was a class act and was highly respected for his accomplishments placing the North End on the map.
Ring the bell 10 times.
John Romano, Jr a Community Asset
There is simply no question that the North End has a terrific Boston Neighborhood Service Liaison, John Romano, Jr. Romano has clearly established himself as a totally reliable asset to the community.
His willingness to work with and respond to neighborhood issues in a timely manner is recognized and appreciated by residents, community organizations and the business community.
Romano has certainly earned a solid reputation as the man to go to. He clearly understands how to deal with the community and get the message to City Hall.
Romano has gained the trust of the neighborhood due to his commitment to help make the North End a better place to live.