By Maurice ‘Mossy’ Martin
Donny Rollins, from the Mission Hill project, passed away quietly last month at age 77. Donny had polio as a child but he was not deterred by the effects of the disease. Being a close friend of Donny’s younger brother, Col. George Rollins,
I got to know Donny and I was appreciative when Donny would play tag rush football with us little kids at Tobin Court. Donny graduated from Mission High in 1963 and he bustled with school spirit. One memorable day the packed Tobin Gym crowd erupted in applause at a basketball pep rally when Donny entered the gym dressed up as “Major Mudd”, the popular kids space television show. Donny played quarterback and safety for the St. Alphonsus Club (later called the Killilea Club).
He worked as an electrician for the MBTA and he was a terrific family man. Donny will be dearly missed by his loved ones particularly his wife of almost 50 years, Carol and the couple’s two children..
Doreen Earley Barker suffered a severe stroke in July and she is recuperating at her home in Tewksbury. Doreen, from Mission Hill, worked for the Mass General Hospital as a visiting nurse but she is unable to work and receives only half her salary. A fundraiser has been set up to help Doreen and her family. Doreen is married to Michael Barker and the couple have 3 children. To contribute – Go fund me-Doreen Earley Barker.
I’ve been close friends with the Earleys for years and they are a wonderful family. I fondly recall when my small family and the Earley clan shared a cottage in Hull by the ocean one wonderful summer in the late 70’s when Doreen was a youngster..
Happy 70th birthday to Gerry O’Connel (Feb.11). Gerry, from the Hill and currently living in Hyde Park, was a rugged middle linebacker in the Boston Park League. He and I were teammates on the 1979 Killilea Club City League championship team. My speciality on the team was catching five yard passes from quarterback Eddie Gillis and quickly hitting the dirt.
Condolences to the family of Richie Caulfield, from Mission Hill and a retired Boston Police Officer, who passed away last month. After graduating from Mission High in 1971 Richie served in the U.S. Army for four years and he remained an active member of the Mission Hill Post 327. Richie had a heart of gold and a keen sense of humor. I enjoyed many evenings drinking beers with Richie at the Post where his pleasant demeanor earned Richie the moniker “Officer Friendly.” R.I.P. Richie.
The Mission Hill Post is sponsoring Mission Grammar School boys and girls basketball teams which commenced last month. I’ll be taking in a few home games which are played at Pope John Paul Academy in Dorchester..I had a nice afternoon lunch with my childhood friend, “Big Jim” Moynihan last month at Tony’s Restaurant in West Roxbury to commemorate Big Jim’s 74th birthday (Jan.12). Known as the Mission Hill Marathon Man , Jim completed seven Boston Marathons back in the 80’s. Big Jim and I were accompanied at lunch with Jim’s brother, Tom Moynihan and former Killileas Club star quarterback, Dan Breen..
Racquel Burgos worked her final shift last week at the Brigham Circle Dunkin Donuts after 21 years of serving coffee with a smile. Racquel is a lovely woman and I’ve known her since she was a teenager when I worked next door at Mission Hill Liquors. Racquel, who lives in Brockton, is the mother of two and her young son attends Mission Grammar School.. Ilanga Scott, the famous singer from Roxbury, passed away on Christmas Eve after a battle with cancer at age 82. Ilanga formed the popular 60’s doo-wop group, the G-Clefs. I enjoyed chatting with Ilanga, who often stopped at Mike’s Donuts. I would tell Ilanga, my favorite G-Clef song is “I Understand”, a beautiful slow tune. Ilanga will be missed but his music lives on..Thanks to Carla Kaufman for inviting me to her birthday party at Brendan Behan Pub in J.P. Jan. 22. It was a nice celebration for the talented Carla who is known in J.P. circles as “The Dancing Queen.” ..Post holiday notes: It was a noble gesture by the Mission Grammar 4th and 6th graders along with a dozen Cathedral students, who made Christmas cards for Mission Hill senior citizens. Said Laura Adams, the dedicated Director of Senior Services at R.T.H.; “ It brought joy and smiles to our seniors.” Maurice can be reached at [email protected]
Maurice can be reached at [email protected].