Tom Menino Sounds Like the Greatest Grandfather Ever
On Monday, Bostonians saluted former Mayor Tom Menino, lining city streets to watch his procession roll toward Most Precious Blood Church in Hyde Park. Others spent lunch hours watching his funeral on all of Boston’s local television channels, or listening on public radio, or perched at their desks at work. The crowds, dignitaries, and honor guards saluted the larger-than-life man who loved – and led – Boston.
Inside the church, however, two girls shared their own stories.
For Olivia Fenton and Samantha Menino, who eulogized the man they knew simply as “Papa,’’ he was the loving grandfather who called them every morning before school, and had dinner with them every week.
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He took them to Red Sox games and loaded them up with team gear. He asked them about boys. He teased them about boys. He picked them up and took them to their favorite places in the city, The Tannery for some shopping or Mike’s Pastry for a treat.
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“Even in the toughest of situations for him, he always would make a joke to cheer us all up,’’ said Olivia, as she stood before a church crowded with local and national leaders and luminaries.
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Spending time with “Papa’’ meant everything to both of them: Olivia loved going to Red Sox games with her grandfather, even when things didn’t always go according to plan.
“My favorite memory was when the ball hit me in the face and all he could say was “Of course it was you!’’ she said.
Samantha recalled watching “Papa’’ announce he would not seek another term as mayor, and how the thought of him as anything other than Boston’s leader was jarring.
“I was almost sure Bostonians would have to throw Papa over their shoulder and drag him out of City Hall,’’ she said.
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His morning phone calls were a treat, even if they were sometimes lengthy.
“It was almost impossible to make it to school on time, because Papa never wanted to hang up,’’ Samantha said, adding that she also had some input into the inner workings of city government.
“Every time it snowed out, I would call Papa to let him know school should be canceled,’’ she remembered. But Menino reminded her that school, for some kids, was the only place where they could be warm and have a meal.
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“He was always a busy person, but yet he always found time to spend with us,’’ said Olivia.
“Papa was best when he was out with the people he loved,’’ said Samantha.
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Samantha wept when addressing Angela Menino, her ‘Mimi.’
“We love you and hope you know we will always be here for you,’’ she said.
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