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Mayor Rob Dolan greets Jim before Mass. It was only right and fitting that St. Mary's should throw a party for Jim Milano on his 100th birthday. His birthday, October 17th, was a Saturday. Jim always played the organ at the 4:00 p.m. Mass every Saturday so what better day for it. Anita Amirault Simpson and Anne Hackett co-chaired the committee, notified several people of a meeting and we were off and running. Mass - with Rev. John Sullivan as Celebrant, and Parish Priests, Rev. William Carroll, Msgr. Alphonse Paladino, Rev. Bernard Shea, and Former Pastor Rev. John J. Ronaghan, were Concelebrants. Jim sat in the front row with Mayor Rob Dolan and members of his family filled in the next few rows. His niece, Pat Milano Anderson and nephew, Joe Milano (who, with his wife Alice, came from Florida to be there) brought the gifts to the altar. The Mass concluded with Jim's favorite hymn, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, much to his delight. Members of the congregation and other relatives and friends gathered in the hall downstairs. Among those present, besides Mayor Dolan, were Senator Richard Tisei, who presented him with a special Senate citation, Representative Katherine Clark, Police Chief Mike Lyle, Fire Chief John O'Brien and Alderman Peter Mortimer. Left-Mayor Dolan, Jim and Senator Tisei and right, standing is Fr. Sullivan with Fire Chief John O'Brien, sitting beside Jim is Police Chief Mike Lyle.. Members of the committee, Marie Merino Ryan, Anita Amirault Simpson, Shirley Samson, Kay McCarte, Mary Rita and Dan O'Shea, with Jim and Fr. Sullivan. Co-chairman Anne Hackett was missing from the photograph. It was a great tribute to the man who has contributed so much to his church, country and city. Photos by Bill Kelley November 6, 2009
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