On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

On March 11, 2011, I wrote a story about The Brown School in Somerville. In that article, I mentioned my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Chiulli (back then, in the late 50’s, I thought her name was Miss Julie!). She read the article and told her daughter about it. Not only was Mrs.Chiulli my kindergarten teacher, but I also worked with her daughter Mary Ann at Woolworths in Davis Square back in the early 70’s. Mary Ann contacted me and told me that she was planning her mother’s 100th birthday party on December 17 and would I help with the music, etc. I was honored to be able to be a part of such a special day and such a remarkable milestone. Here are some interesting facts about Mary Chiulli’s illustrious life:

Mary Chiulli was born on December 17, 1911. She graduated from Somerville High School in 1928. William Howard Taft was President when Mary was born. She has lived to see Presidents Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Regan, Bush, Clinton, Bush and Obama. Mary went to Salem State College. She taught in the Somerville school system for over 35 years. She has many, many students in the city that have fond memories of Mrs. Chiulli who was known for her patience and kindness. She was married for 56 years and has two grown children, grandkids and great grandkids. One was born in 2011, and they are 100 years apart.

Mary is a dedicated Red Sox fan who has been alive for every World Series they won starting in 1912. She was also alive when the Titanic had its fateful voyage. So much history occurred in Mary’s lifetime. She was born one year before Fenway Park opened. Mary prepared her lesson plan for class every night, right up until the day she retired.

The party was spectacular. Family, friends, Congressman Michael Capuano and his lovely wife Barbara were there along with many others who have known Mary through the years.

One of the highlights of the party was when the firemen came in. There was no fire emergency. Three of Somerville’s bravest came in to light the 100 candles on Mary’s cake. Captain Charlie Breen, and firefighters Bobby Galvin and Josue Velney entered in “full turnout gear” to professionally and safely ignite all the candles. I was playing the music for the party and felt that Disco Inferno was an appropriate background for the mass igniting.

Mary’s daughter Mary Ann put together an elaborate “time line” that showed photos of Mary and her family and friends, and the world events that spanned the 100 years that she has been on this earth. One thing was very evident at the party. Mary Chiulli had touched many lives as a mother, wife, teacher and friend. I would like to say one more time from all who know her, happy birthday Mrs. Chiulli.

Mary lives in a VNA in Somerville where she has new friends. She still enjoys doing crossword puzzles and watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

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Jimmy is available to host your event, play music, or just spice up any party or function. Call 617-623-0554 or jimmydel@rcn.com

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You can email Jimmy directly at jimmydel@rcn.com.