Family, friends, and neighbors gathered on a cold and chilly day (Friday, Dec. 12) to honor lifelong Princeton Street resident Jack Faretra at a ceremony dedicating an East Boston square in his honor.
Rep. Adrian Madaro served as master of ceremony for the event at the corner of Meridian and Princeton Streets.
“It’s a special day and a special season as we kick off the holiday,” said Madaro. “It’s really a pleasure to honor one of the OGs of Eagle Hill. As a born and bred Eagle Hill resident, it’s a particular special honor for me having grown up just a few blocks away. You don’t grow up on Eagle Hill without knowing about the Faretras. It’s not just Jack and Jeannie, it’s the whole family – Jack’s daughters and the entire extended family – are incredibly active members of our community. They do so much for East Boston, but Jack, in particular, a proud veteran, a proud East Bostonian, and most importantly, a proud resident of Princeton Street.”
Mr. and Mrs. Faretra’s daughters, Jessica Vasquez and Bridget Heigelmann, were in attendance to celebrate the prestigious recognition accorded to their father.
Madaro told the gathering, “Jessica called me several months back with this amazing idea and with the partnership of the City of Boston and [East Boston Neighborhood Liaison] Carlos Garcia, we were able to get this done.”
Said Jessica, “I’m just so excited that there’s so many people out here, and I really want to thank Carlos and [Chief of Staff to Rep. Madaro], Roberto [Gomez] and Adrian – they just held my hand the whole time, texting me every day, but they helped me get it done.”
During the ceremony, Mr. Faretra’s granddaughter, Mila, was asked by Rep. Madaro, “What do you want to say about your Papa?’’
“My Papa is really nice,” replied Mila, drawing warm applause from the assemblage.
Madaro led the countdown for the sign unveiling, and the loudest ovation of the day for Mr. Faretra ensued, a beautiful tribute to the Pride of Princeton Street, Jack “Papa” Faretra.
Fernando Rosas and Margaritas Rosa, owners of Bono Restaurant and Cathering, provided complimentary hot chocolate and coffee to guests on a chilly December day.
Mr. Rosas lauded Jack Faretra in a post on Facebook, writing, “The corner of Meridian and Princeton, where Bono is, just got a brand-new name. Today, our corner took on new meaning with the unveiling of Jack “Papá” Faretra Square. Neighbors, families, and friends gathered inside and outside, sharing smiles, hugs, and excitement.
It was a simple, genuine moment that reflects the pride, respect, and sense of community that lives on this block. We are very lucky to be part of this community.”