LETTER: Losing Another Outstanding Citizen

Above, 1953 Oskey yearbook entry.

To the Editor:

Several weeks ago I wrote a letter which the editor graciously published, an article about Councillor Dick Esterly and the impact he made to the town common in particular and also community at large. Today, sadly, I write about another member of the community who recently passed and who made an impact many years ago that still influences the community today. I write about Paul A. Cataldo.

To those unfamiliar, his obituary might lead the reader to conclude Paul had a full and meaningful life and, obviously, served his Community in several capacities. That is a fair and accurate conclusion. However, he was much more than one might deduce from that impressive obituary. I offer two examples of Paul’s lasting imprint: the Council form of government; the excellence of the Franklin school system.

As Paul explained it to me, during Franklin’s rapid growth in the 1970s it became apparent that a more progressive and professional administration and form of government was necessary to deal with the needs of an expanding community. At that time Paul was the town moderator and unlike many moderators who merely chair the annual town meetings, Paul, and the then selectmen, all personal friends and associates, familiar with a history of working closely together, and unquestionably in charge, decided a Town Council and professional administrator was the optimum choice.

It was a collective decision, one that would put all of them out of office. At the time there were only two or three communities choosing this form  of government. It was not an easy sell (remember, this is New England) and the concern that Franklin would essentially be a city lead to a charter that basically concludes it is a city whose name is Town of Franklin. It passed by one vote, ideally Paul’s vote, and rightfully so as he was the person driving that bus, just as he had been driving Franklin’s bus for years while moderator.

Next on Paul’s agenda was the school department, which had been experiencing some political and financial issues, not uncommon in many communities. My chronology may be somewhat disjointed but there’s no question about the results and impact.

First, he got himself elected to the School committee along with three other close, personal friends (their names omitted to protect the innocent), all well known  and respected members of standing in the community. As a former outstanding athlete, both in high school and later at Trinity College, Paul was an ardent supporter of  school athletics. Surprisingly to some, he was equally as adamant about academics and recruited and encouraged the hiring of the late Jack Doherty as Superintendent. Under Jack’s administration our school system rose in stature and accomplishments, a reputation it enjoys to this day. I knew all of our superintendents over the years, Jack set the standard all others now aspire to. He was the best!

Of course, just hiring a superintendent was not completing the agenda. Again, with Jack and his fellow Committee members, they hired Jerry Leone as the school’s football coach. Super Bowl trophies attest to the wisdom of that decision. And, like all decisions in a democracy, none come easily or without argument. But arguing with Paul Cataldo was not an enterprise for the lighthearted (or lightheaded) and his Intelligence, logic and passion frequently won the day.

Lastly, and one of the more stellar of his many accomplishments, was the installation of lights at the football field, at no cost to the town!

An unheard of event at the time and an impossible one today.

Briefly, after assuring the schools of the academic leadership they deserved, and providing the tools the athletic departments would need, night football was next on his list. Although there had been a change in the school committee, and the school administration was both fearful and reluctant about night football, the lack of support would not be a deterrent. Their opposition was that night football could (or would) potentially be problematic and troublesome, as well as very expensive. Neither of which would materialize. I clearly recall our conversation about it.

Paul called me one afternoon saying “we're going to rent lights for a football game, and I’m forming a committee to fund and install them permanently after the rental game.” He explained the apprehension about night football problems the Committee and school administration had, the importance that the upcoming game be trouble free, and that he “wanted” (not asked) me to be on the committee. I asked what I needed to do and his reply (one thatI threw at him over the years) was “you don’t need to do anything, just be on the committee”. The rest is history. The rental lights night game was without incident; every local contractor participated; Mass Electric donated the poles; Jack Daddario donated the lights; Dennis Pisani’s crane handled the installation, Bob Ballarino, VP Ben Franklin Bank, made a donation and served on the committee, and many more than I can recall pitched in.

Is there anyone (or anywhere) on this planet that thinks this could happen today, in this environment, or knows of someone whose personality and perseverance could make this a reality?

Paul and I spoke weekly over these many years. He was a source of historical information as well as a raconteur, easy to rile and just as easy to share a laugh with. Indeed, riling him was high on my agenda, followed by hearty laughter. During his pre-retirement days he was on a first-name basis with many powerful and influential people, and throughout his life time he also was on a first name basis with many of those not so powerful or influential. Indeed I was always surprised  when he would call and ask about some poor soul who had been a weekend guest at the hoosegow, asking “how do you know him/her?“ and the answer was always, essentially, a Franklin family, friend, or person that had problems. I miss him, all those who knew him miss him, more importantly the community will miss him as there is no one filling those cleats! 

Rest in peace my friend.

Larry Benedetto,

Retired Franklin Police Chief