LYNN — The community celebrated the life of the late Lynn politician with the new monument at the Senator Walter J. Boverini Scenic Walkway at Red Rock Park.
Boverini died on Nov. 29, 2008, at 84 years old, after a lifetime of service to his community of Lynn. He flew 35 missions in the Air Force during World War II before returning home to be a teacher, coach, vice principal, and mentor to Lynn students. He was inducted into the Lynn Classical Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Lynn English Hall of Fame in 2003.
Boverini served one term as State Representative of the then-9th Essex District before running for and winning a seat in the State Senate in 1972. He was eventually appointed Senate Majority Leader in 1985, where he served until he retired in 1994.
State Sen. Brendan Crighton, who grew up in Lynn, said his grandfather served in WWII with Boverini. Crighton added his father volunteered on one of Boverini’s political campaigns when he was growing up.
“(Boverini) cared about people and always wanted to make everyone feel their best and appreciated,” Crighton said. “His leadership and commitment are still reflected here today, at this park and throughout the city.”
Mayor Jared Nicholson said he never worked with Boverini, but “his legacy is so clearly evident as we go about our work today.”
He said Boverini’s contribution to cleaning Lynn Shore Drive will be remembered by the community.
Crighton said Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Brian Arrigo played a large role in supporting the recognition of Boverini Walkway in the city.
Arrigo said when he first decided to take the job at DCR, Former Lynn Mayor Thomas McGee informed him about the project to honor Boverini Walkway.
He said he did not know Boverini personally but appreciated learning about his life and service to the community while working on the project.
McGee honored Boverini’s service to Lynn and the community.
“It’s good to understand what kind of a man he was and where he came from,” he said. “He had a whole full life of service, of commitment, and making a difference as a leader.”
The monument at Red Rock Park serves as a reflection of Boverini’s work to rebuild Lynn Shore Drive during his time in the State Senate, McGee said.
“He was an amazing person who really was the epitome of what the greatest generation was all about,” he said.
State Rep. Dan Cahill said Boverini was one of the “gold standards” for politicians in Lynn.
“He was somebody who made sure he got the job done,” Cahill said. “He made sure that if you were a resident of Lynn, or his district, and you needed help… he was a go-to person.”
State Rep. Jenny Armini said she did not meet Boverini, but she spends time at Red Rock Park and was happy to “take a few moments to appreciate that this came from really hard work and from someone who loved his city above self.
“I thank Senator Boverini for this wonderful, wonderful spot,” Armini added.
Luisa Boverini, one of Walter Boverini’s daughters, concluded the event.
“One of the big lessons that he taught us was to treat everyone the same. He treated everyone with dignity, respect, and I feel that’s the biggest lesson that he left us. And I think that that’s why this monument is so important,” she said. “So many people come and use this park from different walks of life. It’s a place… where everyone can get together and enjoy this space.”
