By Josh Resnek
At the annual induction of officers of the Everett Kiwanis Club held at Spinelli’s in Saugus last week, the club put its considerable best foot forward.
Rafael Santos, the president, who looks like he was sent to the Kiwanis Club by central casting in Hollywood, did a great job.
The attorney John Mackey, one of our favorites, delivered the invocation.
Marlene Zizza, the treasurer, stunning and bubbly, moved the proceedings along, especially when the magician cum comedian Johnny Pizzi did his thing following dinner and dessert.
However, Past President Charlie Radosta’s performance as the evening’s master of ceremonies was memorable and extraordinary.
The attorney John Mackey, one of our favorites, delivered the invocation.
Marlene Zizza, the treasurer, stunning and bubbly, moved the proceedings along, especially when the magician cum comedian Johnny Pizzi did his thing following dinner and dessert.
However, Past President Charlie Radosta’s performance as the evening’s master of ceremonies was memorable and extraordinary.
He was memorable because of who he is; successful businessman, bon vivant, filled with energy and vitality, dressed impeccably and presenting an award to the Conti Family with a short but sweet speech in clear, exact language without the use or necessity of a microphone that covered all the bases and which ended with a great round of applause.
He was extraordinary because Mr. Radosta is 90 years old while barely showing any evidence of his age.
According to longtime Everett businessman and Kiwanian John Mattuchio, Mr. Radosta is an amazing personality, a toastmaster of the first order, someone who has studied how to make a speech and how to be a toastmaster.
“Charlie has been a member of Toastmasters International for a half century,” he told the Leader Herald.
Toastmasters International is a worldwide organization that helps people from all walks of life and from all age groups and nationalities, to improve their communication skills and leadership skills.
Bottom line, Mr. Radosta is adept at crafting speeches as well as delivering them for full effect.
During a long life he excelled as an accountant to most of the city’s funeral home families as well as representing the Conti Family from Everett Aluminum in their many and varied business interests.
He was always considered a moral man who could be trusted, his fellow Kiwanians said of him.
Mr. Radosta today leads a very full life, living alone in his home in Everett on Chestnut Place, driving his car and filling up his week with activities much like many of us much younger are inclined to do.
Monday he attends liturgy at St. Anthony’s.
Tuesday he joins friends for coffee at a Dunkin Donuts out on Route 1 with his many Everett lifelong friends and business associates.
Wednesday and Thursday, according to Mattuchio, “are errand days – shopping, et cetera,” he said.
Friday during the summer months he plays golf with his Everett buddies Jim Sachetta, Don Harney and Les Braes.
Next month he will head down to his home in Punta Gorda, Florida for the winter.
“Charlie is a remarkable man in many, many ways,” Mattuchio said of his fellow Kiwanian.
“Charlie Radosta is the real thing,” he added.