TV - WEB 6-10 layout.indd - Teakwood Village

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34 Circle certifi ed years in business. NA Years in business not available. 34 Square shows years in Monthly Media.
Stars of the West
By Lorraine Sturtz
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Don and Eleanor (Ellie) Cooke
greeted me warmly for our
interview at their lovely home,
128 Redwood. They spend their summer
in their condo in Malden, Mass and
were packing for an early departure. A
family celebration in the works, and
with four grandchildren, they do not
want to miss a thing.
Don was in the U.S. Army for
22 years and saw action in both the
Korean and Viet Nam wars. They were
stationed in many interesting places in
Europe and the U.S. In the early part of his career he trained boxers and was one himself.
He was stationed in San Francisco, California and his ring name was Chico Valdez.
During that time he had a chance to box for charity in the Cow Palace in Daly City. He
did a three round Exhibition Match with the great Rocky Marciano!! (There are photos
I hope to see in October.) Though he did not make boxing a career, he has many more
stories and great memories. The names of Iron Mike Pusateri, Tony DeMarco and Paul
Bender were ringing in my ears. He is a member of the National Veterans Boxers Association,
Ring 4. Out of all the positive and negative events of war and service, Don
witnessed an historical event that fi lled his heart with great emotion -the Prisoners of
War from the ship The USS Pueblo were released and Don witnessed them walking
across the Freedom Bridge at the 38th Parallel. Oh what a joyous celebration must have
taken place that day!
After Don retired from the Army he changed the uniform color and went to work
11 years for the Sheriff’s Department as a Corrections Offi cer. After trying retirement
for a second time, Don found a third job working at the Boston Stock Exchange for a
short time.
Meanwhile Ellie was busy with interesting careers of her own. Over the years
she worked for Malden Publications and the well-known David Brickman. She also
enjoyed other positions with the Malden Chamber of Commerce and City Hall. During
those years a son and daughter were part of the picture so Ellie had her hands full with
family, work and community activities. ....continued on page 27
TEAKWOOD VILLAGE TIDINGS JUNE, 2010 S