EASTBOSTON.COM ARCHIVES
1996
All good things
must pass. For decades Frank Marino woke up at some God-forsaken hour to open his coffee
shop, Delma's Donuts at the corner of London and Maverick Streets.
For more than 54 years, the hard-working small businessman has seen many
people come and go: parents of students at Central Catholic, telephone company grunts,
sleep-walking reporters, city workers, longshoremen, toll-takers and crews from the
tunnels, Massport workers and -- on a rare occasion -- a politician. Delma's served as a
outpost for those groggy souls out to conquer the day. The first-rate coffee out of the
classic Bun-o-matic made it easier. Delma's was the kind of place where they poured cream
or milk in your coffee in contrast to the self-serve foolishness of sterile, pretentiously
European chains. Who these days serves Italian toast? And who serves those tempting coffee
rolls? Not Dunkin' Donuts; not Au Bon Pain; not McDonalds. Delma's Donuts is -- and will
be remembered -- as a blue-collar coffee shoap where the brew was stiff and did the job. A
nice place to sit down. Needless to say, Delma's also had character, a place where the
newspaper of choice was The Boston Herald, the tabliod, not The Boston Globe,
which sort of defined some of the customers. It was also the place where the travails of
the Patriots, Frank's favorite, were debated and disparaged. The tough economy and the
decline of Western civilization also were roughed up. On Saturday, Feb. 24, after a long
haul, Frank Marino packed it in. And Delma's as we know it will be no more. A few of us
will feel like orphans, lost without a neighborhood guidepost for news, views and a good
laugh. They can't -- in this day and age -- make a remake of Delma's But we orphans will
take note that Frank's retirement is much deserved. Few people in this neighborhood have
worked harder than Frank and few will leave a better, lasting impression. He put three
children through college by working the grind at Delma's. This is no small feat. He's a
testament to the glories of the small businessman. He's a great guy, a neighborhood sport.
He and his wife Joan will be missed. We wish them a happy retirement.
Copyright 1995. All rights reserved, 1996, EAST BOSTON ONLINE.
Link updated 2/28/96