Tony DeMarco Now Stands Six Feet Tall At Gateway to North End

North End born and raised Joseph Sablone remembers Tony DeMarco long before he was a fighter.

“We go way back when he belonged to my club on Garden Court Street,” Joseph said. “The one thing I noticed about him right away was that Tony was a very determined young man.”

With that unwavering direction and hard work, Joseph explained, Tony became a world-class boxer but always remained “a very humble man.”

Hundreds of people joined Joseph Saturday afternoon to honor the “fame, the flame, the fury of Fleet Street” where a statue of Tony was unveiled at the corner of Hanover and Cross Streets.

“How symbolic that this ceremony is taking place during Italian Heritage Month,” said Italian-American Sports Club Hall of Fame President Billy Spadafora. “I think we have a bigger crowd here than Bobby Orr had. What a tribute.”

The statue -- designed by Harry Weber who also sculpted Orr’s and one for quarterback Doug Flutie -- is in the perfect spot, said several speakers at the ceremony: right at the gateway to the North End.

“I grew up idolizing the guy,” said Billy. “I never had a chance to meet Tony until I became a member of the committee to find a spot for the statue.”

When they did finally see each other in person a few years ago, Billy explained that Tony took him for a walk in the North End and showed him DeMarco Way.

“Look,” he said to Billy. “They named a street after me.”

Billy responded by saying: “Tony, one day there will be a statue of you, too.”

A gift to all North End residents and fans

“Symbols are very important,” said Consul General of Italy Guiseppe Pastorelli. “We need them to be better. And there’s no more fitting place where such a symbol should be – one of courage.”

Tony DeMarco is a real symbol for the North End, said the Consul General.

“He’s a man who fought and won.”

Symbols are important because of “our American friends must see the celebration of the Italian heritage here in the North End,” the Consul General concluded.

“The statue is a gift to all of you,” said Philip J. Privitera whose family’s charitable foundation funded the effort to honor Tony with the Weber sculpture. “It’s for every one of us who ever had a dream.”

There’s a fighter in every single one of us, Philip said.

Bill Durham, who traveled from St. Louis, Missouri just to attend the ceremony, said he’s a close friend of Harry Weber and also a big boxing fan.

“I followed Tony’s career,” he said. “This is the American success story.”

Tony DeMarco is a living legend, Bill said.

“The story of Tony and his experiences growing up should be taught in schools,” he said. “He came to this country with nothing and built a life and reputation that is truly amazing.”

He’s now 6 feet tall

Tony took stand at the end of the ceremony -- before pulling the cover off his statue -- to thank family, friends, fans and all who made it possible for the statue’s placement in the place he was raised and worked to become a boxer.

“God bless you,” he said to the cheering crown. “I love you for this. I never thought a thing like this would happen to me.”

Tony explained he has a great love for the clubs of Boston.

When he was a member, it was the Boston Boy’s Club but today, Tony pointed out, it’s the Boston Girl’s and Boy’s Club.

“We should have more active youth clubs because that’s our future,” he said. “When you’re out playing ball, you’re building character.”

At the close of his remarks, Tony lifted up his arms and spoke to his parents in Heaven.

“Look at me now,” he said. “I’m six feet tall.”