By Cary Shuman
Pasquale “Patsy” Cimino came to the United States at the age of nine.
“I came from Italy in 1972, and I didn’t speak any English,” he recalled. “And they always called me Patsy – they never used my full name.”
He enrolled at the McKinley School in Revere and graduated from Revere High School in 1980.
Always a hard worker, he was employed as a cook at Nardizzi’s Restaurant, Chelsea. He also met the woman he would marry years later, Mary Ann Nardizzi, daughter of the restaurant’s owner.
Today at 62, he is the proud and personable owner of The Meat Market, 224 Winthrop Street, just a stone’s throw from Town Hall. Today (Thursday, Sept. 11) Patsy and his brother, Sandro, who has been a part of the business for 39 of its 40 years, will lead the treasured culinary establishment’s 40th anniversary celebration with delicious food for all guests. They will be celebrating with barbecue, music, games and fun. Stop by from 3 – 7 p.m. in Metcalf Square.
“I am exciting about our celebration,” said Patsy. “I’ve been looking forward to it. We had a great turnout when we celebrated our 25th, and we expect an even bigger crowd this time.”
Patsy said running a successful food business that is open six days a week, “takes a lot of sacrifice and time.”
“I’ve sacrificed a lot of things – I missed a lot of family functions over the years,” related Patsy. “But I know the people appreciate it, especially in Winthrop. They’ve really supported our business and we’re grateful for their loyalty.”
Patsy has two children who inherited his incredible work ethic, Jennifer Cimino, who is a prominent and well-established professional photographer, and Michael Cimino, who works at the Meat Market.
Patsy will spend the day of the anniversary celebration in usual fashion.
“I get here at 5:30 a.m. and leave around 6:30-7 p.m.,” said Patsy, who also caters a lot of events.