Decorated World War II Vet Celebrates A Century In Malden

MALDEN, MA — A World War II veteran was honored by the city on his 100th birthday this past week.

Carmen Laporta served in the Marine Aircraft Group-12 unit, which for three years at the height of the war provided air coverage for the Army, Marine, Navy, and Philippine guerilla forces. After his time in the military ended, the North End native returned home to open a barber shop on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. During his time as a small business owner in the area of Boston University, Laporta crossed paths with Martin Luther King Jr. Laporta eventually sold his business and became a United States Postal worker for the next two decades.

Last Friday, U.S. Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, and Volunteers of America MassachusettsPresident Charles Gagnon came to Laporta’s residence at Forestdale Park Senior Living on 341 Forest St. to present the veteran with a Certificate of Personal Congressional Recognition and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Laporta testified that the key to living a long life is to “live every day to the fullest.”

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