More Than Just a Name [PHIL-OSOPHY]

On Wednesday, September 25, a busy exit off Rt. 18 in New Bedford will be renamed after a hard-working, well-respected and well known local family.

At 10 a.m., the Weld Street Exit will be renamed "Giammalvo Family Memorial Exit." A special ceremony will be held in the parking lot of the iconic Giammalvo's Market at 1914 Purchase Street in New Bedford.

It takes a big legislative effort to get a name change and this one started on Beacon Hill with House Bill # H4912, submitted by former State Representative Bob Koczera and current State Rep. Bill Straus.

The deserving recognition celebrates generations of the Giammalvo family, from the NBPD and Auto Sales to the legendary market that to this day still does a remarkable business.

When I first arrived in New Bedford, I was introduced to Sam Giammalvo's Auto Sales and Service. I can still hear the radio jingle playing in my head: "He's the man you know, the man you trust, they call him Sam, Sam Giammalvo."

His motto, "A Name You Can Trust," can be said for the entire family.

The corner store, Giammalvo's Market, is a landmark in New Bedford. The great memories I have of picking up fresh meats from there for the Shawmut Diner will always be near and dear to my heart.

I am so thrilled that this wonderful family is receiving an appropriate acknowledgement on an exit all the Giammalvo family helped make famous.

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.