Duke Stefanelli ~ A Legend in Bedford’s Time

One of Bedford’s most legendary personalities, now well into his tenth decade, has retired.

“I’m 92 years old, and my son said, “Dad, it’s time to take a rest,”’ explained Charles “Duke” Stefanelli, who has been working for many years as a custodian at the Church of St. Michael.

“I’ve been feeling pretty good,” Stefanelli said. “It’s time to relax and putter around the house. I find it difficult getting out.” The house is the same one he and his late wife Barbara bought from builder George Selfridge in 1953 for $12,800.

Last week Stefanelli turned his keys to the church over to Sherman Primmerman, who is custodian of the parish hall. Now he will also be responsible for the church building.

Stefanelli and Primmerman have been a team for almost 50 years. “I’ve known Duke since I was a little kid,” Primmerman said.  As a college student in the early 1970s, he joined the staff of Bedford Fruit, the small, endearing market across from the Town Common run by Duke and his parents, Charlie and Tillie Stefanelli.

Several years later, Primmemman bought the store from the Stefanelli family. Duke went to work as a custodian in the Bedford Public Schools, and several years later, as the former Sheldon Block was earmarked for replacement by a new building, Primmerman also moved to the custodial staff, where he still works,

For the past 16 years, they also have been colleagues at the Concord Road church. Stefanelli, Primmerman said, “has got to be one of the finest people I’ve ever known. He is such a vibrant person.”

‘I have no complaints,” Stefanelli declared. I’m been lucky. My two sons and my wonderful daughters-in-law make sure that I have what I need.” He laughed as he said, “I take 150 pills a day.”

“However, he acknowledged that “every single one of my friends are gone – George Brady, Danny Lehan, Franny Sullivan – I could go on and on and on. I have a lot of acquaintances, but as far as people whom you can call at any time…. Nothing.”

He reluctantly stopped working. “I miss it, but I just got too old,” Stefanelli said. Primmerman pointed out that “he is still living at home. He is still driving. I think that’s what has kept him young all of these years. Because he never slowed down.”

He is still one of the most recognizable residents over the past century. A recent reference on social media engendered hundreds of memories and good wishes.

With thanks to videographer Leslie Wittman for this YouTube link to Bedford Memories, including an interview with Duke Stefanelli – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iGVbL0j9g0&t=20s