May 4, 2025

By Arthur H. Gunther III

thecolumnrule.com

Here’s an American story. We all need one right now.

It’s about a fellow who did not go to college but who ended up with at least a doctorate in his profession. He began the job at 14 and put in 67 years save two seasons serving Uncle Sam (you and I actually) in the 82nd Airborne.

A Paterson, N.J., boy, product of an old industrial city with some rough streets, and the grandson of Italian immigrants, Tom Baeli grew into the great hope of post-war America, 1950s, early 1960s when many were joining a growing middle class encouraged by our leaders no matter the political persuasion.

His father and mother, both working class, with the mom doing seasonal piece work in the garment industry, didn’t want 14-year-old Tom on the streets, so they sent him Saturdays to his uncle in Hokokus, N.J., who ran a shoe repair shop. A bus ride or two away from home, Tom ripped off soles, learned how to stitch leather, to glue, to cut with precision. He liked it and the small amount of money he earned.

Flash forward a few years, Tom was a shoemaker but not yet the craftsman he is today at 81. Thousands of footwear later, three shoe repair shops established in progression, the man built a reputation for high-quality work, for friendly neighborhood service, for reliability. His wife Francine joined in at store number two and worked side by side to recent retirement in Sparta, N.J.

This is an American story of hardworking people in community who were able to get a start, who built from scratch, who entered the middle class, who raised three children into college and career. My brother in law.

They are not unique. Tom Baeli’s on-the-job experience and personal push earned him his doctorate equivalent. Francine’s work beside him added to the power behind the man as did the initial hope of his mother and father who sent him to Hohokus back when. So did the wishes of his immigrant grandparents, both sets.

There are no politics in this American story of opportunity available and developed save that it did happen in what we have been calling the Land of the Free. Hats off to the Toms and Francines, to blue-collar workers, to the professional class, to all. May their chances never be lost in what we all must hope is the continuing American Experiment. Never.

Have a well-earned retirement, Tom and Fran.

The writer is a retired newspaperman.

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