In memory of the late Stan “The Cutman” Maliszewski, people will be able to mark their name in history at the Shissler Rec by personalizing a brick on the path leading to the Stan “Cutman” Memorial Field.

“Stan was a man who loved Fishtown more than anything else,” said Fishtown resident, Pat Cain Sr.

Maliszewski, a proud Fishtowner, was a Vietnam War veteran and one of Philadelphia and Harrisburg’s dearest firefighters. He was full of life and wanted nothing more than to see smiles on the faces of his fellow citizens He would travel to offer help wherever it was needed. On September 11, 2001 “The Cutman” traveled to New York City to offer his help in a time of dire need.

“People everywhere loved him,” Cain Sr. said. “Stan attended 340 funerals for the deaths of his brothers in the 9/11 disaster.”

Aside from his life-saving duties, Stan “The Cutman” thoroughly enjoyed dancing around the boxing ring and playing handball. His nickname, “The Cutman,” came from his incredible ability to re-open the eye of any boxer during a slugfest.

In addition to his own athletics, Maliszewski found pleasure in helping the children in the community. Cain Sr. and he began a soccer camp, We Care Soccer, in 1994. The camp still runs today for the children and his picture is on the camp T-shirt for everyone to remember.

“Stan loved the kids; he was always for the kids,” said Cain Sr. “If someone was sick, he would go see the child and give him a medal and try to help him feel better.”

“Whatever you needed, Stan was able to get it for you,” said Cain Sr.

Now it’s time to give Stan “The Cutman” Maliszewski not only the memorial field he deserves, but also an area he would have wanted for the children.

Bricks can be personalized for family names, company names, in memory of loved ones or any of the like and can be purchased for $50 or $100. The 4×8 bricks are $50 and 8×8 bricks are $100.

“It’s going to be a one time deal with the bricks, and we’re also going to attempt to sell benches as well,” Cain Sr. said.

All of the proceeds will go toward towards the field for the children, which will be fenced in as well. Currently, the area is an empty lot that needs a lot of work.

“We’re going to need about $25,000 to fund everything, so any donation will help,” said Cain Sr.

You can order by visiting their website at http://cutmanfield.thatsmybrick.com or by picking up a form at the Shissler Rec or at The Spirit Newspaper office at 1428 E. Susquehanna Avenue (at Gaul Street).

Cain Sr. would also like the community to know, “We’re not taking away the walkway from Palmer Street where citizens walk their dogs, but we’re making an area for kids where no pets will be allowed. Please respect the area.”