Boston, MA – On Friday, June 14th, Representative Adrian C. Madaro was honored to recognize Helen Antenucci of East Boston at the annual Commonwealth Heroine Awards. Representative Madaro nominated Helen as a Commonwealth Heroine from East Boston in recognition of her many years of service on the Blue Line at the MBTA, recently being named the record holder for the World’s Oldest Train Operator.
Last February, Antenucci, 81, a mother and grandmother, was named the oldest female train operator by the Guinness Book of World Records after being submitted by her colleagues at the MBTA. This past Thursday, June 13, the Guiness Book announced they had verified Helen as the oldest train operator, male or female, in the world.
Joining the MBTA in 1995 at age 53, Helen has spent nearly 30 years shuttling passengers between East Boston, Revere, and Downtown on their morning commutes. She’s become well-known amongst her passengers for her cheery morning announcements over the intercom, brightening the day for locals and visitors alike. Helen’s favorite stop is Aquarium Station, where she serves as the unofficial ambassador to the New England Aquarium for train passengers.
“Recognizing Helen as a Commonwealth Heroine is truly one of my favorite awards that I’ve given during my time in office,” said Representative Adrian C. Madaro. “Helen is one of a kind. I remember hearing her cheery announcements over the intercom of the Blue Line since I was a kid. Her nearly 30 years of service to passengers on the Blue Line have brightened the morning commutes of many East Boston residents, giving a needed boost as they start their days. For someone so humble, she could not be more deserving. Congratulations to East Boston’s own world record holder!”
“I was very honored and humbled to receive the Commonwealth Heroine Award,” said Helen Antenucci. “I love my job and passengers and I feel blessed to be able to do my job every day. The passengers who ride my train on their daily commutes are the real heroes.”
The Commonwealth Heroine Award is an annual award recognizing the contributions of outstanding women throughout the Commonwealth. Legislators across Massachusetts are invited to nominate women from their districts who don’t always make the news but who are truly making a difference in their communities, businesses, or volunteer endeavors.
Helen Antenucci will celebrate her 82nd birthday on July 2. She has no plans to retire.
