An unveiling ceremony was held at the intersection of Avenue W and East 73rd Street in Bergen Beach, which was co-named “Patrick Solomita Way” on Saturday morning, October 22nd, in honor of the late Patrick Solomita, an initiative first proposed by Paul Curiale at a meeting of Community Board 18 (see “Proposed Amendments To The City’s Outdoor Restaurant Program Denied By CB18,” October 28, 2021).
Solomita, who passed away in 2019, was a beloved member of the community and as co-founder and President of the Bergen Beach Youth Organization for over 40 years, made a tremendous impact upon many generations of neighborhood kids, by keeping them off the streets and giving them a safe place to belong and grow. Solomita also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and as a Lieutenant in the NYPD until his retirement, leaving behind a legacy of service to others and generosity of heart that will now be permanently memorialized on the very block he called home for 62 years.
Following the unveiling, the beautiful memorial pond in McGuire Park that Solomita was instrumental in creating was also dedicated in his honor.
Photos courtesy of Paul Curiale
