STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The deceased Staten Islanders recently approved for street renaming honors are among 24 total that were approved for Staten Island in 2025.
While some of the street co-namings have already taken place, many official ceremonies are still to come in 2026.
There were 16 co-namings approved in July for the borough and another group of eight were designated in legislation passed by the City Council in December.
The honor is one of the most significant ways the city acknowledges the outstanding lives and impact of residents, after their deaths.
In order for a Staten Islander to have a street co-named in their honor, a person must have passed away and made significant contributions to their community during their lifetime.
The location, which must possess either historical or personal significance to the chosen name, must first be approved by the local community board.
In addition to individual Staten Islanders, one century-old organization, one Albanian historical figure and the two namesakes of the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum are among those that will adorn new street signs:
Dr. Gianvito, who is beginning his 51st year as a physician, at his West Brighton practice July 7, 2005.Staten Island Advance
Dr. Louis G. Gianvito, M.D. Way at the intersection of Conyingham Avenue and Castleton Avenue
A beloved family physician, Dr. Louis Gilbert Gianvito served four generations of fellow Staten Islanders and worked tirelessly as a public servant. He died in January 2024 at age 96.
Retired FDNY Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kerry Kelly is both a niece and a former student of Dr. G’s.
“He always made you feel confident that he could fix things and take care of things,” she said. “He remained calm and could get to the heart of the problem. He’s one of the brightest people I’ve ever met. Almost every physician on Staten Island has truly been affected by him because he had a broad interaction with everybody, and he continues to influence physicians throughout their careers.”
Scott “The Plateman” Spina Way at the intersection of 8th Street and New Dorp Lane
According to a family obituary, Scott Spina was a Vietnam War veteran. Upon returning from Vietnam, he and his father Dominick co-founded “D&S Private Service Bureau” which is now known as “The Plateman.”
“Scott was a charter member of the Central Kiwanis Club, a Distinguished Past Lieutenant Governor, Past President, Past Secretary and served as President of the NCK Foundation Board. He served his community with dedication and generosity for over 34 years.”
He died in 2024 at age 76.
Coach Bill Welsh Way at the intersection of Allison Avenue and Colgate Place
Legendary Island track and field figure Bill Welsh — athlete, coach, hero and inspiration to many — died in September 2023. He was 94 years old.
Arguably the most influential figure in the history of Island track and field, cross country, and road racing, Welsh left behind an unparalleled legacy of excellence, sprinkled with a touch of friendly competitiveness, dynamic enthusiasm, generosity, optimism and humor.
The street was renamed in March.
Arthur C. Leahy Jr. Way At the intersection of Forest Hill Road and Richmond Hill Road
Honoring a NYC Parks Worker who was murdered 50 years ago, this street renaming ceremony was held in April 2025.
Leahy was 35 when he was shot and killed during a botched burglary on the night of April 6, 1975, as he was working an overnight security shift at LaTourette Golf Course. He was ambushed by a trio of robbers who sought to break into a golf course safe.
A Mariners Harbor resident, Leahy grew up in West Brighton, attending Port Richmond High School before joining the U.S. Marine Corps and eventually taking a job with the city Parks Department.
He left behind a wife, Jeannette Leahy, a stay-at-home mom, and their five young children, ages 3-12.
Isa Boletini Way at the intersection of Oceanside Avenue and Buel Avenue
Hundreds of Albanian Americans and local officials gathered on Nov. 30 to dedicate “Isa Boletini Way” at the intersection of Father Capodanno Boulevard and Seaview Avenue. The street sign now stands meters from “Ismail Qemali Road,” which was named two years ago, symbolically uniting two Albanian national heroes who never met in life.
Bobby McGhie was a Staten Island HS football aficionado, who wore many hats professionally before dying earlier this year. (Staten Island Advance)
Bobby McGhie Way at the intersection of Bement Avenue and Richmond Terrace
Bobby McGhie, a staple in Staten Island’s high school football community for years and former NYC Board of Education and Parks and Recreation employee, died in April 2023. The Curtis High School alum was 71.
“He did an awful lot because he never said ‘no,’” said a friend and colleague. “He had two jobs for most of his career and on top of that, he often volunteered as a coach, trainer or on a committee selecting award winners.
“He always wanted to give back.”
Tom Magliocca Way at the intersection of Jersey Street and Crescent Avenue
According to a family obituary, Tom Magliocca “was drafted into service for his country in 1966 and proudly served as a Sergeant in the First Division (the Big Red One), First Squadron, Fourth U.S. Cavalry. He served in Vietnam from April, 1967-April, 1968. Tommy is a Vietnam Veteran and member of the Thomas J. Tori Chapter 421 and is also a member of the Combat Infantry Assoc. He also worked as a Sanitation Engineer for the City of New York, a private Security Guard, Florida Court Deputy.”
Rep. John Murphy Way At the intersection of Kissel Avenue and Henderson Avenue
Family and friends recalled former Staten Island Congressman John M. (Jack) Murphy as the epitome of public service, a rare politician who related to his constituents, a political mentor, and a proud father.
Murphy, a highly decorated Korean War veteran known as a powerhouse in the borough Democratic Party and a man who had the ear of presidents during his tenure, died in 2015 at 88 years old.
Annette Esposito.STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
Annette Esposito Way At the intersection of Port Richmond Avenue and Castleton Avenue
A Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement, Annette Esposito was tragically killed when she was hit by a car on her way to Mass.
She was a Project Hospitality and El Centro volunteer, and a St. Marys of the Assumption, Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St Benedicta parishioner.
She was an active member of the Port Richmond Anti-Violence Task Force, which then became the Port Richmond Community Task Force. She helped found the Port Richmond Improvement Association and was an active member of the Port Richmond Civic Association.
Giuseppe Garibaldi Way At the intersection of Chestnut Avenue and Tompkins Avenue
One of the namesakes of the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian general, revolutionary and republican. He contributed to the Unification of Italy and the creation of the Kingdom of Italy. He is considered to be one of Italy’s “fathers of the fatherland.”
In 1850, the inventor Antonio Meucci employed Garibaldi in his candle factory on Staten Island.
Antonio Meucci Way At the intersection of Chestnut Avenue and Tompkins Avenue
One of the namesakes of the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, Antonio Meucci was an Italian inventor who settled on Staten Island. He set up a form of voice-communication link in his Staten Island home that connected the second-floor bedroom to his laboratory—the first telephonic device, which he patented in 1871, five years before Alexander Graham-Bell’s famous invention of the telephone.
Egon J. Salmon Way at the intersection of South Greanleaf Avenue and Victory Boulevard
Egon J. Salmon, who fled Nazi Germany with his family as a young boy, educated thousands on the lessons of the Holocaust by openly sharing his story, and established himself as a Staten Island community leader as founder of the borough’s oldest independent real estate firm, died in September 2022. He was 98.
Victor Scalici Way at the intersection of Port Richmond Avenue and Hooker Place
The longtime owner of a florist shop, expert grower and a builder of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Victor Scalici was remembered as someone who built the neighborhood of Port Richmond.
The street renaming was held in his honor in October.
Deacon John A. Singler, II Street at the intersection of Fisher Avenue and Amboy Road
An educator and a man of faith who dedicated his life to the welfare of his students, and served in many capacities at his parish.
Throughout his career, his intelligence, wit and ability to connect with young adults contributed to turning around the lives of hundreds.
The ceremonial street renaming occurred in December 2025.
“Deacon Singler was a pillar of the Tottenville community. He not only led and assisted people spiritually, but when times of crisis, such as Hurricane Sandy occurred, he helped organize supplies and clothing for those in need,” said Councilmember Frank Morano. “I am honored to have passed this co-naming as one of my first acts after being sworn in earlier this year. I hope this sign brings even more people to know who Deacon Singler was, so even more people can emulate him.”
“You die twice. Once when you leave this earth and once when your name is uttered for the very last time,” Lou Alfano explained. “So, if we could keep Madison’s name alive for way beyond my lifetime, then we at least know she’ll live on in spirit.”(Courtesy of Lou Alfano)
Madison Rochelle Alfano Way At the intersection of Winant Avenue and Veterans Road East
A young woman whose death inspired her family’s mission to improve driving safety, Madison Rochelle Alfano was honored at a street renaming in October.
Madison, 18, was a 2023 graduate of Tottenville High School and a freshman at Monmouth University when she died in a tragic car crash.
“We wondered ‘how can we keep her name alive?’” said Lou Alfano, Madison’s father. “What’s something that’s lasting? With her being so young and from the neighborhood, we thought it’d be nice that people could see Madison’s name for years and years beyond this tragedy.”
Mr. Todd Hack Way at the intersection of School Street and Oakdale Street
A beloved educator, coach and mentor, Todd Hack was honored with a street renaming in October. The street is outside of the school where he taught young students.
The long-time educator died suddenly in September 2024 at age 46.
“His absence leaves a void we can not fulfill but his legacy will continue to inspire us, to lead us with the same integrity, humility and care that he showed every student that crossed his path,” said PS 8 principal Lisa Esposito during the ceremony.
Sarah Power Way at the intersection of St. Marks Place and Wall Street
A resident of St. Marks Place, Sarah Power was an architect and active member of the St. George Civic Association.
According to Advance/SILive.com records, she advocated for retaining the neighborhood’s historic character amid development, and volunteered in area beautification efforts.
She died in October 2023 at age 58.
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Staten Island NAACP celebrates 100 years of service to the community
Staten Island NAACP Way – 100th Anniversary at the intersection of Henderson Avenue and Broadway
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Staten Island Chapter marked the group’s 100th anniversary in 2025, celebrating a century of leadership, advocacy, and ongoing efforts to promote racial and social justice.
More about the NAACP Staten Island Chapter >>
Paul Casali, a longtime political activist in Staten Island’s Democratic Party, died monday at age 51. (Courtesy of City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks)(Courtesy of City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks)
Paul Casali Way at the intersection of Morningstar Road and Hooker Place
Paul Walter Casali, 51, of Elm Park, a dedicated Staten Island political activist known for his humor, generosity and remarkable compassion, died suddenly in his home in October.
Casali was said to have known “every Democrat on Staten Island,” and leaves behind a legacy of dedication to family, friends, community and causes he believed in, according to his friends.
SSG William T. Johnson Way at the intersection of Carteret Street and Amboy Road Avenue
At the Council meeting, Morano shared the story of Staff Sargeant William T. Johnson, which he said “deserves to be remembered far beyond our neighborhood.”
“William Johnson graduated from Tottenville High School, served as a New York City police officer and answered his nation’s call during World War II as a radio operator and aerial gunner aboard a B24 bomber with the 8th airforce,” he said.
“He flew dangerous missions over Europe and on July 2, 1944 his aircraft was shot down returning from a mission…He was buried at Normandy, awarded a Purple Heart and finally, 80 years later I’m proud that we’ll have a street named for him in my district.”
Dr. Melvin Koplow passed away at the age of 79 on March 21, 2024. (Courtesy of Jon D’Agostino)Courtesy of Jon D’Agostino
Dr. Melvin Koplow Way at the intersection of Huguenot Avenue and Sinclair Avenue
Dr. Melvin Koplow, a dedicated family man and beloved pediatrician who tended to multiple generations, died in March 2024, at the age of 79.
“He has helped and saved so many lives in just the 30 years that I was there,” said a member of his practice. “When your child was sick that’s when you saw the true man that he was, which was the kind, gentle, amazing doctor because he didn’t leave your side. Even if he wasn’t affiliated with the hospital, he would show up there as a friend, just to be there for you.”
More about Dr. Melvin Koplow >>
Firefighter Michael W. Daly, 56 of Great Kills, passed away on Sat., Nov. 25, in his home surrounded by his family following a long, courageous battle with 9/11-related illness. (FDNY)FDNY
Firefighter Michael W. Daly Way at the intersection of Cloverdale Avenue and Oakdale Street
Michael W. Daly of Great Kills, a retired firefighter, died in November 2023 following a long battle with a 9/11-related illness. He was 56.
Daly was born in Brooklyn, according to the family obituary. He joined the FDNY in 1999 and was eventually assigned to Ladder 87 in Annadale. He retired from the department in 2008.
After surviving and helping to save others during rescue efforts following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Daly would go on to battle for his life when he was diagnosed with two different types of cancer, the Advance/SILive.com reported in 2015.
Despite his illness, Daly was not only active in charitable causes, but he cared deeply about the safety of his community.
Dominick Dellegrazie Way at the intersection of Westfield Avenue and Bloomingdale Road
According to a family obituary, Dominick Dellegrazie died in May at age 74.
“He had a long and distinguished career, serving as a New York City police officer, a Captain for the Sea Gate Police in Brooklyn, and later working within the Department of Consumer Affairs,” the obituary reads. “His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate Double Dees Chariot Collision for 35 years.”
He was the president of the Staten Island’s Fraternal Order of Police lodge #117, a retired NYPD detectives group.
Chris Walsh Way at the intersection of Hylan Boulevard and Rockaway Street
Chris Walsh, who was a beloved and strict organizer of several sports leagues in the borough died in August after a battle with cancer. He was 64.
Morano spoke at the Council meeting about Walsh, saying he “wasn’t looking for recognition. He was someone who quietly devoted decades of his life to Staten Island” and especially to youth and adult sports on the South Shore.
“If you played softball or football in Tottenville, chances are you did so on a field that Chris Walsh cared for… he made sure those spaces were safe, dignified and worthy of the people using them.
“He built community the old-fashioned way, by showing up day after day, and even while battling cancer he remained generous and encouraging.”