STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The names of seven deceased Staten Islanders and one century-old organization will adorn new street signs in 2026, after a bill approving co-namings was passed by the City Council on Dec. 18.
The honor is one of the most significant ways the city acknowledges the outstanding lives and impact of residents, after their deaths.
Across the city the Council approved 77 co-namings of streets and other public places in 2026.
Councilmember Frank Morano, a Republican representing the South Shore, spoke at a recent Council meeting about the importance of next year’s street co-namings in his district.
Acknowledging that he was taking the floor during a long meeting focused on a range of legislative matters, he said of the co-namings, “these are the kind of moments that remind you why public service matters.”
The process of requesting to have a city block co-named requires a series of approvals from both the local community and the City Council.
In order 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 2026, the co-namings will be:
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.
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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.”