Gustav A. Richter was born in 1888, his family moved to Canarsie in 1893. As an accomplished local musician, composer and orchestra leader, he inaugurated the 23rd Regiment Band in Brooklyn. He founded the Durch Reformed Church band of Canarsie in 1915. He was the also band leader for the for the "Rocking Chairs Movies" at Brighton Beach. He played for all the dance halls in Canarsie. In 1919, he was the first ever Bandmaster commissioned by former New York State Governor Charles Whitman to 2nd Lieutenant. In 1920, a sterling silver trophy was presented to Richter by the Manhattan Beach Band for his years of dedication to the community. The Richter 42 piece orchestra played at fundraisers, civic events, military balls and evn at the old Madison Square Garden. Between 1947-1949, he led the pit orchestra at the American , (Flatlands Ave.), and Canarsie movie houses. Also an accomplished artist, Richter was self-employed as a painter. In 1910, he painted banners and scenes attractions at Luna and Dream Land parks at Coney Island. While living in Canarsie, he collected and preserved Canarsie artifacts and documents which I was able to acquire. Gustav A. Richter was an individual who brought people together and was fully invested in the joyful events that happened in Canarsie. He lived at 9522 Flatlands Avenue and passed away in 1968. 

MaryAnne Sallustro was one of the hardest working civic leaders in Canarsie. She was born in 1944 and was a life-long resident. She was a music teacher at P.S. 114. She originally became active in community affairs alongside Eugene Bruno in the early 1980's. Whether it was holding rallies or writing letters, she was a force. In 1992, she fought for better drainage when several streets would flood during storms. After much effort, the city finally fixed the issue in 1995. In 1993, she founded the South Canarsie Civic Association. Others would join her like Joe Diamond, Steven Kaye and Mark Fertig. At the beginning of every meeting she led off with the "Pledge of Allegiance". Her meetings were always packed with hundreds of Canarsie residents. She fought zoning redistricting and sewage storage facilities. If you see the buildings being torn down today its because there aren't fighters like her anymore- she did what she could while she was there. She was awarded many times for her efforts- but none meant more than her "Woman of the Year" award given to her by former Governor Pataki. When former Mayor Giuliani built a compost dump at Canarsie Park, she fought for 3 years to get rid of it- and succeeded! She sadly passed away on March 27th, 2024. 

Victor E Lopez was a lifelong Canarsie resident and local businessman and community activist who died on January 17, 1984. Mr. Lopez was one of the owners of Popkins motor parts. His community activities were varied. He was a member of the old Canarsie pals club as well as the Canarsie top Hatters Civic organization. He was the founder of the Glenwood gun club, which was one of the first gun clubs in Canarsie. Mr. Lopez was extremely active in the Canarsie Lions Club for over 20 years. He was elected president in 1971 and was again called to serve in this capacity in 1980 during his term he brought the Canarsie lines into Into the community limelight with such activities as the annual health day, brotherhood, servers and the Canarsie Olympics. He was also active in the Knights of Columbus and served at Saint PUX console as its warden in 1974. He was the coach chairman of the annual Memorial Day parade and was instrumental in the establishment of the Canarsie veteran Circle as president of Popkins he was generous with many civic, religious and fraternal organizations in the community. He presented the payment of the first months rent to the Canarsie volunteer ambulance core when they first open their headquarters on Rockaway Parkway. He provided numerous donations and use of Popkins vehicles as a service to all who asked. He is buried at Calvary Cemetery. 

Joseph M. Molinari was a member of the United States Army, he was made Staff Sergeant in 1943. He was one of the founding fathers of the St. Pius Council Knights of Columbus. His dedication to community activities in the Knights of Columbus stemmed since 1954 when he became a member of the Baron DeKalb Council from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. In 1955, he led the fund raising campaign for a new building for the Our Lady of Miracles church parish in Canarsie, having raised $141,395! In 1958, he became a founding member and the Chancellor of the Canarsie KOC. Mr. Molinari was instrumental in increasing the Council with 180 charter members. His ambition to give back to Canarsie residents could not be stopped. In 1959, he was Journal Chairman for the Our Lady of Miracles church. He was the architect of the Council bylaws and distinctive honor of their integrity having never been changed. In 1960, he was Grand Marshal of the Feast of Christ the King at East 86th street. More than 900 people attended this Canarsie Feast! In 1962, Mr. Molinari was elected Grand knight of the local council and remained a trustee and Officer until his death. He was instrumental at that time and the purchase of the property at 77 Conklin Ave. for the console headquarters and also help to engineer the move to his present headquarters at 135 Conklin Ave. In a first in council history Mr. Molinari was elected to another two terms as Grand Knight in 1980, at which time he helped the expansion of the yearly bizarre held at a as a fundraiser and many other community projects. He was also a member of the Kiwanis club since 1978. He passed away on January 18, 1984. He lived at 1632 East 91st, and is buried at Saint Charles cemetery.

Antonio Bianco was born in 1871 in Provincia di Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy. He arrived in Brooklyn in 1899. In 1909, he and five friends formed a civic called the Christopher Columbus Society of Italian Americans of Brooklyn. Their goal was to assist Italians. In 1915, he got involved in real estate, got certified and joined the Real Estate Association of the State of New York. He became very fluent and knowledgeable with real estate. His passion for helping his fellow Italians surpassed the area of housing. In 1914, he joined the Italian- American Alliance. In 1919, he was part of a committee that helped to establish gas mains for a portion of Canarsie. He also fought for basic public services in East Flatbush during an inspection of dwellings that belonged to 100 Italian families. There he found no gas lines, no sewers, no lighting facilities or water mains. He encouraged Italians to purchase land so that they could achieve the American dream. In 1927, he was the treasurer for the Italian Settlement Society which assisted with obtaining job training, shelter and food for newly arrived Italians. With his knowledge of real estate properties, he was able to obtain a house on Adams Street, which was used as a incoming boarding site for Italians. He also helped Italians in establishing businesses in the trade they operated in Italy, like Bakeries, Pharmacies and Butchers. His civic work crossed many boundaries. He had the structure on East 92nd and Farragut built for that purpose, (pictured). He built many structures throughout Canarsie. He was accepted into the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce in 1928. He represented the Canarsie Board of Trade where he worked together with the Cypress Hills Board of Trade on many projects including the YMCA. In 1930, he had the Canarsie Courier publish informative articles in Italian, that he wrote called “Cittadini Americani”, which means American Citizens. These articles gave insight, tips and helpful information. To say the least- Antonio Bianco was a huge  part of thousands of Italian families in establishing their independence and families throughout Brooklyn. His presence is unheralded and has been forgotten through the years. He sadly passed away on December 11th, 1934. He is buried with the Cucurullo and Zulli families, at Holy Cross cemetery in Brooklyn. In his obituary, the Times Union Newspaper wrote: “How thoroughly America has been the land of opportunity for the people of the old world is shown by the career of Mr. Bianco.”

The Honorable Carmelo Tavormina wasn’t just a local prominent Canarsie Attorney, he was an Asst. District Attorney. When he wasn’t upholding the law, he was highly involved in the community. He was born in 1921. He served in the Army from 1942-1946 as a Sergeant in Anti-Aircraft Artillery, receiving the Presidential Citation. He graduated Brooklyn Law School with a Juris Doctor Degree in 1952. In 1957, he had an office at 1726 Rockaway Parkway. In 1959, he represented the Seaview Terrace Home Owners Association. He was a member of the Canarsie Chamber of Commerce in 1960 and secretary of the Canarsie Community Council. In 1961, he was co- chairman of the Canarsie Youth Center. He also served as a delegate for the Canarsie committee for city planning, elementary & secondary education and housing. He did all this while still representing his clients as council. He was then asked by the Brevoort of Brooklyn Savings bank to judge a “ History of Canarsie Contest”. He accepted and judged student made dioramas, biographies and compositions. Awards given ranged from deluxe bicycles to phonographs. Transistor radios and Kodak cameras were also handed out and every participant won a $10  starter savings account with the bank. (About $105. today). What a great way to kids involved in local history!! The contest was so intricate that it had to be covered in 8 consecutive newspaper editions- wow!! He work with the Brooklyn public library to sponsor a brotherhood poster contest, which aimed at building camaraderie. In June of 1961, he was named Chairman of the 69th Precinct Youth Council. On September 24th, 1964, he was named as Kings County Assistant District Attorney. This did not take place of his commitment to Canarsie youth as he held countless activities with kids that included: bowling, baseball, dances, holiday parties and community based programs. He sponsored youth groups like the Torque Masters in 1966. In 1970, he was nominated for Civil Court Judge 7th District, which he won in November of that year. In 1971, he was a legal consultant to CARGAN,(Community Action Group Against Narcotics). His community leadership continued- as he supported many organizations with ideas and guidance. His final public appearance occurred at a Holy Family anniversary dinner in 1993. He sadly passed away on April 14th, 1995. A community champion that never stopped caring for the community. 

Jack Solomon was an attorney by trade. Born on March 9th, 1908, he was a veteran of World War 2.  In 1954, he organized the Canarsie Interfaith Blood Bank. He was the Chairman for the 69th precinct fundraising in the interest of the welfare of community youth. In 1956, Solomon won the Holy Family “Man of the Month” award, for his work with Canarsie youth. He served as Vice President of the Holy Family School Expansion & Youth Center building campaign committee. In 1957, he was Vice Commander of the Canarsie Veterans Post #573 and of the Memorial Day Committee. In 1959, he became commander of the veterans organization. In 1960, he was a member of the LayFayette club, of professionals who participate in civic work. He was elected as Trustee of Kevelson Hall in 1961. In 1963, he was honored by the B’nai B’rith Anti- Defamation League for his “Outstanding Service to the cause of human rights”. His community work continued when in 1969, he was the Chairman of the Town Civic Association; Transportation Committee, where he advocated for more buses and additional stops for the Canarsie community. In 1970, he was a consultant to the Catholic Church- Jewish Relations Council of Canarsie. In 1979, heart health issues limited his involvement with community issues. He continued his involvement at Kevelson Hall through the 1980s and 1990s. An attorney by trade, he had an office at 1525 Canarsie Road and lived at 372 East 98th Street. He is believed to have passed in 1996.