Jim Haver was a mainstay in Canarsie for his entire life. He served in the Navy and while on 30 day leave, met his wife in 1945. When he arrived back in Canarsie he married his wife on June 15th, 1947 at the old wooden building of Holy Family Church on Conklin Avenue. He lived at 1299 East 94th Street.
He belonged to many community organizations including the Knights of Columbus St. Pius X and the Lions organization. In 1974 he was involved in the charity drive for handicapped children via a Knights charity benevolence drive. He became the lead writer in local newspapers for the cause of community caring and supporting fellow residents. His columns included the: Lions Den, Lion News and The Lions Corner. In 1976 he won New York State recognition for best Pius publication. The prestigious state-wide contest was a hard earned award as his efforts for community concern were being heard all over the state. Every year he was fully devoted and committed to Canarsie being treated fairly and dedicated himself in as many deeds of positivity that he could. In 1985 he was elected Knight of the Year. There were countless public efforts he was involved including the time in 1988 where he served food at the Kings County Psychiatric Center for 100 patients. By 1996 he was President of the Lions Club.
In 2008 he was honored as a lifelong Canarsien, a feat so few accomplish today.
He belonged to many community organizations including the Knights of Columbus St. Pius X and the Lions organization. In 1974 he was involved in the charity drive for handicapped children via a Knights charity benevolence drive. He became the lead writer in local newspapers for the cause of community caring and supporting fellow residents. His columns included the: Lions Den, Lion News and The Lions Corner. In 1976 he won New York State recognition for best Pius publication. The prestigious state-wide contest was a hard earned award as his efforts for community concern were being heard all over the state. Every year he was fully devoted and committed to Canarsie being treated fairly and dedicated himself in as many deeds of positivity that he could. In 1985 he was elected Knight of the Year. There were countless public efforts he was involved including the time in 1988 where he served food at the Kings County Psychiatric Center for 100 patients. By 1996 he was President of the Lions Club.
In 2008 he was honored as a lifelong Canarsien, a feat so few accomplish today.
Barbara Panzer became a school teacher in Canarsie in 1955, first teaching at P.S. 115. She received her Bachelors in Science from Brooklyn College in 1972, thus allowing her to extend her assistance to children in her school of P.S. 279. In 1973 she initiated awards to outstanding community members geared towards education. Her involvement extended past the 3pm school bell. In 1976 she led class trips to City Hall and science fairs that contained Canarsie History. She also led childrens groups to do community planting and even visited doctors offices to see the action behind the scenes. She was elected President of the Women's School Chapter B'nai B'rith in 1980. She served as coordinator of the Alert Gifted Program in 1983. She also served as Chapter Chairwoman of the PTA Executive Board. In 1984 she personally sent letters to parents to have kids artwork displayed at BACA, (Brooklyn Arts and Culture Association).
In September of 1986, she was unanimously named as Assistant Principal of P.S. 279, after 31 years of service as a teacher in the community.
In a move seldom seen, the State Legislature acknowledged the many community contributions of Barbara Panzer with a resolution at the Howard Beach Rockwood Park Jewish Center in 1987. That night also saw her and her husband honored by the Canarsie Mental Health Clinic. Also in 1987, she was treasurer of the Canarsie Educator Association. In 1989, she organized the 1st walkathon for Juvenile Diabetes. Mrs. Panzer devoted her life to teaching children and being involved as much as she could to make a difference to thousands of students over her career as an educator.
Panzer lived at 1375 East 87th Street. She sadly passed away on September 3rd, 2020. She rests at Mount Carmel Cemetary in Glendale, Queens, NY.
In September of 1986, she was unanimously named as Assistant Principal of P.S. 279, after 31 years of service as a teacher in the community.
In a move seldom seen, the State Legislature acknowledged the many community contributions of Barbara Panzer with a resolution at the Howard Beach Rockwood Park Jewish Center in 1987. That night also saw her and her husband honored by the Canarsie Mental Health Clinic. Also in 1987, she was treasurer of the Canarsie Educator Association. In 1989, she organized the 1st walkathon for Juvenile Diabetes. Mrs. Panzer devoted her life to teaching children and being involved as much as she could to make a difference to thousands of students over her career as an educator.
Panzer lived at 1375 East 87th Street. She sadly passed away on September 3rd, 2020. She rests at Mount Carmel Cemetary in Glendale, Queens, NY.
Nicholas Ford was born in 1830 and came to Canarsie in 1845. He lived at East 92nd Street and Ames Lane. In 1861 he was one of the 127 Canarsie men that volunteered for the Civil War. Ford enlisted on June 15th, 1861. He was mustered in on June 20th of that same year. He became a member of the New York 1st Regiment. He was stationed at Camp Graham, Washington D. C.. On October 30th, 1861, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. The photo shows a hat pin which suggests that he was going to be promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.
On May 31st, 1862, he became a casualty of the war and died at Fair Banks, Virginia at the Battle of Seven Pines.
n 1866 a nationwide organization was formed to honor those men that served in the Civil War. It was named the Grand Army of the Republic, (GAR). In 1873, Canarsie established its GAR veterans chapter and named it in honor of Ford.
It was called the N.S. Ford Post #161. Although very little is written of Ford and his dedication to Canarsie, it can be gathered by the naming of the Post, that Ford was prominent and highly regarded in the community. This can also be assessed from the fact that in 1888, the Long Island Railroad leased the NY & MB Railway, and decided to name it's Canarsie station: Ford's Corners. This station was located at Remsen Avenue and East 91st Street. This station closed in 1907, when LIRR decided to change routes. When Ford passed away, he left a wife and a daughter named "Nicky".
On May 31st, 1862, he became a casualty of the war and died at Fair Banks, Virginia at the Battle of Seven Pines.
n 1866 a nationwide organization was formed to honor those men that served in the Civil War. It was named the Grand Army of the Republic, (GAR). In 1873, Canarsie established its GAR veterans chapter and named it in honor of Ford.
It was called the N.S. Ford Post #161. Although very little is written of Ford and his dedication to Canarsie, it can be gathered by the naming of the Post, that Ford was prominent and highly regarded in the community. This can also be assessed from the fact that in 1888, the Long Island Railroad leased the NY & MB Railway, and decided to name it's Canarsie station: Ford's Corners. This station was located at Remsen Avenue and East 91st Street. This station closed in 1907, when LIRR decided to change routes. When Ford passed away, he left a wife and a daughter named "Nicky".
Frank L. Ippolito was born in 1905. He first appeared in a 1940 Canarsie census. He became General Chairman of Holy Family Church and helped lead the campaign to build a new Holy Family in 1949. In 1951 Ippolito fought for new stop signs and improved intersections as an officer of the Democratic Club. His vocation as an attorney allowed him to build a reputation for not backing off the needs for the community. In 1952, he was elected as "Mayor" of Canarsie, a tradition that dated back 100 years in the community. His prominence in civic, communal, his distinguished service and unselfish devotion allowed for his election. In 1953 he was Vice President of the Canarsie Chamber of Commerce. Also in 1953, Ippolito led Canarsie to become the first community in Brooklyn to reach the Red Cross Fund Drive goal.
In 1954 he was a member of School Board 41, where he fought for the construction of P.S. 272. In May of 1954 he received the "Man of the Month" award from the PTA. In 1961 as member of the Canarsie School Board, he petitioned and stopped 4 liquor stores from being opened within blocks of our local schools by addressing the New York Supreme Court.
These are just a few of his many successes in the community. He was a former President of the Holy Name Society. In 1983, he was honored by the Jimmy Durante Lodge #2514, Order of the Sons of Italy for his time and energy to the needs of the community in its social and spiritual life. After a long Illness, Frank L. Ippolito passed away on March 6th, 1987.
Mr. Ippolito's community dedication was unparalleled and his ethics are sorely missed today. He was a crusader and a stalwart of Canarsie.
In 1954 he was a member of School Board 41, where he fought for the construction of P.S. 272. In May of 1954 he received the "Man of the Month" award from the PTA. In 1961 as member of the Canarsie School Board, he petitioned and stopped 4 liquor stores from being opened within blocks of our local schools by addressing the New York Supreme Court.
These are just a few of his many successes in the community. He was a former President of the Holy Name Society. In 1983, he was honored by the Jimmy Durante Lodge #2514, Order of the Sons of Italy for his time and energy to the needs of the community in its social and spiritual life. After a long Illness, Frank L. Ippolito passed away on March 6th, 1987.
Mr. Ippolito's community dedication was unparalleled and his ethics are sorely missed today. He was a crusader and a stalwart of Canarsie.
Salvatore Ruggeri was born in 1903. He was married on June 24th, 1923 at St. Thomas Apostle RC Church at 117th Street & St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. He was a Brooklyn Port worker at the Brooklyn Waterfront. Prior to going to Canarsie, he was the President & Director of the Brooklyn Waterfront Holy Name Society where he set up yearly Nativity Scenes at 30th Street.
In the 1960s, Ruggeri was a member of the Our Ladies of Miracles Church in Canarsie. There he became involved in the OLM Golden Agers Club. This club aimed at bringing the community and seniors together. The Club offered services along with social and economic aid. Ruggeri implemented the "Step Out" Service, which helped seniors apply for Medicare, Food stamps and Social Security. Ruggeri became President of the Joint Council of Senior Citizens of the Borough of Brooklyn. This achievement was a significant because Ruggeri himself, was in his 70's. New York's Department Planning Commitee for the Aging frequently asked Ruggeri to attend conferences at City Hall's "Blue Room", as his input was valued. He was instrumental in getting seniors their flu shots every year along with programs that visited housebound elderly and obtain services they weren't aware of. To get out and mobilize seniors, Ruggeri organized many trips , like the 1974 Circle Line trip around Manhattan and the trip to the Abe Stark Skating Rink in Coney Island.
He also promoted the welfare of seniors through political action.
In 1973, the Ruggeri's celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary at the Lisa Terrace on Flatlands Avenue.
In 1975 Ruggeri fought to keep the Geriatric Health Clinic from being replaced. (Todays that building is the School Board 18 building on E95th & Conklin).
Ruggeri held his meetings at the old Knights of Columbus Building at 135 Conklin Ave.,( building torn down), of which he was also a member of. He held a yearly Father's Day celebration to honor dad's in the community. Also in 1975, Ruggeri spearheaded a campaign for a cleaner Canarsie in the "old tradition of pride and cleanliness". He was the Grand Marshall of the May 1980 Canarsie Memorial Day Parade. On December 23rd, 1980 Salvatore Ruggeri passed away.
n 1981, a memorial was held at Canarsie High School for Ruggeri. An annual community pioneer award was given in his name beginning in 1982 to residents who positively impacted the community. He lived at 1145 East 86th street, having lived there from 1957 until his death, a great community contributor who gave a voice to the voiceless.
In the 1960s, Ruggeri was a member of the Our Ladies of Miracles Church in Canarsie. There he became involved in the OLM Golden Agers Club. This club aimed at bringing the community and seniors together. The Club offered services along with social and economic aid. Ruggeri implemented the "Step Out" Service, which helped seniors apply for Medicare, Food stamps and Social Security. Ruggeri became President of the Joint Council of Senior Citizens of the Borough of Brooklyn. This achievement was a significant because Ruggeri himself, was in his 70's. New York's Department Planning Commitee for the Aging frequently asked Ruggeri to attend conferences at City Hall's "Blue Room", as his input was valued. He was instrumental in getting seniors their flu shots every year along with programs that visited housebound elderly and obtain services they weren't aware of. To get out and mobilize seniors, Ruggeri organized many trips , like the 1974 Circle Line trip around Manhattan and the trip to the Abe Stark Skating Rink in Coney Island.
He also promoted the welfare of seniors through political action.
In 1973, the Ruggeri's celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary at the Lisa Terrace on Flatlands Avenue.
In 1975 Ruggeri fought to keep the Geriatric Health Clinic from being replaced. (Todays that building is the School Board 18 building on E95th & Conklin).
Ruggeri held his meetings at the old Knights of Columbus Building at 135 Conklin Ave.,( building torn down), of which he was also a member of. He held a yearly Father's Day celebration to honor dad's in the community. Also in 1975, Ruggeri spearheaded a campaign for a cleaner Canarsie in the "old tradition of pride and cleanliness". He was the Grand Marshall of the May 1980 Canarsie Memorial Day Parade. On December 23rd, 1980 Salvatore Ruggeri passed away.
n 1981, a memorial was held at Canarsie High School for Ruggeri. An annual community pioneer award was given in his name beginning in 1982 to residents who positively impacted the community. He lived at 1145 East 86th street, having lived there from 1957 until his death, a great community contributor who gave a voice to the voiceless.
Monsignor Vincent O. Genova was the community pastor who did not relegate himself to just the concerns of the church. Genova studied at Cathedral College in Baltimore and was ordained on June 12th 1928 at the age of 30. He was appointed as pastor of Holy Family, Canarsie on October 13th, 1935. By 1938, he planned and had constructed a second church: Our Lady of Miracles at 757 East 86th Street.
Through the years, he presided over the community "Mayorship", which encouraged positive leadership in the community. He held an annual memorial mass for the American Legion Post for service members who lost their lives in war. In the 1940's he implemented the Canarsie Bazaar- which encouraged community cohesiveness and participation in a fun atmosphere on church grounds. The Bazaar featured local businesses serving as vendors to support the local economy. When Civics had community concerns, Genova was there at the meetings. When the new library opened in 1937, Genova was also there-his quest to unite the community was an understanding that his presence was a key part of a successful community. Between 1949 and 1952, he raised, through community interaction, over $250,000 and had Holy Family built into an 800-seat capacity sanctuary that occupies 2 city blocks. This also included the school. In 1953, he celebrated his 25th year of ordination at Holy Family, Canarsie.
In 1954, he headed a community blood drive and he moderated meetings to solve juvenile delinquency. Even after he retired, he was active, such was the case in 1963 when was Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Canarsie Baseball leagues. He is also known city-wide for the Catholic-Jewish Relations Committee, which he formed in 1966 to bring a better understanding between members of both faiths in Brooklyn and Queens. His many great accomplishments surpass any who came before or after him.
Msgr. V Genova sadly passed away in 1973 at the age of 68. leaving behind an enormous legacy of good will and charity and its effects still positively impact us to this day.
Through the years, he presided over the community "Mayorship", which encouraged positive leadership in the community. He held an annual memorial mass for the American Legion Post for service members who lost their lives in war. In the 1940's he implemented the Canarsie Bazaar- which encouraged community cohesiveness and participation in a fun atmosphere on church grounds. The Bazaar featured local businesses serving as vendors to support the local economy. When Civics had community concerns, Genova was there at the meetings. When the new library opened in 1937, Genova was also there-his quest to unite the community was an understanding that his presence was a key part of a successful community. Between 1949 and 1952, he raised, through community interaction, over $250,000 and had Holy Family built into an 800-seat capacity sanctuary that occupies 2 city blocks. This also included the school. In 1953, he celebrated his 25th year of ordination at Holy Family, Canarsie.
In 1954, he headed a community blood drive and he moderated meetings to solve juvenile delinquency. Even after he retired, he was active, such was the case in 1963 when was Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Canarsie Baseball leagues. He is also known city-wide for the Catholic-Jewish Relations Committee, which he formed in 1966 to bring a better understanding between members of both faiths in Brooklyn and Queens. His many great accomplishments surpass any who came before or after him.
Msgr. V Genova sadly passed away in 1973 at the age of 68. leaving behind an enormous legacy of good will and charity and its effects still positively impact us to this day.
Rocco Stella joined the Canarsie Community by purchasing the pharmacy of Louis Massa in 1960. On March 15th, 1961, Stella had refurbished and opened Stella's Pharmacy. He was born on June 9th, 1935 in Brooklyn. He graduated from St. John's University in 1957. In 1975, Stella joined Unico, which was focused on public mental health and Cooleys Anemia. Stella always put the community first, at one point the city had a milk strike and Stella brought milk in from New Jersey, which he sold at wholesale, just to make sure the community had milk for their families. In 1983, he participated with the Cub Scouts pack 742 in raising funds for their group projects. That same year he was an honored guest at that organizations Men's Night Out event. In 1985, Stella sponsored a girls softball team. More recently, in 2017, Stella received the Distinguished Practitioner Award from St. Johns University for his many years as preceptor, (provided internships), for students in the field of pharmacy. Rocco ran Stella's for over 50 years and today his son still runs the iconic pharmacy.