Councilman Vincent J. Gentile was joined by family, friends and other elected officials for a street renaming ceremony in honor of Patrick Sullivan of Bay Ridge. Gentile had introduced legislation that was passed by the City Council to have the city’s Department of Transporta-tion rename 79th Street between Third and Fourth avenues, “Patrick Sullivan 9/11 Memorial Way.”
“We are gathered here to celebrate and honor the life and memory of a lifelong Brooklynite whose civic pride and boundless generosity were evident to all fortunate to know him. This may be a difficult ceremony for those who remember Patrick Sullivan and his devotion to his family and his community, but it is important that we be here to ensure that Patrick’s name and legacy be commemorated, and to ensure that New York City pays a permanent and lasting tribute to one of its fallen sons,” said Gentile during the ceremony.
Sullivan grew up on 79th Street and received his early education at local parochial schools, both Our Lady of Angels and St. Anselm. He also attended Xaverian High School, where he made long lasting friendships and excelled both as a track athlete and in his studies. Sullivan later attended Georgetown University in Washington DC.
After graduation, Sullivan moved back to his hometown and began his professional career, with Cantor Fitzgerald, alongside his brother Gerald. He is remembered as a devoted son, brother, uncle and friend.
The sign is on the southwest corner of 79th Street and Fourth Avenue. It will be moved to the northwest corner, which is the same side of the street that Sullivan grew up on.
