The Maspeth community can celebrate. They got good news from City Hall last week, when Mayor Bloomberg signed legislation that makes official plans to re-name 60th Drive in Maspeth to George Gibbons Jr. Way., in honor of the beloved life-long Maspeth resident and business owner.
George Gibbons Jr.
George Gibbons, 37, was killed by a drunk driver, Peter Rodriguez, on October 15, 2011 shortly after leaving his bar, The Gibbons Home. Rodriguez fled the scene and became the focus of a 30-day police manhunt.
George’s family, local politicians and neighbors in Maspeth raised $10,000 in reward money for information leading to his killers’ arrest. Thousands of flyers with his picture were plastered all through Queens, advertising the reward.
Known for his kindness and generosity, and his commitment to both Maspeth and the Irish community, Gibbons was an avid supporter of breast cancer awareness and the Wounded Warrior Project and always there to support local schools and churches.
Shortly after his death, community members and legislators, including Council member Elizabeth Crowley (D.-Middle Village) put the wheels in motion to get 60th Drive, the street that George grew up on, renamed to honor his memory–and to remind people of the circumstances around his death.
Despite the tremendous grief they were experiencing, the Gibbons family urged people to see the need for tougher legislation for both DUI and for fleeing the scene of an accident. Throughout the hunt for Rodriguez, the trial and since the conviction, they have worked with elected officials to increase the state penalties for such crimes.
Ironically, the idea of naming 60th Drive for a Gibbons, came from George himself. Nearly nine years ago when his mother Mary passed away, he wanted to name the street that meant so much to him and his whole family after their mother. While they weren’t able to do that for Mary, the Gibbons name will now be imprinted on a street sign in honor of George.
The Gibbons family joined Mayor Bloomberg and Council member Elizabeth Crowley at City hall to witness the signing of legislation to mark the street re-naming. Photo Courtesy of Council Member Crowley’s Office
Maureen Gibbons, George’s sister, said the renaming was a great way to honor her brother’s memory on the street he called home for his whole life. “He really loved this block,” she said. “No matter where he moved, no matter where he lived, he always called 60th Drive home.”
Crowley who sponsored the legislation in the council said, “The tragic end to a young and generous life brought the Maspeth community together and helped usher in a legislative movement to strengthen the penalties for leaving the scene of a crime.”
The Gibbons family joined Mayor Bloomberg and Council Member Crowley at City Hall to witness the signing of the measure. One of George’s sisters spoke on behalf of their family. “Our family is both honored and excited to have our home street named George Gibbons Jr. Way,” said Siobahn Gibbons. “We can only hope that his name on 60th Drive will be a constant reminder to everyone of a true community leader. George was always proud to call 60th Drive home. It brings joy to our hearts to know the impact his life had will be acknowledged forever with his name.”
No date has been announced for the street re-naming ceremony yet, but Eric Yun, Communications Director for Council member Crowley told The Forum he expects it to be sometime in the fall, perhaps in October.
By Patricia Adams
