People all over the world mourned the loss of Astoria-born music icon Tony Bennett, who sadly passed away July 21, 2023 at 96 years old–just two weeks shy of his 97th birthday.
And now, a little over five months after his passing, the city council unanimously passed a bill that will name the intersection of 32nd Street and Ditmars Boulevard after the beloved singer.
A child of immigrants from southern Italy, Bennett grew up in an apartment building near the very same intersection that will be named after him. He began his career performing as a singing waiter in Queens and even performed at the opening of the Triborough Bridge in 1936 at just ten years old.
In 2001 the New York City icon even helped establish a high school that was dedicated to the performing arts–The Frank Sinatra School of the Arts (it then opened at its permanent location at the Kaufman Astoria Studios complex in 2009).
As a resident of 100 Central Park South for around 25 years, Bennett was frequently seen around the area. A bench in Central Park was dedicated to him in 2021 for his 95th birthday, and it now serves as a memorial for the late singer.
“Growing up in Queens in a family of immigrants, Tony Bennett’s story was the New York story. He brought joy to audiences around the world, attention to some of the most important issues of our time, & inspiration to the next generation of artists. He will be truly missed,” stated Governor Kathy Hochul at the time of his loss.
In addition to the street, admirers of the singer can head to the Brooklyn Diner on West 57th, where Bennett was a regular, to sit in a booth named after him and enjoy the menu item of his choosing–Tony Bennett’s Famous Thick-Cut Cinnamon, Raisin & Pecan French Toast.