The Street Co-Naming Ceremony honoring Sylvia Weprin took place this past Sunday, July 30, at the northeast corner of 192nd Street and 67th Avenue in Fresh Meadows. Hosted by Assemblyman David Weprin and sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee, the event drew a large crowd who enjoyed the gorgeous weather as they celebrated Sylvia Weprin’s legacy. Family members present included Barry Weprin and his wife Pat, Assemblyman David Weprin and his wife Ronni, Mark Weprin, and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who unveiled the new “Sylvia Weprin Way” street sign.
Also in attendance and speaking were US Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Congressmembers Grace Meng and Gregory Meeks, NYS Attorney General Letitia James, NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Queens DA Melinda Katz, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, State Senators John Liu and Toby Ann Stavisky, NYS Assembly Members Edward Braunstein and Alicia Hyndman, and Community Board 8 Chair Martha Taylor. The event was emceed by Anthony Lemma, President of the Saul Weprin Democratic Club.
Assemblyman Weprin remarked, “It is particularly appropriate that Sylvia Weprin Way is right around the corner from Saul Weprin Street. Our father Saul would not have wanted a street named after him, but my mother certainly would have. As I stated at the funeral, my mother enjoyed the limelight and being the center of attention, and I’m sure she’s looking down now and waving to everyone on Sylvia Weprin Way.”
“I am honored to co-name the intersection of 67th Avenue and 192nd Street in honor of Sylvia Weprin, a pillar of our Eastern Queens community,” said Council Member Linda Lee. “Sylvia’s counsel and mentorship shaped the neighborhoods around us and cultivated generations to serve and lead in our City’s cultural, civic, and political life. I hope this co-naming serves as a monument to her legacy and helps inspire generations to come.”
Sylvia Weprin passed away October 26, 2022, at the age of 92. She emigrated from Cuba when she was eight years old in 1938. After graduating from Brooklyn College, she became a teacher and taught biology, chemistry, Spanish, and Hebrew at Jamaica, Long Island City, and Hillcrest high schools. She became Saul’s political partner and supported him throughout his political career of more than 30 years, serving as a Democratic district leader and a member of the New York State Assembly. She retired from teaching in 1991 so she could join her husband in Albany when he became the Speaker of the Assembly.
Following Saul’s death, Sylvia became more active in civic life. She served on the boards of the Queens Botanical Garden and the Queens Symphony Orchestra, Community Board 8, the Saul Weprin Democratic Club, and the Bridge to Medicine Program with CUNY Medical School.
As the bedrock of the Weprin family, Sylvia was highly engaged in the community and served as a role model for her family. We are thankful for all she and her family have given to the residents of Queens and the people of New York State.
