Obituaries

Neighbors Lost to COVID Remembered at Annual Ceremony

By SÍLE MOLONEY & MIRIAM QUIÑONES
A now annual COVID memorial ceremony was once again held by local northwest Bronx residents, including Friends of Jerome Park, at Fort Washington Walk at the corner of Reservoir Avenue and University Avenue in Jerome Park on Saturday, May 13, to commemorate those lost to COVID-19 over the course of the recent pandemic.   On Oct. 23, 2021, a tree-planting ceremony took place at the same location to memorialize all victims of the pandemic. Three of the trees were seen this year growing very well.   Marianne Kraft, one of organizers of the event, previously told Norwood News that trees were the perfect symbol


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UPDATE Mt. Hope: Child Dies of Cardiac Arrest After Apparent Fall from Multistory Building

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  Police said that a 9-year-old boy died on Sunday in the Mt. Hope section of the Bronx. They said he appears to have fallen out of a window, though the investigation is ongoing. The FDNY said the child died from a cardiac arrest.   A police spokesperson said the incident occurred at around 4.11 p.m. on Sunday, May 21. “Police responded to a 911 call of an aided child outside 240 Mt. Hope Place in the confines of the 46 [precinct]. Upon arrival, they observed an unconscious and unresponsive 9-year-old male with injuries indicative of falling from an elevated


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Jerome Park Memorial Event Planned for Saturday, May 13, for those Lost to COVID-19

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Once again, a coalition of community groups and residents, including Friends of Jerome Park, will hold a memorial event to honor all those lost to COVID-19, for another year. The event takes place at University Avenue and Reservoir Avenue (at Fort Washington Walk) in Jerome Park, on Saturday, May 13, at 1 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.   On Oct. 23, 2021, a tree-planting ceremony took place at the same location to memorialize all victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. Marianne Kraft, one of organizers of Saturday’s event, said trees were the perfect symbol to honor those lost, since


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Kingsbridge Heights Intersection Co-named in Honor of Angellyh Yambo

By ARIEL PACHECO
The intersection of Bailey Place and Bailey Avenue in Kingsbridge Heights was officially co-named Angellyh Marieh Yambo Way on April 8, in honor of Angellyh Yambo, the 16-year-old teen who was born and grew up in the area, and who was tragically killed in broad daylight last year when she was hit by a stray bullet, shot by a 17-year-old male youth as she was walking home from school with friends in the Mott Haven section of the borough.   The unveiling ceremony was held on April 8, exactly one year after the tragedy, and was attended by dozens of


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Open Letter from Dexia Billingslea to Her Late Son, Prince Shabazz, 14

By DEXIA BILLINGSLEA
Dear Prince, When a child is born, it is the mother’s instinct to protect her baby; a mother is not supposed to bury her children.   My baby, it’s been one month since you transitioned. I sit on your bed often. I smell your pillows and look at notebooks in your bookbag just to see your handwriting. I look at your texts, I look at your pictures every day. I can’t believe you’re gone; my heart is bleeding for you every day.   Wednesday, Nov. 30, I woke up. It was a normal day. We sat in the kitchen together


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A Loving Tribute to the Memory of Kevin Maurice Cruz 

By ANGIE ALEXIS
The announcement of the loss of Kevin Maurice Cruz, a longtime dedicated employee of North Central Bronx hospital [NCB) has had a serious impact on his family, friends and fellow employees. He valiantly fought a battle with cancer to be there for his family. He still managed to show up for his shifts at the hospital while undergoing treatment. Kevin leaves behind his son, Joseph, and his daughter-in-law, Rose, his wife of more than 20 years, Ivette, and his stepchildren, Nicole Montalvo and Hiram Montalvo, as well as several grandsons.   Cruz was a dedicated employee of NCB for more


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After Bronx Medical History is Made, HIV-Positive Heart Transplant Recipient Meets Donor Family

By RACHAEL MCCALLEN & SÍLE MOLONEY
It was an extra special Thanksgiving this year for one mother and her family. Seven months after history was made in The Bronx, an emotional meeting took place on Tuesday, Nov. 22, between the world’s first HIV-positive to HIV-positive heart transplant recipient and her donor’s family. Westchester mom, Miriam Nieves, 62, who is HIV-positive, met the mom and sisters of deceased donor, 30-year-old certified nursing assistant, Brittany Newton, who was also HIV-positive.   Newton’s family had flown in from Louisiana for the special occasion. Seven months after her surgery at Montefiore Health System, Nieves shared her gratitude for her medical


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Bronx Chamber of Commerce Mourns Chairman Joseph P. Kelleher & Share Funeral Details

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The New Bronx Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are mourning the death of longtime chairman, Joseph P. Kelleher, and have shared details of his funeral arrangements, which are attached further below. The Board of Directors announced Kelleher’s passing on Friday, Nov. 25, writing in part, “It is with profound sadness that the Board of Directors and leadership team of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce announce the death of our Chairman, Joseph Kelleher.”   They said, “Chairman Kelleher was a loving husband and father, friend and mentor to many, businessman and fierce advocate for The Bronx and New York State.


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UPDATE Community Mourns Passing of Mrs Grace Seimer, Beloved Resident & 52nd Pct Community Council Member

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Norwood News has been made aware of the sad death of Mrs. Grace Siemer, a longtime Bronx resident, treasurer of the 52nd Precinct Community Council, and active member of Bedford Mosholu Community Association.   In a message posted to social media, president of the council, Brenda Caldwell-Paris, said in part, “It has taken me a while to get myself together to place this post. I know and realize that God knows, sees all, and in the end, he does what’s best. With my deepest, sincere sorrow, I must share with you the passing of an amazing woman, a loyal community


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