By Nathan Duke
Community leaders joined longtime Douglaston civic leader Ann Jawin last weekend for the planting of a tree across from her 233rd Street home in memory of her late husband, Edward Jawin, who founded the Doug-Bay Manor Civic Association.
Edward Jawin, a World War II vet who fought at Normandy, established the civic organization in 1966 in an effort to upgrade the community, especially its sewers and roads. He died Jan. 14, 2008, at age 85.
Ann Jawin, his wife and founder of the Queens-based Center for the Women of New York, honored her husband’s memory during a ceremony Saturday morning by planting an oak tree near Douglaston Bay. She said she chose the spot because her husband would often look out the second-floor window of their home to view the bay.
“He worked very hard for better sewers and roads,” she said. “When the septic tanks backed up, it was not very pleasant. He was not the type of guy who would usually take credit.”
The tree will soon be accompanied by a bronze plaque that will honor Jawin’s “outstanding dedication and achievements in creating a beautiful and healthy environment for our residents and community.”
“He was a very witty guy,” said Tom Pinto, current president of Jawin’s civic. “I miss his advice, which was priceless. He was a stalwart of the community.”
Edward Jawin earned two Bronze Stars for valor in battle during the Normandy invasion. Born in New Britain, Conn., he graduated from Trinity College in Hartford and received his master’s in business from New York University.
In his professional life, he worked for Western Union, Ford, Food Fair Industries and the state Labor Department.
“There is nothing more fitting than a tree,” Community Board 11 Chairman Jerry Iannece said of the oak. “It’s vibrant and as it grows older it gets more beautiful. He was a great man and a giant in the community.”
State Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza (D-Bayside) said Edward Jawin fought hard for his community, but that she remembered him more as a friend.
“He was very kind and you felt better after leaving his presence,” she said. “He was a shot in the arm, a boost. I miss him very much.”
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at nduke@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
