Lily Gavin at the Luke Adams Street Renaming
July 6, 2016 By Christian Murray
Lily Gavin, owner of the popular Sunnyside restaurant Dazies, passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 85.
Gavin, who had been ill for some, was a major advocate for Sunnyside for nearly 50 years. She became immersed in the neighborhood after opening her Italian restaurant at 39-41 Queens Blvd in the early 1970s.
“For decades, the name Lily Gavin has been synonymous with Sunnyside,” said Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer in a statement. “Lily didn’t just own Dazies fine Italian restaurant on Queens Boulevard – she presided over it with love and care for all who dined there.”
Details of her passing are not yet known nor are the funeral arrangements.
She was a big force behind the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce where she was at one time the president. In that role, she helped revamp the Sunnyside Arch when it fell into disrepair more than a decade ago. She and the late Luke Adams worked with elected officials to raise $450,000 for its facelift.
Lily Gavin with Councilman Van Bramer and Gary O’Neill of Aubergine Cafe
She was an active supporter of the YMCA, the Sunnyside Senior Center, the Sunnyside Drum Corporation, the Boys & Girls Club and the Queens Council of Tourism. Gavin was typically a central figure in the Kiwanis Flag Day Parade in Sunnyside.
She sponsored many events, either financially or by providing her traditional Italian food.
Gavin, who resided in Forest Hills, was an active member of the wider Queens community.
She was an honorary director of the LaGuardia Community College Foundation and played a leadership role in its growth and development. She also fundraised for it.
“Lily was a force in just about every commercial, civic and political event in Sunnyside for so long, that few can remember a time before Lily and Dazies,” Van Bramer said.
Lily Gavin with Congressman Crowley (Photo: Luke Adams)
Funeral Arrangements
Wake
Lynch’s Funeral Home
43-07 Queens Blvd
Sunnyside, NY 11104
Friday, July 8th, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, July 9th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday, July 10th 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Funeral Mass
Queen of Martyrs
110-6 Queens Blvd
Forest Hills, NY.
Monday, July 11th at 10:30 AM
