By Bill Parry
The makeshift memorial on a light post at the northwest corner of Astoria Park honored the memory of Betty Jean DiBiasio for more than a year after she was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in June 2015. Now, that light post at Ditmars Avenue and 19th Street bears a sign reading “Betty Jean DiBiaso Way” after a street co-naming ceremony last week.
Her family and friends joined City Councilman Costa Constantindes (D-Astoria) and community leaders last Friday at the intersection to remember the lifelong Astorian whose life was “tragically taken” at the age of 21. DiBiaso’s death lead Constantinides to petition the city’s Department of Transportation to introduce traffic-calming measures to the street in and around the park she loved so much.
“She didn’t die in vain. Her tragic death ignited a conversation about making this park safer and what we can do better so no other family should have to lose a daughter or son,” Constantinides said. “The terrible nature of her death caused shock and grieving among her family. Through the power of perseverance, the DiBiasio family was able to move forward and give back to our community by shepherding traffic mitigation improvements on the streets surrounding the park where she was killed. Any time anyone walks by, they’ll see that sign and they’ll know her name, which is now synonymous with Astoria Park.”
Community Board 1 district manager Florence Koulouris called the occasion both somber and joyous.
“Astoria Park now has an angel and that angel will look over Astoria Park for a very long time,” Koulouris said.
Betty Jean’s friend Sara Rotger advocated for the street co-naming as a tribute as well as the traffic calming measures around the park. Shore Boulevard has since become a one-lane roadway with a two-way protected bike lane. Nearby Hoyt Avenue North and 20th Avenue received upgrades.
“Our jobs are not finished here, but the steps we have taken are worth celebrating, and she is worth celebrating,” Rotger said. “She loved Astoria probably more than anyone I know. We lost her right on this corner. We are here to support and celebrate the changes that have come from our tragedy.”
Astoria resident Nicholas Colleran pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and was sentenced in 2015 to up to four years in the fatal hit-and-run collision.
“We must remember: Decisions matter,” Rotger said. “Consequences come with every action and we have to be mindful of that.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
