The proclamation of Bleeker St. and 60th Pl. in Ridgewood as Deacon Fabio Flaim Way is the latest way of reminding the community of his contributions.
On April 29, the Italian Community and Societies in Ridgewood and Glendale celebrated the life of Deacon Flaim, who died May 2, 2017 at the age of 87.
An 11:45 a.m. Mass was concelebrated at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church by Father Johny Chengalan Thomas, C.M.I., and Msgr. James Kelly, who were assisted by Deacon Ronald Ronacher, a classmate and close friend.
A faithful deacon for 33 years serving the parishes of St. Aloysius and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, he was survived by his wife of 58 years, Deolinda; six children, John, Maria, Mario, Rosa, Lucy and Giulio, and 11 grandchildren.
Deacon Flaim worked with the Italian Catholic Community and Societies in Ridgewood and Glendale including La Madonna Del Balzo, Radio Maria, Santo Crocifisso, Maria Delle Grazie, San Antonio, San Giuseppe, San Francisco De Padua, San Gandulfo, Alcamo Castellamare and Padre Pio. He was also a member of the Club Trentino for over 40 years.
Tony Di Piazza, of the Italian Cultural Association wrote, “He has been a pillar of our religious and social life of our community in Ridgewood. His untiring efforts on behalf of the Italian community has made it possible to keep our religious traditions alive and prospering.”
Father Anthony J. Sansone, pastor, opened the ceremony with a blessing. He had petitioned the City Council by writing, “Deacon Fabio, in the course of his service to the outreaches of Ridgewood, Maspeth, Glendale and the surrounding neighborhood, proved that his spirituality in union with a humanistic approach won for him great respect, love and admiration from many.”
Father George Poltorak, pastor of St. Aloysius, also spoke at the ceremony.
“Deacon Fabio will be remembered again soon at St. Aloysius when we will have the dedication of the bells,” he said. “We will also install a plaque in Fabio’s memory that will remind people how we are supposed to be witnesses to God, His love and the Gospel.”
Maria Flaim, the deacon’s daughter, added, “What is so extraordinary in my father’s devotion was giving us all a simple and straightforward message of love and forgiveness, because it is a message that this world, this city, this neighborhood, needs.”
After the ceremony, a fundraiser luncheon was held at Villa Erasmos, Middle Village. Over 125 people attended. Proceeds will go to the St. Aloysius Bell Tower Renovation Project.