North Woodmere resident Sylvia Kaminetsky is remembered with street dedication

The intersection of Cliffside Avenue and Nutley Place in North Woodmere was cordoned off to vehicular traffic for the street dedication for Sylvia Kaminetsky on Sept. 5, but the Sunday ceremony was open to everyone and many attended to remember the local civic servant who died on Nov. 12 of last year at 87.

Attendees sat in chairs arranged in split rows, stood by the chairs or on the sidewalk, as elected and community leaders spoke about Kaminetsky in those respectful tones reserved for people who are world renowned.

Her stamp was left on Hadassah, Franklin General Hospital in Valley Stream, now Long Island Jewish Valley Stream, the North Woodmere Republican Committee and Temple Hillel, along with numerous community projects.

Kaminetsky’s world was not global, however the impact she had on her family and the community continues to ripple. “My grandmother was a loving, caring grandmother,” grandson Aaron Samuels said. “She was so involved in the community, always going to some board meeting. She was so inclined to get involved. That is a big part of why this dedication is happening.”

Calling it a “beautiful street dedication,” Town of Hempstead Supervisor Donald Clavin noted the passion of Kaminetsky and her husband, Irv, to be involved in the community and said the duo “had a very special bond.” The couple was married for 67 years.

Councilman Bruce Blakeman recounted that the Kaminetskys were among the group that included his father, then State Assemblyman Robert Blakeman, former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato then a town official (who attended the ceremony), and others who joined forces to transform the Valley Stream landfill into what is now North Woodmere Park, a Nassau County facility.

“We are recognizing someone who did so much to help their community, who always had her hand out to help others,” Councilman Anthony D’Esposito said. “Someone, for years, who made Irv look good. We are preserving a legacy.”

There were words from Rabbis Steven Graber of Temple Hillel, Mordechai Kamenetzky (no relation) of Yeshiva of South Shore, Yehuda Septimus of Young Israel of North Woodmere, Nochem Tenenboim of the Chabad of Hewlett and Zalman Wolowik from the Chabad of the Five Towns. Tenenboim blew the shofar, the traditional ram’s horn sounded at Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, in honor of Kaminetsky.

Retired St. Joachim’s Church Monsignor Paul Rahilly blended the Catholic and Jewish religions, when he said that the light rain was Sylvia’s Catholic side coming out as the Holy Water Catholics use to bless themselves. That remark generated gentle laughter.

Just before the street sign, Sylvia Kaminetsky Way, was unveiled, Irv spoke. “Everything said about Sylvia is the truth,” he said as he thanked everyone and recalled how they met. Sylvia, then 17, coming from Cleveland, remaining in New York and having her and his sisters promoting the union.

“It was a great run,” Irv said referring to the marriage. “I want to thank all the people that made [the street dedication] happen,” he added, choking back tears.