Six new history-makers are joining the Canarsie Hall of Fame for their legendary efforts in building and caring for the neighborhood.
The history preservation group opens up submissions each year, allowing locals to recommend trailblazers they believe deserve recognition.
Ramon Martinez, founder of the Canarsie History Museum and Canarsie community historian, told Brooklyn Paper this labor of love focuses on honoring the everyday community members and their impact on the area.
“I made it about people who just genuinely cared and people who didn’t get paid to care about the community,” he said. “That’s what makes this hall of fame different.”
After much consideration, this year’s inductees are in.
Dr. Salvatore Scalise
Dr. Salvatore Scalise, a dedicated community leader and doctor, moved to Canarsie in 1921. He joined the Army in 1941 and served as an Army Medic during World War II, where he was wounded in action. After the war, he returned to Canarsie and continued his work in the area.
Scalise is defined as a dedicated doctor, conducting free glaucoma screening tests and providing eye examinations to the community. He was also an executive member of the Canarsie Community Council. In 1973, he sponsored and promoted Canarsie Annual Health Day, which provided over 1,600 free tests to over 700 residents.
Scalise was involved in numerous organizations and civic activities, including the Sons of Italy and the Disabled War Veterans organization. In 1987, he received an award for his many years of service as a fleet surgeon for the Midget Squadron Yacht Club. He died on Jan. 15th, 1993.
John W. Reed
John W. Reed is remembered as a Civil War veteran who later became a prominent figure in the Canarsie Fire Department as foreman for Flatlands Hook & Ladder and Chief of the Flatlands Volunteer Fire Department.
His community service extended to various Canarsie-based organizations including the Canarsie Board of Trade, which he founded in 1096. In this role, he oversaw the opening of East 94th Street and other roads in Canarsie.
Reed also advocated for the dredging of the Canarsie flats, which would allow for deeper vessels to bring building materials to Canarsie dock. His vision ultimately led to the construction of a federal pier in 1926.
In 1911, he was honored along with 90 other remaining veterans from the “fighting fourteenth” at the Armory in Manhattan, with 855 people in attendance. Reed died on Jan. 30th, 1922 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to the community of Canarsie.
James LaPolla
Robert J. LaPolla was born in 1927 in Canarsie and served in World War II. After returning home, he became heavily involved in helping those in need and was a member of the Canarsie Community Council. He was also an executive member of the Canarsie Lions organization and received numerous awards for his charitable work, including the “Man of Distinction” honor from UNICO and the “Community Salute” award from the Canarsie mental health clinic.
LaPolla is also remembered as being a devoted community leader, serving as President of the Holy Family Parent-Teacher Association and donating Thanksgiving food baskets to families in need. He is notably remembered for donating funeral home services to a woman who had been slain in Manhattan.
In addition to his community service, LaPolla was a talented vocalist and was known for his baritone voice. He entertained servicemen audiences during World War II and appeared on TV shows such as “The Merv Griffin Show” and “Play Your Hunch.”
He took over his family’s funeral business in 1955 and continued to run it until his retirement in 1990. LaPolla moved to Florida in 1990 and died in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to his community and his passion for music.
Dr. Charles Cappellino
Dr. Charles Cappellino specialized in Ophthalmology and operated an office at 8922 Avenue L in 1963. He became heavily involved in community affairs and made a significant impact on the community.
In 1975, he brought an electro-optical eye machine to P.S. 276, testing the eyes of over 300 students. This innovative approach earned him nationwide attention and he subsequently introduced it to the entire public school system.
He later participated in an international program where he visited 3rd world countries to restore health and stop blindness between 1977 and 1979. During these missions, he paid his own travel expenses to accept the assignments.
According to historians, Dr. Cappellino was a highly respected member of the community and served as president of the Canarsie Community Council in 1978 and treasurer of the 69th Precinct Community Council in 1980. He was named UNICO “Man of the Year” in 1981 and continued to serve the community through various organizations and fundraisers.
Regina Rugnetta
Regina Rugnetta was a lifelong Canarsien, born in 1934, and dedicated her life to serving the community.
People remember her as a trailblazer in the fight against drug addiction, serving as chairwoman of the Community Action Group Against Narcotics in 1971 and co-chairing the “Ladies Night Out” group in 1972. Rugnetta also worked with the Canarsie Mental Health Clinic to support at-risk youth.
Throughout her career, she demonstrated her commitment to community service through various initiatives. In 1974, she was part of the “Concerned Citizens of Canarsie” and met with the MTA to address violence on the Canarsie train line. She also led the cleanup effort on Rockaway Parkway in 1978 and won the Outstanding Citizen Award for her contributions. In 1980, she founded the “I Love a Clean Canarsie” group, and by 1982, she was the secretary for the 69th community council.
Her tireless efforts earned her recognition as a “driving force in a striving community” in 1986. She was married to Rocco Rugnetta and had a son named Frank. Her father, Vincent Paladino, was a famous Canarsie home builder. She lived at 9009 Bayview Place, across from P.S. 114, until her passing on April 24 of this year.
John Marshall Wilson
John Marshall Wilson was born on April 10th, 1847, and enlisted in the Civil War at the age of 16. He fought with the New York Company E, 17th Regiment in the Battle of Gettysburg and returned to his hometown, Canarsie, after the war. He dedicated himself to making a positive impact in the community and began his career in politics in 1886 when he won a limited term as Justice of the Peace.
Wilson was known for his ability to settle local disputes and find common ground among residents. In 1888, he was promoted to Associate Justice and played a key role in protecting the Kings County Prohibition Society officials as they attempted to impose drinking restrictions. He also became the Democratic party boss in late 1888 and used his position to advocate for the interests of Canarsie residents.
The politician lived his entire life on East 96th Street, where he died on Jan. 4, 1918. In recognition of his contributions to the community, Junior High School 211 was renamed in his honor in May of 1963.
