“Sandra Pabon was a dear friend of mine, and a friend to everyone who knew her,” said Dinowitz, who represents much of the northwest Bronx. “The work that she accomplished and the way she touched our hearts will remain forever. And so, it is only fitting that we honor her memory in a way that will last forever. ‘Sandra Pabon Way’ will always stand as the hallmark of the influence she left behind and forever remind us of her unfaltering empathy, passion, and determination. This street co-naming is a small reflection of what Sandra has given to the community and is our own way of giving back.”

 

Pabon was indeed an active member of the community and was frequently seen at various local meetings and community toy drives, as reported, often accompanied by former assemblywoman for District 80, now State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez (S.D. 34). The 80th assembly district broadly covers some or all of the neighborhoods of Norwood, Bedford Park, Olinville, Allerton, Pelham Gardens, Pelham Parkway, Little Yemen, Morris Park and Van Nest.

 

Dinowitz, who is chair of the higher education committee, chair of the Jewish caucus, co-chair of the Bronx Delegation, and a member of the committees on aging, civil service and labor, cultural affairs, libraries, and international intergroup relations, education, housing and buildings, parks and recreation, standards and ethics, added that the co-naming proposal, part of a broader legislative package that co-named over 100 intersections in New York City, passed unanimously.

 

Arriaga continued, “Her legacy of faith and love lives on through me, her grandchildren Michael Jr., Amelia, and Sophia, and all those who called Sandra Pabon a way maker. My mother’s impact on the Bronx will last a lifetime. This street will always be a reminder that the Bronx, and Hull Ave. is where she raised me and helped raise her grandchildren. It’s our home forever and always.”

Pabon’s sister, Sonia Pabon, added, “My loving sister Sandra defined the true essence of service!” Quoting American novelist Elizabeth Berg, she added, “There is incredible value in being of service to others.”

 

Pabon’s legacy was also met with positive acclaim by other elected officials in the northwest Bronx community, with whom she had worked closely throughout the years. Fernandez eulogized Pabon’s passing, saying, “The passing of Sandra Pabon is a profound loss not only for me personally but for our entire community. Sandra was a vibrant and unwavering pillar of strength, faith, and compassion, whose dedication to our neighborhoods was truly unparalleled. Her presence at local meetings, community events, and especially during the annual toy and food drives, brought a unique energy and warmth that touched countless lives.”

 

She added, “As my dear friend, beloved district leader of the 80th Assembly District, and as the ‘Mayor of Hull Avenue & 204th Street’, Sandra embodied the spirit of service and love. Her commitment to her faith, her family, and her community was inspiring. I will forever cherish the work we did together and the deep friendship we shared. In recognition of her immense contributions, I fully support the renaming of Hull Avenue—an honor so richly deserved. Sandra’s legacy will live on in the many lives she impacted, and she will be deeply missed. Rest in eternal peace, my dear friend.”

 

State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey (A.D. 36) and chair of the Bronx Democratic Party, also commemorated Pabon, saying, “Today, we remember and honor the remarkable life and legacy of Sandra Pabon, whose contributions to our community are immortalized with ‘Sandra Pabon Way’ at the intersection of E. 204th Street & Bainbridge Avenue. Sandra Pabon (July 19, 1961 – June 2, 2023) was an unwavering pillar of our community. As chaplain of the 49th Precinct Clergy Council, a district leader, and a Democratic State Committee woman, she dedicated herself to serving others.”

 

The senator, who represents the Bronx neighborhoods of Wakefield, Woodlawn Heights, Williamsbridge, Eastchester, Gun Hill Houses, Parkside Housing Project, Olinville, Laconia, Baychester, The Valley, Pelham Gardens. Co-Op City, as well as parts of Westchester County, added, “Sandra was omnipresent in our community, or frankly any community that needed help. She was quick to lend a sympathetic ear, a prayer, a helping hand, and money from her own pocket to make sure that her community was thriving.

 

He continued, “On a personal note, Sandra was one of my earliest and most fervent supporters, always watching out for me and my family. I miss her and her unmistakable voice each and every day. Rest in power, Sandra Pabon. Your spirit lives on in the community you served so devotedly and your legacy of service, compassion, and dedication continues to inspire us all. I’m grateful to Councilman Dinowitz for his leadership in ensuring that Sandra Pabon’s name will be known for future generations to come.”

Norwood News has asked the councilman’s office when the street co-naming will take place. We’ve been advised that his office will be coordinating with the involved parties to agree on the best day and time to hold the ceremony and once they know the exact date, they will let us know and we will keep readers informed accordingly.