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FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2016 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 1

VOL. 83, NO. 28 WOODSIDE, L.I.C., N.Y. FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2016 FREE

SERVING SUNNYSIDE-WOODSIDE AND LONG ISLAND CITY

by Patricia Dorfman

Something one hears oftenabout Lily Gavin about her leg-endary public service and generos-ity to every charitable organiza-tion in town, her courting by thoseseeking and in office here as thego-to power broker, her creation ofDazies as an awarding-winningrestaurant with the best waitstaffand wine list in town, the place tomake deals and be seen, and herleadership, local knowledge andintelligence which led others toseek her counsel no matter whatsort of enterprise they were under-taking. As a “small town in the bigcity,” Sunnyside had its royalty,with Lily at the top, and she joinsthe other local giants who havepassed, which include Lou Lodati,Joe Sabba, Buster Sabba, HenriBillharz, Luke Adams. It was Lilywho brought Luke Adams into theChamber as a promoter. The formerprimarily male Chamber boardpassed Sunnyside Chamber to her,and she ran it for decades, and shewas a founding member ofSunnyside Shines, and she servedon the LaGuardia Community Col-lege Foundation. Often local lead-

ers would ask, before a crucialdecision, “What does Lily think?”She would often tell a strugglingperson with an idea, “Use myname,” and it would open doorsand give credibility. Becky Barker,past Chamber President, as Lilywas also, suggested an event tohonor Lily by the Chamber, inwhich people would get their pic-ture taken with Lily would bring intheir own photograph of them-selves with Lily from the past, tocreate a giant mural. Few did nothave a prized photograph of them-selves with her. But Lily refusedthe honor as she did any discussionof what sort of local commemora-tion she would like after her pass-ing. Two little-mentioned attributesLily brought to everything she didone, her shrewd business sense –she did not inherit her fortune orsuccess – she created it, goingwaitress to business leader, com-mercial property owner, philan-thropist and recognized Sunnyside“boss.” As her son Raymond said,“She was able to take care of usalone and build up her businesswhen it was hard for women to dothat.” She always helped other

restaurants, saying, it helped all ofthe, because “no one wants to eat atthe same restaurant every night.”Apower that she Lily used for goodwas her timeless beauty, still a“babe” in her 80’s, indefatigablecharm, love of fun, and a naturallyseductive and affectionate nature –no one could step into Dazies with-out feeling as though she werewaiting only to see and greet youpersonally, give you a hug and kissupon coming and going, and pro-vide the feeling that all would bewell. It was common to go intoDazies, sit with her while she pliedyou with Cosmos, matching youcocktail for cocktail, and you wouldnot realize until you left, filledwith bonhomie and hope for thefuture that what you thought was20 minutes was three hours andyou missed three appointments.

Last year, Lily hurt her foot atthe Bronx Botanical Garden whilebeing honored by CongressmanCrowley Lily’s list of honors,plaques, and photographs with no-tables would fill a trailer, frompresidents, governors and mayors,and she was their genuine friendand confidant) and was out of com-

mission for months, but all breatheda sigh of relief when she was backat her post at Dazies. She lookedbetter than ever and was again alocal anchor of stability alternat-ing Dazies with with babysittingfor her beloved grandchildren. Soafter her recent brain aneurism afew months ago, everyone hopedshe would again rally, and sheseemed to do better. But pneumo-nia last week was more than shecould overcome, and she passedaway July 6. Her grief-strickenfriend, Rigoberto Cardoso, formerpresident and now treasurer of theChamber, said, “I have lost a partof my life.”Lilian Lyri Veisel wasthe daughter to the Albanian bornfather and mother, Kemal Veiseland Keriba Shena, and her fatherwas well educated. He had a NewJersey diner and then went into thecatering business. After her motherdied when Lily was four, andKemal moved them to Brooklyn,Lily remembered her father buy-ing them, siblings Irene, Manuske(first woman to work at the UnitedNations), Tefta, and Sam, a bighouse in New Jersey with “pillars”and a car with a rumble seat. Lily

was married twice, first to HenryKerim, and then to the Irish Harry“Sonny” Gavin, a union memberand in the electrical business. Shehad five children, Raymond, Ken-neth Douglas, fraternal twinsKeriba (the “Keri” we know)named after Lily’s mother and Tele,and Julie Grace.Lily worked allover Sunnyside, including atReddington Steak House (whereDollar Tree is now), and at Maisie’swhere she waited tables and savedmoney. She eventually boughtMaisie’s and changed the name toDaisie’s, “to use the exiting sign,”she laughed, which eventually be-came Dazies, a Queens institution.“I used to wait on the Chamber ofCommerce when it was all men,and I learned a lot from them. Thenthey asked me to stay around formeetings, and eventually I becamepart of it.” Lily was a powerfulforce in Queens, a local patriot, abeauty, a doer, a business, politicaland social leader, a mother andgrandmother, and her generosityand humor will be emerging in sto-ries for years, and those in the past.

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FRIDAY, JULY 08, 2016THE WOODSIDE HERALDPAGE 2

43-11 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside, NY 11104Telephone (718) 729-3772

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSPatricia Dorfman, Rob MacKay, David Rosasco, Peter Ross

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERSJoe Gurrado, Robert Flanagan

Marlene Sabba ............................................................... Publisher

Sherilyn Jo Sabba ................................................................. Editor

The loss of the great, irreplace-able Lily Gavin will be felt in ourhearts forever. Together with myhusband Gerard Marsicano and myson, Nicholas, I want to extend ourdeepest condolences to the Gavinand Kerim families on the passingof their wonderful, kind, understand-ing and loving mother and grand-mother. She was respected by all inour Sunnyside community.

Lily was a trailblazing pioneer,opening, working and owning a res-taurant before many other womencould only dream of owning theirown business. Dazies Restaurantunder Lily Gavin’s leadership set astandard of welcome, warmth andcompetent professionalism that willnever be equaled and was an ex-ample to all in the hospitality indus-try. The dedication of her staff,

REST IN PEACE,DEAREST FRIEND

family and her own incredible workethic were an inspiration to all smallbusinesses in New York City.

As a civic leader, Lily Gavinnever said no to a needy cause. Shegave generously of her time, hertalents and her resources to all whoasked and volunteered to helpcountless others. Her work withthe Sunnyside Chamber of Com-merce, LaGuardia CommunityCollege, the union movement andso many others too numerous tomention were an example to allthat the busiest people are often theones best able to make the time tohelp others. Lily Gavin was aperson who brought style, grace,honor and distinction to all she did.

Lily always had a smile forthose in trouble and an ear to allwho needed someone to under-

stand their problems. Together withher great friends Joe Sabba andLuke Adams, Lily had a great senseof humor and a great sense of fun.She had a perfect pitch for commu-nity issues and how to handlepeople. She was recognized andhonored by all in Sunnyside.

I personally benefited fromLily’s wisdom many times over.Her advice, her inspiration, herbrilliance, her beauty, her drive,her incredible personality werealways phenomenal. I will missher more than I can say. I knowmy family and staff were lucky tohave known her. Her memorywill be eternal, her love and car-ing always in our hearts.

Rest in peace, dearest friend.AssemblywomanCatherine Nolan



For decades, the name Lily Gavin hasbeen synonymous with Sunnyside. Lilydidn’t just own Dazie’s fine Italian res-taurant on Queens Boulevard - she pre-sided over it with love and care for allwho dined there.

And if her interest in the neighborhoodended at the entrance to Dazie’s, she’d stillbe a legend. But it didn’t end there of course.Lily was a force in just about every commer-cial, civic and political event in Sunnysidefor so long, that few can remember a timebefore Lily and Dazie’s.

Dan and I will always fondly rememberso many great dinners at Dazie’s where

Lilly, Kerry, and the entire Dazie’s familymade us feel right at home. But I’m just asgrateful for Lilly’s role at the SunnysideChamber of Commerce, the SunnysideShines BID, the annual Kiwanis Flag Dayparade and so many other organizations shesupported and sustained.

She was a strong woman, an entrepre-neur, a bridge builder and at times a peace-maker. But above all she was a loving motherand grandmother to her family and a dearfriend to so many. May her memory beimmortal.

Council MemberVan Bramer

Spraying graffiti on Queens Blvd in the 1980’s



Today we mourn the passingof Lily Gavin, a businesses womanand community leader that workedtirelessly to improve the quality oflife in our community and the citythat she loved so much. Lily’s doorwas always open and with her warmwelcoming smile Lily made sureeveryone had a seat at the table andmore importantly a voice.

Lily’s legacy in Sunnyside goesfar beyond her driving force as along standing board member of theSunnyside Chamber of Commerceand one of the founding membersof the Sunnyside Shines BusinessImprovement District, Lilly wasinstrumental in the YMCA’s ex-pansion and relocation to QueensBlvd. and when the Sunnyside Archwas schedule to be torn down, Lilyled the fight to keep and restore theSunnyside Arch.

Always giving of her time, Lilywas a mentor and friend to all. Herreach to friends, politicians andbusiness leaders far beyond herbeloved Sunnyside was amazing,

and yet all the while she was everso humble. Never seeking the spot-light. Somehow she made it allwork as a mother, grandmother,business owner and even throughher toughest days made it all work.Never asking for herself but al-ways trying to help others in need.

Her smile, her laugh, her soft-spoken ways made you feel wel-comed, comfortable, at home.

People like Lily are rare. Weneed more like Lily. When youfind someone like Lily hold on tothem because when a day like thiscomes it is really hard to imagineour community without Lily. Shewill be sorely missed.

Sunnyside, Queens, and NewYork City are better places be-cause of Lily Gavin.

I am a better person becauseof Lily Gavin. Thank you myfriend and mentor for all thatyou have done.

Rest easy. Your legacy lives on.God Bless.Joe Conley

I think you’ll understand whenI say...the good guys/theheroes...they’ve all left us... It’s upto us now to make them proud.

Kris Czerniachowicz

I am loss for words… l trulyloved her so much. Lily was amom to so many. Always a kindword about everyone.

Diane Ballak

We are extremely saddened to hear of Lily Gavin’s passing. Lily wasthe heart of Sunnyside and dedicated herself to improving the commu-nity. She was a true champion of the neighborhood’s revitalization – afounding board member of Sunnyside Shines and active with a varietyof other local organizations. We’ll remember Lily as someone whobrought the community together with grace, generosity and a positivevision for the neighborhood. She will be dearly missed.

Sunnyside BID

I’m truly saddened to hear of the passing of Lily Gavin and I want toextend my heartfelt condolences to her family during this very difficulttime,” said Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx). “For decades,Lily’s incredible presence was deeply appreciated throughout theSunnyside community. She was more than just the owner of belovedlocal restaurant. Lily believed in giving back to the neighborhood andworking to make Queens an even better place to live. She was a dearfriend, a confidant, a mentor and a conciliator. Her impact will continueto be felt and she will be sorely missed.

Congressman Joseph Crowley

Lily Gavin was a light to us all.She was the epitome of a warm-hearted person who always helpedthose when they were in need andalways made you smile. She madeour lives and community betterand she will be sorely missed. Wewere blessed to have known her.Rest in peace.

Brent O’Leary



A respected businesswoman, an exemplary neighbor in Forest Hills and proud owner ofthe Dazie’s Restaurant in Sunnyside, Lily served up delicious Italian cuisine while also givingback as an active member of the local business community and civic organizations. LilyGavin was a beloved figure and will be sorely missed throughout the Borough of Queens.

Borough President Katz

Lily has touched our lives in a most warm and charming way. Such a special lady! Shewill be missed by so many who love her. She lives on in our hearts. Here she is at aRidgewood Democratic Club dinner.

PRIDE OF SUNNYSIDE PASSES 1931-2016

Lily Gavin was more than just the owner of Dazie’s. She was an influential figure whocontributed to the character of Sunnyside and will be deeply missed. Lily was greatlyadmired by our Sunnyside community and her memory will always remain with us.

Senator Michael Gianaris



CITATIONFile No: 2014-579 / ASURROGATE’S COURT –QUEENS COUNTYCITATIONTHE PEOPLE OF THE STATEOF NEW YORKBy the Grace of God Free andIndependentTO: EDWARD BORG, if livingand if dead, to his heirs at law,next of kin and distributees whosenames and places of residence areunknown, and if he diedsubsequent to the decedent herein,to his executors, administrators,legatees, devisees, assignees, andsuccessors in interest whose namesand places of residence areunknown and cannot beascertained after due diligence.A Petition having been duly filedby Spencer H. Wilson, who isdomiciled at 796 Edward Street,Baldwin, New York 11510,YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TOSHOW CAUSE before the

• LEGAL NOTICE • LEGAL NOTICE • LEGAL NOTICESurrogate’s Court , QueensCounty, at 88-11 SutphinBoulevard, Jamaica, New York,on the 28th day of July,2016, at 9:30 A.M. of that day,why a decree should not be madein the estate of RUDOLF PIZL a/k/a RUDOLPH PIZL latelydomiciled at 195-07 42nd Avenue,Flushing, New York 11358,declaring that the Wells FargoAdvantage Fund, AccountNumbers 4325-8070224201 and3018- 8070224201, comprisingthe assets of the “Declaration ofTrust dated June 27, 1960, whereinthe decedent, Rudolf Pizl, was thenamed Trustee under declarationof trust for Frances M. Pizl,deceased, and Edward Borg wasnamed successor trustee, are nowowned by the Estate of RudolfPizl; that the Trust be terminated,and the Petitioner, Spencer H.Wilson, be appointed SuccessorTrustee to administer theDeclaration of Trust dated June

27, 1960; and for such other andfurther relief as to this Court mayseem just and proper.HON. PETER J. KELLYSurrogateJune 16, 2016___SealMargaret M. Gribbon Chief ClerkCynthia M. Burke Attorney forPetitioner(516) 833-5135 TelephoneNumber591 Stewart Avenue, 4th Floor,Garden City, New York 11530Address of Attorney[Note: This citation is served uponyou as required by law. You arenot required to appear. If you failto appear it will be assumed youdo not object to the reliefrequested. You have a right tohave an attorney appear for you.]6/24/16, 7/1/16, 7/8/16, 7/15/16

Now deceased Councilman,Walter McCaffrey remem-bered, “she gave and gave,” thatonce he brought in 25 musi-

cians from Ireland but had noplace to put them. “Lily let themsleep on the floor of the restau-rant, gave them blankets, andwent into the kitchen and madethem a big dinner by herself asthough it was fun.”

(continued from front page)

A COMMUNITY’S

TRAGIC LOSS



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Sunnyside, NY 11104

FRIDAY - July 8th - Evening only -

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and 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

SUNDAY - July 10th 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

and 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Funeral Mass Monday - July 11th at 10:30 AM

Queen of Martyrs

110-6 Queens Blvd - Off Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills

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