Fallen Valley Stream police officer honored

New York City honored a police officer who was killed 30 years ago, renaming the street in front of the precinct where he was stationed.

Police Officer John Scarangella, of Valley Stream, was killed on May 1, 1981, after he was shot during a traffic stop. Three decades later the street in front of the 113th Precinct now bears his name.

Scarangella’s wife, Vivian, his children and grandchildren were on hand for the renaming. Vivian Scarangella said she appreciated the show of support from the Valley Stream community, as many friends and neighbors turned out, including Mary Ann Cahill and Mayor Ed Fare.

The street renaming was approved by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in December. It was supposed to happen 10 years ago, Vivian Scarangella said, but is glad justice has finally been done for her husband. “It’s nice to see that he’s remembered,” she said. “It’s nice to keep his memory going after 30 years.”

Vivian Scarangella thanked Detective Mark Lobel who kept fighting for the street renaming. She said she hopes that this will give her seven grandchildren an opportunity to learn more about who their grandfather was. He was 42 when he died.

His killers were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in 1986.