Richard L. Willis Way (Staten Island)
Present name:None
Location: Intersection of Fremont Avenue and Kruser Street
Honoree: Richard Willis (1935-1993) was a dedicated volunteer in the Grant City and Midland beach areas. He coached basketball and baseball, and started a soccer program at St. Christopher's Parish. He was President of the St. Christopher's Sports Program and Holy Name Society and also donated time to the religious education of the parish children. He was also one of the directors and coaches in the old Staten Island Babe Ruth league in the 1970s and '80s. He would keep the local gymnasium open for neighborhood teens on the weekends and late nights. After his death, the Richard Willis Memorial Fund was set up to raise money for scholarships and to support needy youth programs. It has expanded over the years from two scholarships in one school to 16 scholarships in eight schools. The Fund has also contributed some of its proceeds to the Children's 911 Fund, Make A Wish Foundation for Staten Island Children, St Jude's Children Fund, CYO, St Peter/Paul Soccer Club and the Staten Island Challengers. (Matteo)
LL:2017/237