Kenneth Giordano Way: Soundview intersection renamed in honor of longtime neighborhood steakhouse owner
The intersection of Westchester and Thieriot avenues was officially co-named Kenneth Giordano Way on Saturday, after the longtime owner of Willie’s Steakhouse.
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An intersection in Soundview now bears a new name in honor a man who spent decades serving food and giving back to the neighborhood.
The intersection of Westchester and Thieriot avenues was officially co-named Kenneth Giordano Way on Saturday, after the longtime owner of Willie’s Steakhouse. It's been a community staple on Westchester Avenue since 1990.
Giordano's wife and four daughters, friends and loyal customers gathered for the co-naming ceremony.
"It’s been 10-plus years since his passing, but it makes me very happy that he left his mark on the neighborhood,” said Gabriella Giordano, Kenneth Giordano’s daughter.
Giordano died at the age of 70. His daughter says he was a Bronx native through and through, always finding ways to support the community that embraced him.
"He did music festivals. He had a scholarship fund for underprivileged kids. He organized toy drives, food drives. He was a donor to the Castle Hill Little League,” she said.
News 12 spoke with Andre Willbright, a longtime customer who’s been coming to Willie’s since the 1990s. He says the Giordano always welcomed him like family and the experience was never short of unforgettable.
"Willie’s Steakhouse always had the most famous Latin musicians, either performing or just hanging out and jumping on stage. You never knew who you’d meet,” Willbright said.
From Celia Cruz to Marc Anthony, the stars came out to Willie’s to pay Kenny Giordano a visit.
With the street co-naming, his name and his legacy will live on in the Soundview community he loved so dearly.
