Canarsie park renamed in honor of Vietnam War vet

November 23, 2015 Anna Spivak

Photo courtesy of Councilmember Alan Maisel's Office

Share this:

To commemorate the life and community contributions of Vietnam War veteran and well-known Canarsie resident John Salogub, who died in 2011, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, in conjunction with Councilmember Alan Maisel, has renamed a portion of a neighborhood park after him.

The oasis chosen is located at the corner of Paerdegat Avenue North and East 77th Street and is now called “John P. Salogub Triangle.”

“It is wonderful to be able to honor such a distinguished man by renaming this Greenstreet in his honor,” said Parks Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey. “This place will go on to serve as a testament to all he has done both for his country and for the borough of Brooklyn. John Salogub was a dedicated community leader and advocate, and he will be remembered forever.”

The Greenstreets program, aimed at converting paved, vacant traffic spaces into green recreation areas filled with trees, flowers and shrubs, compliments Salogub’s vision of community—a vision he worked hard to preserve with his participation in youth sports and involvement in the 69th Precinct Community Council for a number of years.

Photo courtesy of Councilmember Alan Maisel's Office — Photo courtesy of Councilmember Alan Maisel’s Office

“John Salogub was a great community leader who really cared about the people of Canarsie,” said Maisel, who helped secure the two-phase funding of the Greenstreet extension with one allocation of $100,000 and another $86,000 allocation. “Such great service should be remembered and honored.”

“John was my first born and I adored him,” said Salogub’s mother, Mary Salogub. “I am so proud of who he was and all that he accomplished. I love him so, and miss him each and every day.”

The lifelong Canarsie resident and local activist devoted his time to family and the surrounding community, according to NYC Parks. His involvement in youth sports and the organization of summer baseball programs for both boys and girls really helped enrich his neighborhood. Salogub was also a member of the Canarsie Lions Club and received a Community Advocate Award for his dedication.

In addition, Salogub was awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart for his service during the Vietnam War. He later served as post commander with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 59, and was an active member with American Legion Post 573 after the war.

Each year, Salogub also helped organize the local Memorial Day parade, in which he would march alongside fellow veterans. Later in life, Salogub became a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.