Jimmy Zappalorti lived his life unapologetically. He loved his community on the South Shore of Staten Island and was well known for planting trees in his neighborhood.
He also loved his country; he served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Everyone he knew admired him. But on January 22, 1990, at the age of 45, he was murdered for being gay.
Jimmy’s murder would be designated the first hate crime of someone in the LGBTQ community on Staten Island.
In 2014, a memorial tree was planted in front of his family's stained glass studio. A year later, the street where Jimmy grew up and died, Androvette Street, was co-named Jimmy Zappalorti Lane. While the studio has since closed, the Lane remains an important reminder for New Yorkers.
In an interview with 1010 WINS, Jimmy’s brother, Robert spoke about what the honor meant to him: "It makes me feel that Jimmy didn't die in vain, and I'm sure he's up there feeling satisfied that people have recognized the pain that he went through."
Jimmy’s legacy
Jimmy’s murder sent shockwaves through the city. Through persistent activism from the Zappalorti family and other advocates, the Hate Crimes Act passed in New York State in 2000. This bill is designed to protect marginalized groups, including those in the LGBTQ community. Jimmy’s case played a huge part in the passing of this law. Zappalorti told 1010 WINS: "It did take 10 years, but I'm glad it finally happened."
In the nearly 30 years since his brother’s murder, Robert is relieved that progress has been made in the fight for LGBTQ equality, especially in hearts and minds: "It's come a long way. Attitudes have changed. People have just become more educated, more accepting of the fact that it's become mainstream. There are still people that have a problem with it, but they're in the minority now."
As long as his name stands along Androvette Street, Jimmy Zappalorti will never be forgotten.