On June 21, 2025, New York City co-named Parsons Blvd at 25th Drive, Flushing Queens, in a tribute to Antonella Mattina.
Thanks to the support from Congress Woman Vickie Paladino, the area from where Antonella vanished on July 16, 1984, now carries her name.
Antonella was twelve years old when she went missing in 1984. Her remains were found in a shallow grave on Thanksgiving Day, in 1987. She had been stabbed multiple times in her chest. She was identified by dental records.
To read up about her case, please click here and here.
First times
On June 21, many things came together for the first time. My friend David said that for the first time since July 16, 1984, Antonella’s mother, now 82, returned to the Linden Vue Shopping Center. Antonella’s dad is now 85 years old. And for the first time, New York City actively made a gesture towards the family in recognition of their loss and enduring grief.
By co-naming and unveiling the sign on Parsons Blvd at 25th Drive, close from where Antonella vanished, the City signaled that Antonella is not forgotten. Despite the case being officially unsolved, the investigation will go on forever. There are many people who want to know the truth.
Attending
Not just Antonella’s parents and her brother Leo came to the unveiling. David was there of course but also there was retired Detective (then K-9 Officer) Patsy Perrotto, who along with partner Flory recovered Antonella’s remains. Upon finding Antonella’s remains on Thanksgiving morning in 1987, Officer Perrotto “put Flory into a heel position, took a knee, and said a prayer.”
David’s business partner, Carmine Famiglietti, is also one of Antonella’s schoolmates. Carmine was also the driving force behind Councilwoman Paladino taking on Antonella’s cause.
Antonella’s classmates from St. Mel’s Fifth Grade Class also attended to pay tribute to their friend. You can see them in the picture, used with permission.
If you are at Parsons Blvd with 25th Drive, please think about a fifth grader who wanted to help her parents by running errands.
We want justice for Antonella. Her parents are 82 and 85 now. They deserve to know the truth.
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From Carmine Famiglietti
Antonella Mattina Memorial
On Saturday, June 21st, there was a street co-naming ceremony, in honor of Antonella Mattina, in Flushing, Queens. For the many who have lived in the Flushing/Whitestone area long enough, her name has never been forgotten.
On July 16th, 1984, Antonella Mattina disappeared from the Linden Vue Shopping Center, located on Parsons Boulevard, in Flushing. She was only twelve years old. Taken far too soon from her loving, and close-knit family. The Mattina’s were members of St. Mel’s Parish, and Antonella was a student at the school at that time.
This tragedy had a tremendous effect on the community, at large, and impacted on the childhood of every kid living in the area. Hundreds of people turned out for a vigil at St. Mel’s to pray for Antonella’s return. Unfortunately, that day would never come.
Nearly 41 years later, Antonella’s loving spirit remains. With the blessing of her family, and support of Councilwoman Vicki Paladino, her name is now etched alongside Parsons Boulevard, at the Linden Vue Shopping Center, which will serve to celebrate Antonella’s memory and spirit.
Over 150 people, including close to twenty of Antonella’s classmates, attended this special ceremony that took place at Parsons Boulevard and 25th Drive, now known as Antonella Mattina Way.
An emotional and powerful statement was made that day by the entire community–Antonella Mattina will never be forgotten!
Sincerely,
Carmine Famiglietti
Friend and Classmate of Antonella Mattina
St. Mel’s Class of 1986
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Rest in peace, Antonella Mattina.