Chatterton Avenue, between Virginia and Pulsey avenues, will now be named after Louis F. Serrano.
The street renaming, which took place on Saturday, September 10, was hosted by council members Rafael Salamanca and Anabel Palma.
Serrano, now the pastor at Pentecostal Assembly Church in Brooklyn, is originally from El Barrio San Jose, Toa Baja in Puerto Rico.
Since coming to the Bronx from Puerto Rico in the 1960s, Serrano has served as a chaplain in the NYPD in addition to his service in Brooklyn parishes.
Although he is a pastor at Pentecostal Assembly Church, he is also a Parochial Vicar of the Assembly of God Church in Brooklyn.
“Reverend Luis Felipe Serrano is a staple in the Bronx,” said Palma. “From his selfless philanthropy during the holidays and at the beginning of school years, to him being a spiritual leader, he has always made it his mission to celebrate and support the culture and talents of our youth and families.”
Palma added that Serrana “has also dedicated his life to bringing awareness to the myriad ills of substance abuse, and has a committed passion for preventing domestic violence.”
Senator Ruben Diaz Sr, who also attended the street renaming, mentioned how he and Rev. Serrano work with the Policeman’s Benevolent Association to provide 1,000 toys to children at Christmas every year.
In addition, Diaz said he and Serrano work to make sure families have turkeys at both Christmas and Thanksgiving.
“He’s a guy who is a big community member for the NYPD,” said Diaz. “He has contributed to the relationship between the police and the community.”
Councilman Salamanca is hoping Serrano’s service to the community becomes contagious.
“Reverend Luis Serrano’s lasting impact on this community cannot be overstated, and I am incredibly grateful I had the opportunity to help name a Bronx street in his honor,” said Salamanca, “A man of faith and humility who lives his life for others, it’s my hope that having a street in his name will only inspire others to give back to this community as well.”
Reverend Serrano was unavailable to speak because he is currently ill.
