Seddio family dedicates holiday display to the memory of Josephine Bolus

Seddio family dedicates holiday display to the memory of Josephine Bolus|Seddio family dedicates holiday display to the memory of Josephine Bolus|Seddio family dedicates holiday display to the memory of Josephine Bolus|Seddio family dedicates holiday display to the memory of Josephine Bolus|Seddio family dedicates holiday display to the memory of Josephine Bolus
Photo by Tangerine Clarke|Photo by Tangerine Clarke|Photo by Tangerine Clarke|Photo by Tangerine Clarke|Photo by Tangerine Clarke

With thousands of fairy lights, animated skaters, a petting zoo, Santa’s workshop, a carousel displaying Caribbean flags, and a new Pinocchio window display, Frank Seddio, once again, transformed the corner of Flatlands Ave. and 93rd Street into a Christmas spectacle.

The Friday, Dec.6 lighting display, thrilled scores of starry-eyed children and their parents, after the husband of Josephine Bolus – in whose memory the 2019 Holiday Display is dedicated – joined Frank Seddio, to carry on, the annual tradition in Canarsie, Brooklyn.

Seddio, a retired assemblyman who said he was passionate about the holiday display, praised the late Josephine Bolus for her role in organizing the Memorial Day parade in the community.

“Josephine was a wonderful person. She and her husband Henry moved into Canarsie, and for 50 years, we have been friends. This is a great lost for the community. We appreciate all that they did,” said Seddio.

The festive night that began with blessings by Father Mike McGee of the Holy Family Church, continued with the sweet voices of pupils of PS 115, who warmed the hearts of spectators with a collection of favorite Christmas carols.

The Holy Church choir then continued sharing cheer with “Oh Holy Night,” “The Christmas Song,” “Feliz Nevidad,” and others, that filled the evening with Christmas joy.

Frank Seddio, decked out in a Santa hat, has helped in a big way to carry on the family tradition for more than 30 years. He participates in every aspect of the presentation, including greeting elected officials, friends, and the community, while ensuring that the presentation runs smoothly.

Politicians, as usual, turned out in their numbers and thanked the Seddios for their love of Canarsie and support of the community.

They all wished the community, Happy Holidays, Happy Chanukah, and Happy Kwanza.

Letitia James, New York’s first female attorney general, told the gathering to be grateful for each other, and called on them to say ‘thank you,’ to each other, as they share love this holiday season.

New York State Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, praised the Seddio family for bringing residents together in Canarsie, to reconnect with family and friends, and offered peace, love, and blessings.

“Happy Holidays, thanks for bringing joy, and more importantly light, to the community, not only from your house, but your leadership, and keeping things in order in the great borough of Brooklyn, said State Senator, Kevin Parker, who encouraged residents to “enjoy the festivities, be safe, and love one other.”

Councilman Alan Maisel noted that the holiday display was an outstanding event in “this part of Brooklyn. Families are in awe of the wonderful lights,” adding, that Frank Seddio’s love of Canarsie and its people, inspires him to continue the tradition.

Commanding Officer of the 69th Precint, Inspector Anderson, in turn, assured residents of their safety, during holiday season. While District Leader, Sue Ann Partnow, called the display a labor of love for the Seddio family, adding that it gets bigger every year.

Melba Brown, 58 Assembly District, Anthony Jones 55th Assembly District, WIADCA President, Jean Joseph, and others, attended the festive event, that ended with the arrival of Santa Claus and his elves, much to the delight of scores of children who lined up for a picture, and a treat from Old St. Nicholas.