Dedicating Raphael Sadonte Ward Jr. Way on the Lower East Side

On Saturday afternoon, community members and local elected officials came together to unveil Raphael Sadonte Ward Jr. Way along the stretch of Rivington Street east of Columbia Street on the Lower East Side. 

Raphael Sadonte Ward Jr. was born on Aug. 18, 1996. An avid baseball player, he dreamed of playing for the New York Yankees. According to family members, Raphael's unique comedic talent and his signature behind-the-back throw to make a double play left an indelible mark on all who knew him. 

On Jan. 4, 2013, 16-year-old Raphael was shot and killed at the intersection of Columbia and Rivington near where he lived with his mother and younger brother in the Baruch Houses while on his way to grab a slice. 

In August 2014, 19-year-old Timothy Montalvo was sentenced to 15 years to life for reportedly supplying the gun used to murder Raphael. According to press reports, Montalvo refused to help the NYPD find his accomplices, who shot Raphael for his Marmot coat.

Raphael's mother, Arlene Delgado, founded The Sadonte Foundation in her son's memory. This nonprofit is dedicated to elevating, empowering, and educating youth and is committed to reducing gun violence in local communities.

The street sign is on the SE corner of Rivington Street and Columbia Street.