It Takes a Village

In Remembrance

Building a community, in three words, takes a village. That is why it is important to acknowledge volunteers and neighbors for their contributions to the greater good that makes our area a special place to live. Please read, learn, and remember those who put community as a top priority.

Joe Alkus

By Claudia Archer

On February 19, the collective neighborhoods of Bella Vista and Queen Village lost an outstanding community leader with the the passing of Joseph D. Alkus. After a 35-year career in law enforcement, the majority spent as a U.S. Customs special agent with Homeland Security, a second career found him teaching at Temple University.

But for neighbors engaging with our 3rd District Police, Joe was the liaison who worked to bring Town Halls to the people—even through the pandemic. He facilitated conversations with the Streets Department and the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability on safety issues important to both neighborhoods. But it didn’t end there; he served on the boards of the Bella Vista Neighbors Association and the BVNA and Police District Advisory Commission, wrote grants to pursue violence reduction initiatives, coordinated city services issues on behalf of both Queen Village and Bella Vista neighbors, and simply made a huge impact in his 65 years.

Joe was a devoted husband, brother, uncle, honorary father figure, and outstanding neighbor to many, and, while his loss is felt by many, they celebrate his life and contributions.

Marvin Cohen

As relayed by Mitch and Anna Marie Cohen

On January 27, 2022, Queen Village lost Marvin Cohen, the third of four generations to lead the family business, Cohen Hardware. He was 92.

Cohen Hardware is synonymous with South Street, housed in a succession of addresses and sizes for over 100 years.

Born in 1929, Marvin grew up on South Street. In 1913, his grandfather and father opened and operated Cohen Hardware on the first floor of their house at 911 South Street, then called B. Cohen for his grandfather, Barnett. The business then moved to 534 South Street and was called P. Cohen, for his father, Phillip. It then moved to 417 South Street, and the name was simply Cohen Hardware. Seeing the potential for South Street and its business clientele, he opened a lumber yard at that location.

Marvin and Marilyn sold the building to Pearl Arts in 1996, at which time they retired. His son Mitchell and daughter-in-

law Anna Marie opened a new location for Cohen Hardware at 615 E. Passyunk later in 1996.

Marvin and his wife, Marilyn, loved being grandparents in every sense of the word—not only to the grandchildren but also to the store. They stepped in to help on weekends and vacations so they could be back in the thick of things but still be able to turn it back over to Mitchaell and Anna Marie after they did their part.

“That was the best part for them,” says Mitchell, “seeing customers, talking old stories.”

Harkening back to the old days, there are still house charge accounts at Cohen Hardware, held over from the old days. “The old stories never go away,” Mitchell reminisces.

Jonathan Liss

By Mona Liss

Jonathan Liss was a resident of Queen Village for more than 42 years, first discovering the neighborhood in the 1960s when he and some college buddies banded together funds to invest in real estate. He was passionate about its history and marveled at its growth as a vital, diverse community.

After moving to Queen Village in 1980, Jon became a familiar face, taking the time to chat with many neighbors and shopkeepers while walking the family dogs, Taj and Trevi. He loved to hear stories and would always offer a ‘that’s fantastic,’ as he sincerely cared about each individual.

Jonathan married and raised a family at 5th and Fitzwater streets. In June 2021, he and his wife, Mona, moved to Northern California to be close to their son. Jon passed on February 10, 2022, almost reaching his 80th Birthday.

As Jon would often say with a smile, “Be yourself, do your best, and stay positive.”

Susan Mc Gonagle

By Mary and Roger Randall

On October 12, 2021, Queen Village lost a friend, advocate, and community cheerleader with the passing of Susan Mc Gonagle.

A resident of Queen Village for many years, Susan raised her family, worked as an interior decorator, and often spearheaded projects and programs to benefit the community.

One of her early initiatives was to involve Queen Village in the city’s annual Philadelphia Open House program, which supported Friends of Independence Hall. It showcased the homes, parks, and history of city neighborhoods. She was instrumental in getting residents to open their homes as well as recruiting “house sitters” to volunteer during the event. The tour provided a forum to showcase residential rehabilitation and historic preservation. Susan and her husband, Bob, fully engaged in the program by regularly opening their own home at 910 S. Front Street as part of the Open House program.

In support of Shot Tower Recreation Center, Susan initiated several neighborhood fundraising parties. One early event that attracted both neighborhood newcomers and long-term residents was a Pink Panther-themed dinner, dance, and silent auction in the mid-1990s. It was followed up by an equally successful Evening Under the Stars event. Funds raised were used to purchase equipment, landscaping plants, and supply paint for Shot Tower volunteer improvement programs.

Susan was heavily involved in the Down Home Days fundraising program for Mario Lanza Park. The event brought square dancing demonstrations, a chili cook-off, bake sales, and fire truck tours to the park, which was decorated with mums and hay bales.

Susan served for several years as a member of the QVNA Board. Her efforts were instrumental in building community spirit and pride in Queen Village. Her leadership and generosity will be missed. ■