We Remember
Ivan Mrakovcic
1963-2020
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“Ivan loved this community and worked tirelessly in so many ways to preserve its historic character and charm,” The Richmond Hill Historical Society said in a Facebook post, adding that, “He was a dear friend to many and will be greatly missed. We will never forget his quirky humor, great Halloween costumes and above all his friendship.”
An advocate for preservation of his beloved community, Ivan worked tirelessly to maintain its historic character and charm. His perseverance resulted in the establishment of the Historic District in North Richmond Hill on the New York State and National Historic registers in March 2019.
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Involved in many area organizations Ivan served as treasurer for the Forest Park Trust and was chairman of Community Board 9 from 2002 through 2007. He was also a founding board member of the Friends of QueensWay park advocacy group.
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A graduate of the New York Institute of Architecture (class of ’86) with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, Mrakovcic worked at RAND Engineering and Architecture since 2001 as a senior architect. Ivan is survived by his wife, Laura, and two daughters, Hannah and Emma.
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https://queensledger.com/kew-gardens-street-co-named-ivan-mrakovcic-way/
Nancy Cataldi
1953–2008
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Nancy Cataldi was the President of the Richmond Hill Historical Society from 1999 through 2008.
The Richmond Hill Historical Society suffered a great loss with the sudden passing of Nancy Cataldi on
October 29, 2008.
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However, we were very fortunate enough to be touched by her warmth, energy, and drive which seemed to be the perfect fit needed as our President. She will be terribly missed. She was always there, helping, planning, hosting, meeting, petitioning, galvanizing, inspiring, and just plain old loving the Richmond Hill community, working to protect its past and future for over 10 years. Nancy was very active in the Historic Districting of Richmond Hill. Her work was never done, always a new battle, and she fought for Richmond Hill right up to her very unexpected and untimely end.
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Richmond Hill lost a true friend but her spirit and work will continue on through the continued efforts of The Richmond Hill Historical Society.
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Read a New York Daily News Article about Nancy Cataldi. Donations in memory of Nancy may be made to Bobbi and the Stray’s.
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Nancy Cataldi was a freelance photographer who worked for the NY Times, Rolling Stone, People Magazine, US, and various animal publications and calendars. She also did work as a freelance fashion stylist in New York.
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Many of Nancy’s photographs can be seen throughout the website. She also co-authored two books with Carl Ballenas and the Richmond Hill Historical Society, Images of America: Richmond Hill, and Images of America: Maple Grove Cemetery.
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Nancy lived in Richmond Hill since the early 1960’s and was a proud owner of a Victorian Home on 109th Street which became Queensmarked.
William F. Krooss
1916 - 2000
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Author and Illustrator of the book entitled- “A Peek at Richmond Hill through the Keyhole of Time” with contributions from various Richmond Hill residents.
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WILLIAM F. KROOSS, was a lifelong resident of Richmond Hill, and a honorary member of The Richmond Hill Historical Society. In 1935, following his graduation from Richmond Hill High School and course in retail management at CCNY, he joined the John David Inc. company in Manhattan- with which he was to have a working relationship that spanned three decades- as a clothing salesman. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945, returning to John David as an assistant advertising manager and artist; completing an I.C.S. course in newspaper illustrating.
He later became clothing manager and, ultimately, store manager for the company. Krooss left David in 1965 to manage four stores for Botany Industries’ retail division. Retiring from business in 1981 after working locally for Plesser & Sons, he became active in the National Art league (of which he is an officer) and the Richmond Hill Senior Center (where he started a senior citizen art workshop as a volunteer). He also assisted the Police Dept. by doing sketches to I.D. people. Mr. Krooss spent a total of two and a half years researching and writing this history of Richmond Hill. Married in 1945, he is survived by his wife and three children.
