The Quentzel Family Receives 'Green Memorial' on Van Buren Street [Video]

At the corner of Throop Avenue and Van Buren Street, for years, a larger-than-life-sized banner has clothed the side of the .

From the street, as far as two blocks away, anyone driving or walking northbound up Throop Avenue can see the banner offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the men who murdered Henry Quentzel's son Sam, who worked at the plumbing supply company with his father.

The Sam Quentzel murder case -- perhaps one of the most well known in the neighborhood -- finally, came full circle on December 9, 2011, with the arrest and conviction of Lewis Slaughter, who now faces 25 years to life in prison. Sam Quentzel's shooter, Clifton Waters, had accidentally shot himself to death six months after the murder, and another suspect, Roger Williams, also had been identified and charged.

On Wednesday, May 16, the Van Buren Street 100 Strong Block Association, as a part of its Block Beautification Day efforts, presented the Quentzel family with a plaque and a “green memorial” of hanging plants and flower boxes dotting the block, to memorialize and honor the family that had given so much to the block, even after so much had been taken. 

“We wanted to come together to do this and show the Quentzel family our appreciation,” said Vanessa Parker, president of the Van Buren block association. “The Quentzel family has always been there for us, as far as jobs and financial donations.”

“Businesses and the community should work together, because, as we know in our neighborhoods, people often come in and they take, then they go. Or they give us bad service.

“ right up the block allows us to use their space for our meetings. The bodega donates food for our block parties. And the Quentzels, despite the horrible tragedy they went through with Sam, has always been helpful in any way they can. So we thought this was the least we could do to show our appreciation.”

Sam’s son Andrew Quentzel and Sam's widow Ann were on hand to receive the plaque and take part in the ceremony. Also in attendance were Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, 79th Precinct Deputy Inspector Peter Bartoszek, and representatives from the offices of Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Assemblywoman Annette Robinson and City Councilmember Al Vann.

It was a special day and a special moment for the block’s residents and all those that attended. After more than 25 years, finally, the Quentzel family received justice. And the significance of it all was not lost on the block nor the community of Bed-Stuy. The plants and flowers signaled a rebirth and a brand-new beginning.

“On behalf of my family, I would like to personally thank the Van Buren Street 100 Strong Block Association for these beautiful boxes for recognizing and honoring my family and memorializing my father Samuel Quentzel with these beautiful planting boxes and this plaque,” said Andrew Quentzel.