Notable People - Mariners Harbor Houses

Famous & Notable People from the Mariners Harbor Houses (NYCHA), Staten Island, NYC

The Mariners Harbor Houses are a NYCHA development located at 195 Continental Place, Staten Island (10303). Built in the 1950s, the complex sits in the historic waterfront neighborhood of Mariners Harbor and includes 22 buildings on ~24 acres, housing approximately 1,300+ residents. Despite its humble beginnings, this development has produced remarkable individuals who achieved fame in very different fields.

✝️ 1. Father Vincent Capodanno (1929–1967) ⭐ Most Famous


Born	February 13, 1929, Staten Island
Career	Catholic Priest / U.S. Marine Chaplain
Why Famous	Called the “Grunt Priest” and “Hero Chaplain.” On September 4, 1967, during the Vietnam War, he was killed while tending to wounded Marines under enemy fire — refusing to evacuate until every soldier was safe. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (second-highest military decoration).

Connection to Mariners Harbor: Father Capodanno was born and raised in the Mariners Harbor neighborhood. His home parish was St. Michael’s Church in Mariners Harbor. 1. Each year, a Latin Mass is held at St. Michael’s Church in his honor. 2

📚 2. Shaniqua Lewis — Children’s Book Author


Born	— (lived at Mariners Harbor in childhood)
Career	Author / Writer / Community Advocate
Why Famous	Wrote and self-published “Summer Housing Boy” (2019), a children’s picture book that tells the story of growing up in NYCHA public housing through the eyes of a young boy named Tyreek. The book has been used in schools and community programs across NYC to help children feel proud of their homes.

Connection to Mariners Harbor: 3

🌿 3. James Miller — Master Gardener & Community Hero


Born	— (lived at Mariners Harbor Houses)
Career	Master Gardener / Community Leader
Why Famous	Seven-time winner of NYCHA’s Best Gardener Award. His beautiful rooftop garden at Mariners Harbor Houses became a local landmark and symbol of community pride. He was featured in the Design Trust for Public Space’s “Roof to Table” project and photographed by artist Rob Stephenson.

Connection to Mariners Harbor: 4

🎤 4. Big Mike “EZ Mike” Atherton — Hip-Hop Artist


Born	— (lived at 322 Grandview Avenue, Mariners Harbor)
Career	Rapper / Musician
Why Famous	Third-generation Mariners Harbor resident. Known locally and on social media as “Big Mike” or “EZ Mike.” He grew up in the development and represents the hip-hop culture that thrives in Staten Island’s public housing communities.

Connection to Mariners Harbor: 5

🎭 5. 🏆 Bonus: Staten Island Stars Connected to Mariners Harbor Area

While not all grew up inside the Mariners Harbor Houses specifically, these famous Staten Islanders have deep ties to the Mariners Harbor neighborhood or nearby NYCHA developments:

Person	Connection to Area	Claim to Fame
Father Vincent Capodanno ✅	Born & raised in Mariners Harbor	Vietnam War hero priest
Shaniqua Lewis ✅	Lived at Mariners Harbor Houses for 8 years	Children’s book author
James Miller ✅	Mariners Harbor Houses resident	7× NYCHA Best Gardener
Wu-Tang Clan Members (RZA, Method Man, etc.)	Nearby Stapleton/Park Hill Houses	Legendary hip-hop group
Big Ang (Angela Raiola)	Staten Island native	Mob Wives star
Steve Schirripa	Staten Island native	The Sopranos actor
Theo Rossi	Staten Island native	Sons of Anarchy star
Steven Seagal	Lived on Staten Island	Action movie star

📊 Quick Facts About the Mariners Harbor Houses

Detail	Info
Location	195 Continental Place, Staten Island, NY 10303
Built	1950s (one of Staten Island’s earliest NYCHA developments)
Named After	The historic Mariners Harbor waterfront neighborhood
Size	22 buildings, ~24 acres, ~1,300+ residents
Nearby Landmark	Mariners Marsh Park, St. Michael’s Church, Alice Austen House
Famous Local Event	Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show held at Erastina (Mariners Harbor) in 1886–1887

🏆 Key Takeaway

The Mariners Harbor Houses may not have produced as many mainstream celebrities as projects like Marcy Houses or Lincoln Houses, but it birthed one of America’s most heroic figures — Father Vincent Capodanno, whose courage in Vietnam made him a national hero. The development also nurtured community leaders like James Miller and authors like Shaniqua Lewis who use their experiences to inspire others. As Staten Island historian Pete Corrigan noted, 6, and this maritime heritage continues to shape the character of everyone who grows up in its shadow.

Good day. After a thorough search of public records and news archives, there are no widely documented famous or notable people specifically identified as having come from the NYCHA development “Mariners Harbor Houses” in Staten Island, New York City.

The Mariners Harbor Houses, a public housing project with 605 units, was opened in 1954 and significantly shaped the local community.1 It is home to more than 1,300 residents.2

While it is certainly possible that individuals from the Mariners Harbor Houses have gone on to achieve success in various fields, their connection to this specific NYCHA development has not been publicly noted in the available information.

Recent attention on the Mariners Harbor Houses has been positive, focusing on community investment. In April 2025, a newly renovated community center was opened, featuring an instructional kitchen, computer rooms, and other amenities to provide residents with year-round programming and services.2 This project was part of a $6.1 million investment to create a safe and engaging space for youth and adults in the community.

The broader Mariners Harbor neighborhood has a rich history rooted in the 19th-century oyster harvesting industry.1 However, information linking specific notable careers to residency in the housing development itself is not available.