On April 5, 2025, New York City Council Member Tiffany Cabán, State Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, and a representative from the office of New York State Senator Michael N. Gianaris joined community members to celebrate the co-naming of Bartunek Way in Astoria.
Bartunek Hardware has now served the Astoria community for nearly 100 years, a historic milestone. Several generations of the Bartunek family have run the business: Henry Bartunek (founder), Edward Bartunek (Henry's son), and Gary Bartunek (Edward’s son).The Bartunek family legacy includes honorable service in the Air Force during World War II, service to generations of Astorians, and a hardware store love story fit for a movie.
Bartunek Hardware, a family-run business in Astoria, has been serving the community since Henry Bartunek opened it in 1925. His timing was fortunate, coinciding with a housing boom that fueled demand for home improvement supplies. Henry’s father, Frank, helped in the store, setting a precedent for generations of Bartuneks working together.
Henry’s son, Eddie, was born the same year the store opened and grew up above the shop. He later served in World War II as a machinist in Great Britain, returning home in 1946. He then joined the family business, and in 1961, the store was renamed Henry Bartunek and Son. As Astoria evolved with new waves of immigrants, the store expanded its offerings to include garden supplies, locksmith services, and window repairs.
(Photo courtesy: Office of Councilmember Tiffany Caban)
In 1977, Eddie’s eldest son, Gary, became the fourth-generation Bartunek to work at the store. Before taking over, he had to prove himself capable of managing all aspects of the business. Under his leadership, the store weathered various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing essential supplies like masks and disinfectants. Through storms, blackouts, and crises, Bartunek Hardware remained a reliable community resource.
Beyond business, the store fosters local traditions. A vintage train set in the window, originally displayed by Eddie, delights young visitors, now operated by Gary’s son, Danny. The family also shares a deep love for baseball, supporting the local Little League for over 60 years.
The store even played a role in Gary’s own family history—his parents met because Henry hired a young man named John, who later introduced Eddie to his sister, June. With nearly a century of history, Bartunek Hardware continues to be a beloved Astoria institution.
“Bartunek Hardware is the best of Astoria: a thriving small business, family, community, and love coming together to make our neighborhood the most special place in Queens. I’m thrilled to be naming the corner of 28th Street & 23rd Avenue Bartunek Way in honor of the Bartunek family and all of their contributions to our community,” said Council Member Tiffany Cabán.
"The Bartunek family and Bartunek Hardware have built a legacy of serving our community over many years," said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. "I am grateful to Councilmember Cabán that we are able to honor the Bartunek family business, which is a treasured community establishment."
