Fire guts Rockville Centre deli

There were no injuries but extensive damage to the E&W Delicatessen on Long Beach Road, known to many as the Greystone deli, as scores of firefighters from 10 neighboring communities battled a blaze in the one-story structure last Sunday evening.

Employees of the family-owned deli, which had been undergoing renovations, noticed smoke, and one of them called the Rockville Centre Fire Department and the deli’s owner at about 7:30 p.m. The fire, which eventually grew to two alarms, did not spread to adjoining businesses that share the same roof.

According to a Fire Department spokesman, Chief John Busching was first on the scene and saw the smoke. Shortly thereafter a signal 10, the Fire Department’s code for a working fire, was transmitted.

The spokesman said that the fire started in the space between the ceiling and the roof, known as the cockloft, which was difficult to access because the building had been renovated many times over the years. Its cause is still under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office. The Baldwin, East Rockaway, Freeport, Hempstead, Island Park, Lakeview, Lynbrook, Malverne, Oceanside and South Hempstead fire departments all sent resources to assist, either at the scene or to cover Rockville Centre. The blaze was quickly brought under control, and all units were released by 10:30 p.m.

Three local families, the Goughs, the Gerratos and the Aherns, are hoping to raise funds for the Waxons, who have owned the deli for more than 20 years. Will and Jackie Waxon and their four sons, who have been an important part of the Rockville Centre community, with generous donations to local charities and employment opportunities for village youth, are said to be devastated by the loss of their business but determined to rebuild.

Many friends and neighbors have been offering to help. On Friday there will be an open-house fundraiser from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Goughs’ house, at 755 N. Village Ave. Cash donations are encouraged. Those who are unable to attend may leave donations with either Nancy Gough or Lisa Gerrato, at 99 Stratford Road. Contact Gough, at (516) 766-1260, or Gerrato, at 383-8360, for more information.

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