Raymond Esposito, Honorary Fire Chief, dies at 93

Raymond Esposito, 93, of Rockville Centre, died on Feb. 11, 2021.  He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from Nov. 20, 1950, to Nov. 19, 1952.

Esposito was born on Oct. 19, 1927 to Vittoria and Aniello Esposito. He was preceded in death by wives Joan and Eileen and was the last surviving of his three other brothers Frank, Arthur, and Carman.

Affectionately known as “Uncle Ray” by those close to him, Raymond was invested in the Rockville Centre community, spending his whole life as a member of the congregation of St. Agnes Cathedral and his 72 years with the Rockville Centre Fire Department at Live Oak Engine Co. 1. During his time with the latter, he was an Ahrens Fox antique truck operator and an Honorary Chief. He was also a consistent patron of Front Street Bakery, where he had a soft spot for their shoe soles. He was Rockville Centre born and raised and relished being a part of the community.

Esposito is remembered fondly by his five nieces and nephews, 11 great-nieces and great-nephews, and 14 great-, great- nieces and nephews. He was also a loving stepfather and step-grandfather. His family would describe him as a generous man who was always willing to give his time and use his skills in carpentry and mechanics to help others. Those close to him said that words cannot fully express what Esposito meant to each and every one of his family members. Esposito was known to love family gatherings and bringing goodies from his beloved Front Street Bakery.

“He was an uncle to everybody,” his niece Rose Esposito said. “Everybody that knew him loved him. He was very generous.”