By:Jason Scheer
Urbina, 29, died Nov. 29 in Baghdad, when an explosion pierced his Humvee.
"Too young, too young," muttered one family member as he walked into the Church of Saint Christopher in Baldwin, where Urbina's funeral services were held.
Hundreds of fellow firefighters, soldiers, family members and friends packed the Merrick Road church Dec. 7 to say farewell to a friendly, outgoing and giving man who, all would have agreed, died far too young.
Christine Vlulgarakis, a friend of the Urbina family, described the volunteer firefighter as a caring man who was always giving of himself. "He was amazing," she said. "Enthusiastic, uplifting, always upbeat, always had so much energy. He was like a ball of energy, and was always out helping someone."
Following the ceremony at St. Christopher's, the funeral procession made its way to the Long Island National Cemetery in Pinelawn. Dozens of cars trailed the hearse carrying Urbina's body, periodically passing under large American flags draped over the streets, suspended from fire truck ladders. It was a fitting tribute to Urbina, who served for six years as a volunteer at Hose Company 4 in Baldwin.
Urbina joined the Baldwin Fire Department after he completed a tour with the Air Force in 1998. Captain Jerry Brown, of Ladder Company 2, said Urbina "served with distinction and honor, in the true traditions of the fire service" until he was activated with the Army National Guard last May.
"Will was taken from us during our country's battle against terrorism ... it was no surprise to his brothers [in the fire department] that he would join the fight," said Captain Ed Colon, of Hose Company 4, in his eulogy. "His devotion toward the country he loved and his community was absolute. He was a true American hero."
"He was a soldier through and through," continued Colon. "Whether it was a smoke-filled hallway in Baldwin, the carnage at ground zero or the war-torn streets of Baghdad, firefighter and soldier Wilfredo Urbina was there."
Urbina had been in Iraq for little more than a month, family members said. He served as a member of New York's storied "Fighting 69th" infantry division, which has been sending New Yorkers into battle for more than 150 years.
Near Urbina's grave, Gen. Mike Swezey, commander of the New York Army National Guard, presented Urbina's father with a Purple Heart, as well as a New York State Medal of Valor and a Medal for Conspicuous Service.
Urbina graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx in 1994. He is survived by his parents, Jeanette and Agustin, sisters Jeanin and Arlin and a nephew, Cydney.
Comments about this story? JScheer@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 282.
