A 25 year active volunteer of the West Islip Fire Department, Anthony Siano, died October 24, 2005, just one week shy of his November 4 birthday. He was 87 years old.

Mr. Siano, who lived in West Islip for 55 years, worked as a machinist for Republic Airport until his retirement. In his spare time, he bowled in several different leagues and was a member of the Fire Department Benevolent Society.

"He was a valuable person in the district because he was always available for service," said Al Waters, who was with the fire department and knew Mr. Siano since 1959. "He was always a nice guy."

In World War II, Mr. Siano served in the U.S. Army and received a Purple Heart Medal after being wounded in the Battle of the Bulge.

Mr. Siano leaves behind his children: Linda of New Jersey, Anthony of Islip, Donna of Islip, Geraldine of Islip and John of West Islip; his grandchildren: Flint, Ross, Andrew, David, Irene, Mary Margaret, Jonathan and Branden. His wife of 58 years, Tillie, predeceased him.

Mr. Siano reposed at the Frederick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, 1225 Montauk Highway. A Celebration of the Liturgy of Christian Burial was said at Our Lady of Lourdes R. C. Church in West Islip on October 29, 2005. Interment followed at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.