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Crime & Safety

Syosset Native, 9/11 First Responder Laid to Rest

Friend remembers Vincent Albanese for his humor and bravery.

A retired New York City firefighter who worked at Ground Zero on 9/11 and the days and weeks afterward was laid to rest after a funeral Thursday at St. Hugh of Lincoln Church in Huntington Station.

Vincent J. Albanese, 63, lived in Huntington Station but grew up in Syosset, and attended Syosset High School. He passed away last week from cancer that family members and friends believe was caused by his exposure to toxic dust at Ground Zero.

Bagpipes played and firefighters lined the street in front of the church as Albanese's casket, covered in a flag, was carried in on a fire truck for his funeral. Mourners remembered him as a man who loved to pull pranks and joke around, but who always could be relied on in an emergency.

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During the funeral Bill Chabina recalled growing up in Syosset with Albanese. He said that Albanese "loved a good time" and the party always started when Albanese got there.

Chabina also said his lifelong friend  "showed courage at an early age." He recalled a time when he, Albanese and some other friends were in the woods and decided to start a fire because it was cold, but it out of control. Chabina said everyone panicked and ran, "except Vinny," who started throwing dirt on the fire, and as he was throwing dirt told everyone to come back and help.

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Chabina said they came back and put out the fire, and that Albanese always knew what had to be done.

That was a sentiment echoed by others who knew Albanese during his many years in the FDNY and in the National Guard, where he also served.

Some at the funeral also were at Ground Zero after 9/11 and said Albanese wanted to bring attention to the struggles of those who worked there who now have health problems. Family and friends say he wanted the government to give more aid to those who responded to the national tragedy, and asked his family to continue to bring awareness to the issue even after his death.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters and his mother.

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