Nicholas L. Martone, 83, Mineola Fire Department Ex-Chief

It was with deep regret that the Chiefs office of the Mineola Fire Department announced that on Friday, Feb. 11, 2013 Ex-Chief Nicholas Martone answered his final alarm. He was 83 years of age.

Chief Martone was the most senior ex-chief in the Mineola Fire Department and the patriarch of a fire service family. He was a lifelong resident of the Village of Mineola, attending Mineola schools, running a business in the village and raising his family here as well.

Martone joined Engine Company Three of the Mineola Fire Department in 1950. He was sponsored by his future father-in-law George Ruppel. As an enlisted member of the US Navy, Martone had to leave his service to the village to serve his country when he was called back to the Navy in 1951.

When he returned to his hometown in 1953 he went right back to work. Nick operated the family business, Martone’s Garage which was located on Roslyn Road (now a Walgreens). Nicholas married Rosemary in 1954 and together they raised five children: Cathy, Drew, Nancy, Nicky and Carol.  

Martone was an active firefighter and a strong advocate for his fellow firefighters. These qualities lead to his election as Warden from 1954-1958. In 1958 he was elected second lieutenant of Engine Three and after two years as Lieutenant he was elected to the position of Captain in 1960.

This leadership experience gave Martone the confidence and support of the department as he sought to enter the chiefs office in 1962. Serving for 4 years as assistant chief from 1962-1966, Martone worked many major fires and continued to lead the department forward. In 1966 he was elected by his peers to lead Mineola’s bravest as Chief of Department. 

After completing his time in the chief’s office Chief Martone remained an active part of the administration of the Mineola Fire Department. Through the 1970’s and 1980’s Chief Martone was elected multiple times to represent his company as a Warden on the Fire Council. He also served as department treasurer and company trustee. He prided himself as one of the charter advisors for the Mineola Junior Fire Department, which has become a world-renowned success.

With an unprecedented 62 years of active service in the Mineola Fire Department, Chief Martone provided wisdom and insight that spanned many generations.

Perhaps his greatest legacy will be the firefighters he brought into the Volunteer service in Mineola: sons Andrew and Nicholas, grandsons Andrew Jr., Joseph and Nicholas and son-in law Billy D’Avanzo Jr. have all served as firefighters in the Mineola Fire Department.  

A wake will be held on Friday, Feb. 15 at the Cassidy Funeral Home from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday at 9:45 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church with internment to follow at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury.