Halesite Mourns the Loss of Former Commissioner Bill Bilzi
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The Officers and members of the Halesite Fire Department mourn the loss of A. William Bill Bilzi, a former member of the Halesite Fire Department that served for 35 years.
Bill Bilzi joined the Hook & Ladder Company on May 4, 1958. He was an active member who eventually became his companys Captain, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and a 26-year member of the Board of Fire Commissioners. Through these roles, Bill was an active and vocal member in Halesite who helped shape all of the major decisions during his tenure.
As a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners, Bill was among board members that oversaw the opening of Halesites new (current) firehouse (1965). He also helped organize the Departments 75th Anniversary in 1976. In an unusual historical note, Bill has the distinction of swearing in the youngest person ever to take the Chiefs Oath of Office at the Halesite Fire Department. Frank Grassos son, Frankie, received the oath at age 13 because Frank was hospitalized.
During his years of service, Bill played on many of Halesites sporting teams. He was perhaps best known as a catcher in the Town of Huntington Firemens Softball League. Known as Mountain Bill Bilzi due to his imposing size, Bill received the Sportsmanship Award numerous times and ultimately became a member of the Leagues Hall of Fame. During his involvement with the Bowling team, Bill helped Halesite win the inter-departmental bowling championship in 1960.
In addition to his volunteer service in the Halesite Fire Department, Bill served in the Air Force during World War II. Following the war, Bill worked for Grumman in Bethpage, NY, where he would sometimes use his job to help Halesites drill team. On one such occasion, Bill fabricated some dunk tanks for the bucket race.
Bill transferred to Halesites Lifetime membership company in 1993, but continued to keep in touch with members. He attended many Department dinners and events, including the boat cruise around Manhattan that was part of the Departments 100th Anniversary Celebration in the Summer of 2001.
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