Deer Park Street Renamed In Honor Of Former Marine, Firefighter

DEER PARK, NY - The Town of Babylon recently held a street naming ceremony in Deer Park honoring a former Marine and FDNY firefighter.

On Saturday, officials honored the local hero, John Vigiano, who died from cancer last July.

"[John] was a true American hero and one of the strongest men I have ever known," Congressman Peter King wrote in a message on Facebook. "Strongest in every sense of the word - physically, mentally and spiritually."

Vigiano first served as a marine and started as a firefighter before rising to the rank of FDNY Captain.

He lost his two sons, John Jr., an FDNY Firefighter and Joe, an NYPD Emergency Services Officer, in the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.

"John kept fighting though," King wrote.

Following the deaths of his sons, Vigiano supported efforts to compensate 9/11 victims and families.

He organized visits to wounded warriors at Walter Reed Hospital bringing them supplies, food and taking those who were able out to dinner. He also worked with advocates like Gary Sinise to improve treatment and conditions for America’s veterans.

Vigiano appeared at countless 9/11 and veterans fundraising and commemorative events and always ready to console families of cops, firefighters and military heroes wounded or killed in the line of duty.

"During all these years I never heard him once feel sorry for himself or complain," King wrote. "When John finally succumbed to cancer last July, his wake and funeral were attended by hundreds and hundreds of mourners. The man was truly a legend. I was so fortunate to have been with him for a final long conversation just days before he died. John was strong as ever to the very end."

In addition to King, Vigiano's wife Jan Vigiano, Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone, Babylon Town supervisor Rich Schaffer, police officers, FDNY firefighters, friends, family, bagpipers, and more were all in attendance during the event.

Officials unveiled the new green and white sign reading "Captain John Vigiano Memorial Avenue" at the intersection of Deer Park Avenue and Long Island Avenue.

All photos via Congressman Peter King