'A Heart As Big As This World': Firefighter Mourned On LI

LINDENHURST, NY — A former Marine and FDNY firefighter who called Lindenhurst home died in his residence on April 15, those who loved him have confirmed.

Anthony Caliendo, 29, was an FDNY firefighter for five years who leaves behind his girlfriend, Daniella Bailey, and their daughter, Eliana, who will turn two soon, according to a GoFundMe organized on their behalf.

"He had a passion for helping others and loved his family and friends above all," said Jack Moravek, who launched the fundraiser.

It says that Caliendo joined the Marines "out of high school" and then "spent some time traveling the world. " In 2019, he joined the FDNY and was assigned to Ladder 137 in Rockaway Park in Queens. Shortly later, he transferred to Ladder 158 in Springfield Gardens, also in Queens.

"Anyone who’s ever met Anthony knows the positive energy he carried with him everywhere he went, as well as a heart as big as this world. Anthony would drop anything he had going on to help you if you asked," Moravek wrote. "If you needed a shirt, Anthony would give you the one off his back, no questions asked. He was that kind of guy."

A service was held at Mangano Family Funeral Home in Deer Park on April 17.

Click here to visit the GoFundMe.