Centerport Fire Department Remembers Ex-Chief and Commissioner

Photos by Steve Silverman

The Centerport Fire Department is mourning the loss of longtime member and former Chief and Commissioner Gus Zeis, who passed away at 77 years of age on Saturday, May 16.

Zeis joined the Centerport FD in 1965 and eventually became Captain of Engine Co. 3 and Engine Co. 2.

He served in the Assistant Chiefs ranks for four years and went on to become Chief of the Department from 1992 to 1993.

Zeis became a Life Member of the Department in 1999 and continued to stay involved in the fire service as the Centerport Fire District Manager. He was later elected Commissioner, and served in that position until he passed away.

Before his longtime involvement with the fire services, Zeis joined the U.S. Air Force in 1957, where he was an aircraft mechanic. He went to work for Grumman Aviation as an Aircraft Engineer, and worked on the electrical systems for the Gulfstream Aircraft.

He started his own successful business, Zeis Electric, in the early 1970s.

Zeis enjoyed playing softball, and was an inductee in the Town of Huntington Softball Hall of Fame.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Carole. He was the devoted father of Michael, the First Assistant Chief of the Greenlawn Fire Department, and his wife Kristin.

He is also the beloved grandfather of Michael Jr. and Samantha, and the dear brother of Priscilla Jahier, Randy, Thomas, Wayne, Darrell, and the late Pamela Alice Zeis. Donations to the L.I. State Veterans Home, 100 Patriots Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790-3300, in memory of Gus Zeis are appreciated.

Story provided by Steve Silverman