12. Anthony J. Manzolillo (1917)
Served 1 Year
Anthony Manzolillo was born July 15, 1881, in Rean del Rojale, Italy and immigrated with his parents in 1913 at the age of 4. He was a carpenter and roofing contractor by trade. He resided on Mary Street. He later moved to 66 Notre Dame Avenue and 95 Jerusalem Avenue.
In March of 1917, the Board of Fire Commissioners accepted the resignation of Chief Edward Wagner. The Board then appointed 1st Assistant Chief Anthony Manzolillo to the position as the 12th Chief of the Hicksville Fire Department. Anthony remains as only one of two immigrants to serve as Chief of the Hicksville Fire Department. Henry Schnepf was advanced to First Assistant and Lawrence Braun was appointed the new Second Assistant Chief.
At a Dinner meeting of the fire department in September of 1917, the Chiefs tendered a farewell supper to the members of the Department who have been drafted into World War I in France. The supper was provided at the Fire House. It was well attended, prepared and served by the members of the Ladles' Auxiliary. Chief Manzolillo presided and gave an appropriate address to the members of the department, all from Volunteer Hose Co. No 4: Fred Davis, Jacob Karman, William Becker, Ferdinand Kerbs and Frank Jung. Both Davis and Kerbs were already at Camp Upton, and the others were to leave shortly for the same Camp. Chief Manzolillo presented an eight-star service flag representing and in honor of the eight local firemen who are now serving their country. In addition to those listed above, also serving were Nicholas Taliaferro, somewhere in France, Frank Sutter, Camp Upton, and John Kerbs, U.S. Navy, Brooklyn Navy Yard.
On December 9, 1917, Chief Manzolillo led his men at a fire that destroyed the Hotel Bon Ray. The only occupants at the time were the proprietors, Hans Slogel, and his family. They were awakened by their dog barking. Water pressure was limited, and the building could not be saved. The damage was estimated at $15,000.
Mrs. Mary Zimmerman, a widow, 80 years old, and for many years a resident of Hicksville met a horrible end by being burnt to death. The aged woman, who lived alone, occupied a small building in the rear of the premises at Wyckoff Street, near West John Street. After raking leaves in the yard, she lit a match to the pile of leaves. Before she knew what happen, a strong wind was blowing, and her clothing became ignited by the flames. It appeared that she was too frightened to call for help and managed to drag herself about 50 feet from the fire, where she was found dead. The woman was discovered when someone called the fire department who responded with the motor chemical apparatus. Justice Steinert, coroner, was hastily called to the scene and after viewing the remains ordered their immediate removal to H. A. Turnure Morgue.
During Chief Manzolillo’s term, subscriptions were solicited. Within a short time, enoughmoney was raised so that a Ford chemical motor apparatus could be purchased and installed, replacing the Hose Company 4 hose reel, which had become unsafe to use. Chief Manzolillo received $1,426.30 in funds from the taxpayer committee and the department purchased their first chemical apparatus. Volunteer Hose Company 4 took possession of the apparatus.
He was a member of the Hicksville Athletic Club from 1907-1925 and was a well-known century rider, riding for the Century Road Club of America. Anthony Manzolillo was a past president of the Grand Lodge of Primrose Lodge. No. 569, I. O. O. F.
Chief Manzolillo passed away on December 20, 1958, and is interred at Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington.
Chief Manzolillo Getting Ready to step off at parade.
