PATTERSON, N.Y. — A veteran firefighter with 45 years of active experience died Saturday, two weeks before his 105th birthday.
Patterson Fire Department Volunteer Firefighter S. Delvalle “Del” Goldsmith was serving as chaplain emeritus for the department when he died, but during his active service from 1955 to 2000 he was a firefighter and fire police officer, according to The Journal News.
Fellow firefighters remember the life member of the department as an intelligent man who offered invaluable insight to Patterson fire chiefs for decades.
“He was a dedicated firefighter, always a gentleman and always a voice of moderation during times of strife,” Lt. John Bodor of the Patterson Fire Police said.
Firefighter Goldsmith began his career in 1941 as a volunteer on Long Island, during World War II while many career firefighters were serving overseas.
In 2006, members of the department surprised Firefighter Goldsmith with a party on his 100th birthday and named the Patterson firehouse after him.