Longtime South Farmingdale resident Robert Greening died July 12, 2008. He was 86 years old and had been a volunteer firefighter for 47 years.

Mr. Greening served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1946 and was retired from Con Edison after 38 years. He was a dedicated volunteer at Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts and was a charter member of the South Farmingdale Fire Department in Rescue Company #1.

"He was a remarkable individual and a member of the greatest generation," said Ex-Chief Ralph Atoria who knew him for more than 40 years. "I always admired him. He was gifted with his hands and made beautiful knot displays for us at the firehouse...and would give people he liked little monkey fist-knot key chains."

He leaves behind his wife Doris; his children: Carol Esposito and her husband John, Barbara Hillery and her partner Paige, James, Peggie Casoria and Paul and his wife Samantha; his grandchildren: Lauren, John and Katie Mei; and his four sisters.

He reposed at the Arthur F. White Funeral Home in Farmingdale on July 15, 2008. Firematic Services were held at the Funeral Home that evening. A Funeral Service was held on July 16, 2008 at the Funeral Home followed by private cremation.

Donations in Mr. Greening's name can be sent to Battleship Cove, 5 Water St., P.O. Box 111, Fall River, Massachusetts 02722 or The South Farmingdale Fire Department, 819 S. Main St., Farmingdale, New York 11735 or the Farmingdale United Methodist Church, 407 Main St., Farmingdale, New York 11735.