Never met a stranger: 60-year member of Northport Fire Department passes away at 85

A longtime Northporter who “served many and was loved by all” was laid to rest early last week, as those who knew and loved him gathered to remember his friendly smile, kind nature and numerous contributions to the community.

Raymond Maloney, an active member of the Northport Fire Department for over 60 years, passed away on April 3. Maloney served in the Rescue Squad from 1963 to 1993, and as Safety Officer “SO-1” for the Northport department, as well as Suffolk County Deputy Fire Coordinator – Safety Officer “FC-40” from 2009 to present.

Maloney also oversaw, as executive chef, most if not all of the largest fire department dinners and events.  

“When Ray wasn’t responding to fires and emergencies, he could be found in the firehouse kitchen preparing delicious meals for the department or company meetings, drills and other events,” a tribute to Maloney on the Northport Fire Department Facebook page read. 

For 20 years, Maloney served in the Air National Guard in the 106th Rescue Wing in West Hampton Beach, retiring as a fire chief at the rank of master sergeant. He loved Northport and served in many organizations including American Legion Post #694 and the Northport-East Northport Kiwanis Club.

“Ray had a very successful career in marketing and sales, traveling around the world to bring the latest computer technology systems to his customers,” his obituary reads. “Ray had many close friends and he never met a stranger; [he] always had a friendly smile and a story for anyone willing to listen.”