Jules Santagata was elected March 3, 1946, to the Vigilant Engine and Hook & Ladder Company. Prior to being elected a member of the Fire Company, Jules served in World War II in the Pacific Theater as a Navy Gunner’s Mate and had participated in the Okinawa invasion aboard the USS Kochab. After being discharged from the Navy he started his career as a bricklayer.

As a 31 year old bricklayer and a member of the Bricklayers Union Local 41 in Long Island City, Jules began his role as a major leader in the volunteer fire service. It was shortly after Jules was elected that he began his progression through the ranks of fire officers until he was elected Chief in 1960.

Many knew Jules as more than the Chief of the Vigilant Fire Company. He loved the simple things in life; hunting, fishing, and cherished most of all the time spent with family and friends. Jules is survived by his loving wife Mary, and son Jules Jr. His family, however, did not end there. He opened his heart and home to many and served as a father figure and friend to many. He always went out of his way to help his friends and neighbors and always had a kind of word to say about everyone.

During the 42 years that he served as a firefighter he was president of the Nassau County Firemen’s Holy Name Society, and had membership in the Eighth Battalion, New York State and International Fire Chiefs Associations; Firemen’s Associations of the State Of New York; Southern New York Volunteer Firemen’s Association; Nassau County Fire Chiefs Council; Nassau County Firemen’s Association, and North Shore Fire Council.

Let’s not forget Jules’ superlative words, such as “Mary made a mean ham, I couldn’t eat another thing,” when everyone was eating after a company meeting. Or the way he said “Hello Men” to everyone, and the manner in which he would refer to his
son Jules Jr. as “Me and the boy.”

On Wednesday, November 20, 1988, Jules succumbed to a heart attack while doing the job he loved most, being an officer and leader in the fire service. At the time of his death he was a trustee of the Vigilant Company and Vice-President of the North Shore Fire Council.

Even though our brother Jules has passed away, he will never be
forgotten and most definitely will be missed.