Former NY Firefighter Dies Helping Neighbor

April 18--A former Wurtsboro firefighter helping a neighbor suffering from cardiac arrest died from a cardiac arrest of his own after performing CPR Saturday.

Robert Cordani, 62, an active honorary member of the fire department, responded to a medical call about 6 p.m. in Wurtsboro Hills and began to perform CPR before collapsing, according to a news release from Wurtsboro Fire Chief Richard Dunn.

Emergency responders attempted to revive Cordani and brought him to Orange Regional Medical Center in the Town of Wallkill, where he was pronounced dead, the news release says.

"Bob's generosity and love for his community is what made him so special," Dunn said in the news release. "His attitude and love for life and his love for his fellow person touched many people. His contributions to this Department will not soon be forgotten and nor shall he."

Firematic services will be held Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home on Sullivan Street in Wurstboro.

Anyone who would like to attend is asked to be at the Wurtsboro firehouse by 7 p.m. in full dress uniform or other appropriate attire.

A funeral will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Church of St. Joseph on Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro.

Any fire department that would like to attend either service is asked to call Bill Lothrop at 845-701-2173 to provide an estimate on the number of firefighters expected to attend and if they will bring any apparatus.

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