West Hempstead Fire Chief Celebrates 100th Birthday

On his 100th birthday, Nicholas Peluso also celebrated another milestone - 70 years with the West Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department.

Family and friends joined the long-time West Hempstead resident at the White Oak Nursing Home in Woodbury, where they enjoyed birthday cake and presented him with a citation for his service to the community.

Born in Hempstead on September 25, 1911 to parents from Avellino, Italy and Messina, Sicily, Peluso became a self taught beautician and had beauty shops in Hempstead and West Hempstead with his wife of 56-years, Florence, who passed away in 1995. After closing up their shops, Peluso also had a 15-year career with the Roosevelt Savings Bank.

In his earlier years, Peluso was a 200-average bowler, shot his age on the golf course many times, umpired softball games at Kennedy Park, and was among the founders of the West Hempstead Little League. He joined the West Hempstead Fire Department in 1942, was named an Honorary Chief in 1990, and remained an active member until 2000.

He has two sons, four grandsons, five great grandchildren and many friends, including members of the West Hempstead Fire Department and Benevolent Association (pictured with him here) who celebrated his birthday with him.