It is with deep regret that the Chiefs announce that Honorary/Inactive Firefighter Frank J. Mele Jr. has answered his last alarm.

Frank passed away on Monday at his home in Florida after a brief illness surrounded by his family.

Frank was 81 years old.

He joined CFD in 1984 as the company's 386th member. He is the father of inactive member Frank J. Mele III.

He remained an active member into the 1990's before moving south.

In his career at CFD he was a Lieutenant and Chief Driver of 8-5-1, Chicken Barbecue Chairman, House committee member, and one of the caretakers of our antique truck 8-5-2A.

He was also a proud member of the CFD Panthers drill team and was part of the team that won the 1985 Suffolk County Old Fashion Championship.

The family is planning memorial service at the Defriest-Grattan Funeral Home on September 13th. Firematic services will be announced once plans are finalized.

The Chiefs officers and members of the Cutchogue Fire Department would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Frank III, the entire Mele family and all of Frank's friends here at CFD.

Details will be announced once they are finalized.