James J. Lanza

James J. Lanza “JIMMY” OF Woodside New York passed away on April 6, 2017 after a noble battle with brain cancer, surrounded by his family, friends and his brothers from his beloved FDNY. “Jimmy” Lanza has devoted his service to his country and community for well over 50 years. Jimmy served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam and was a member of a crew of flying AWACs. After his military service, Mr. Lanza served as firefighter for 30 years with the FDNY with Engine 53, Ladder 43 in East Harlem, NY as part of “El Barrio’s Bravest”.

During his tenure with FDNY Lanza spent months and hundreds of hours at the World Trade Center with his fellow FDNY comrades during the search and recovery mission. He also traveled with members of the FDNY to New Orleans, LA to assist in the rescue, search and recovery mission in the aftermath of Hurricane Karina. He also serves on the Board of the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation and devoted a lot of time to charities such as the Wounded Warriors. Lanza traveled on multiple occasions to D.C. to visit veterans in military hospitals and assisted in many sponsored events for wounded warriors and their families. In addition, Lanza served as a volunteer with the Red Cross and was certified in many areas to participate in the many Red Cross activities when devastations occurred within the country.

Upon his retirement from the FDNY, Lanza, a lifetime Woodside, Queens’s resident, served as President of the Boulevard Gardens Co-Op for over 15 years. In this capacity, Lanza reached out to the local police precinct, the local community board and NYC Co-Op Board to voice concerns and initiate recommendations in order to improve his community. As the longest standing President of his co-op Lanza was instrumental to the fight to bring fair assessment of property values of co-ops in NYC. At the end of his tenure, the co-op greatly improved their financial condition and Mr. Lanza introduced many enhancements to improve safety and to improve the daily lives of his co-op’s residents.

Mr. Lanza, a lifetime member of the American Legion, serves as Commander of Post 1836, Boulevard Gardens, NY. As Commander, Lanza helped to bring recognition of the service of veterans to the community and visited many public schools especially around Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

“Jimmy” Lanza’s devotion to his community, his city and his country is beyond comparison and is commended for his lifetime efforts.

Jimmy Lanza’s contributions are in keeping with the highest tradition of service to the country; and reflect great credit upon himself, his community, his city and his country.

As an accomplished Scuba Diver; when Jimmy wasn’t helping someone he spent time enjoying his favorite hobby or just spending time at the beach.

Jimmy was also devoted to his family and leaves behind his beloved sister Marian Pennachio, Nephew Keith Pennachio (Iraci) Niece Stefanie Pennachio, Nephew Michael Pennachio (Renee) Girlfriend Ingrid Valdez, Grand Nieces Emily & Ava, Grand Nephews Brandon & Andrew and a host of friends and people whom he has helped over the years.

Visitation Services were held at Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Funeral Home 35-20 Broadway, Mass of Christian burial, took Place on Wednesday April 12, 2017 At Corpus Christi RC Church Woodside, New York. The interment followed at Long Island National Cemetery, Pinelawn New York

In lieu of flowers donations to FIREFIGHTER FAMILY ASSITANCE TRANSPORT UNIT, OR THE WOUNDED WARRIORS FOUNDATION, would be greatly appreciated.