Al McMoore, War Veteran and Longtime Greenport Fireman, Dies at 58; Fundraisers Planned for Family

Al McMoore, a Vietnam War veteran and a longtime member of the , died last Wednesday at the age of 58.

McMoore served as the captain of the Phenix Hook and Ladder Company #1 for the fire department and also worked for the . Previously, he served as the captain of the department's rescue squad, he was a member of the department's EMT critcal care unit, and he received the department's 2001 EMS of the year award.

He died last week after a battle with liver disease and was too sick to attend what would gave been his last Washington's Birthday parade last Saturday, said Greenport Fire Department Chief Kenny White.

"He said he'd be there, no matter if he was connected to a breathing machine or not," he said. "But he couldn't make it."

Chief White described McMoore as a “big teddy bear,” always willing to help and be involved in the department and the community.

“He was in and out of here every day,” White said. “He had his rough mannerisms but he really was a big teddy bear.”

McMoore is survived by his wife, Sarah Haynes; his children, Nakei, Alphonso Jr., Dawnella, Cherise, Nakja, Michelle, Maki, Michael, and Melissa; his mother Dorothy Allen; his sisters Marcella McMoore, Diane McMoore, and Patricia Lee; and his brothers Kenneth and Leon.

Family members will receive friends this Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at the , 735 First Street in the Village of Greenport where firematic services will be conducted at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be offered at 11:00 a.m. at the Jefferson Temple Church of God in Christ in Cutchogue. Burial with military honors will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

The family has suggested memorial donations to the Greenport Fire Department Al McMoore Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 58, Greenport, NY 11944. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Members of the fire department have a firefighter's boot on display at the firehouse on Third Street in the village meant to collect funds to help offset the cost of his medical expenses for his family. A spaghetti dinner is also planned for March 12 to help raise money.