Carman N. Esposito, 85

Carman N. Esposito died on Sept. 30. Born on Feb. 17, 1925 to Aniello and Vittoria, he was a lifelong resident of Rockville Centre.

During WW II he served in the Navy with the 113th Seabees and was very proud to be one of the Forgotten 55. In an undated story about the Forgotten 55 that was published in “Seabee,” Y2C Edwin S. Hein wrote, “The mailman never seems to catch up with this detachment of Seabees who roam the Pacific building bases for PT boats and nursing the famed sea wasps through trying times. They were 55 men — dock builders, carpenters, riggers, electricians, crane operators, powder men, divers, welders and so forth.” The article continued, “The instant we hit a beach, every man knows his position. There is no fumbling, no lost motion. They are the best damn team in the Pacific — and it’s all because the men are smart, tough, willing and proud.”

Carman felt a strong connection to his fellow Seabee veterans and was serving his second term as president of the 113th USNR Seabee veterans’ organization.

Esposito used the skills he learned as a Seabee in his lifelong career as a carpenter, builder and contractor. He loved working with his hands and was always the first one family and friends turned to when they had a project.

In 1950 he became a volunteer with the Rockville Centre Fire Department’s Live Oak Company, Engine No. 1, and served for more than 60 years as an officer and trustee. When he reached his 50th anniversary, he was made an honorary Chief. The department held a Firematic service at Macken Mortuary and gave him full Chief honors at the funeral Mass that was held at St. Agnes Cathedral.

On Sept. 4, 1949 he married Angelina (nee Casella) and they had three children, Vicki (Michael) Babcock, Rose Marie and Thomas. Angelina died on Nov 1, 1962.

He and Mary (nee Corso) wed on Nov. 7, 1970 and they were happily married for nearly 40 years.

Esposito was the adored grandfather of Dianna (Sean) O’Neill, Jennifer and Joseph Esposito and great grandfather of Garett and Regan, the dear brother of Arthur (Rose), Raymond (Eileen) and the late Frank and brother-in-law of Antonio (Ruth) Corso. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Interment with military honors was at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury on Oct. 4.