Deputy Fire Chief William Delanoy Laid to Rest

A stirring ceremony, string of emotional eulogies and mix of tradition hymns and Frank Sinatra ballads Monday morning headlined the somber send-off of a beloved White Plains firefighter.

Deputy Chief William Delanoy, 58, died unexpectedly of a heart attack last Wednesday, leaving behind his wife and high school sweetheart Joanne, father Joe, and three sons, Christopher, Gregory and Paul.

Delanoy was a 35-year veteran of the department, as is his father. His son, Christopher, is currently a White Plains firefighter.

Fire vehicles and civilian cars lined the block of South Lexington Avenue cordoned off for Delanoy's funeral Monday, and speakers outside of Mount Carmel Church boomed tributes read by family members, friends and fire department colleagues.

"We will never forget you or the legacy you left us," said David Chong, White Plains' commissioner of public safety and a long-time friend of Delanoy. "That's our Billy, the man, the legend, the friend, the angel and a true son of the City of White Plains."

Chong said Delanoy's number, 2, will be retired by the department.

A legion of firefighters in pressed dress blues stood solemly at attention Monday morning, and department heads took time to thank the packed pews—and city—for paying respects. City restaurants pitched in food, city cleaners opened their doors to press flags and uniforms, and the DPW tackled snow-covered South Lexington to honor Delanoy aid his grieving family, officials said.