For decades, the Cutchogue Fire Department was home to ex-chief Leander B. “June” Glover, Jr., who passed away on Thursday at 89. And his extended family of firefighters, past and present, is mourning his loss.
He died at home, his family surrounding him.
“He put a lot of time in, 72 years. That probably won’t be matched by many people,” said Assistant Chief William Brewer.
Dedication to the Cutchogue Fire Department is a family legacy, deeply woven for generations. Glover’s father was a longtime member, and his sons Everett and Allan are both ex-chiefs.
Over 72 years, Glover was active in the CFD, a member of the CFD Fire Police Squad, and was Suffolk County Coordinator for Southold Town; he was also a member of the North Fork Volunteer Fireman’s Association, according to the CFD.
“He was a storyteller,” said Cutchogue Fire Chief Tony Berkoski. “He told stories about anything and everything.”
Berkoski laughed as he remembered Glover instructing him on the proper pronunciation of his last name. “He made sure I knew how to say it properly.”
Another of Glover’s passions was his collection of antique cars, including a 1905 Ford. “He’d take you on a tour of the cars in his barn, and it would be a three-hour tour,” Berkoski said, adding that Glover told stories about farming on the North Fork over the years. “He was a typical old-time Long Island farmer,” he said. “He was really nice, a guy who always helped you.”
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 3 at the Coster-Heppner Funeral Home, located at 32470 Route 25 in Cutchogue, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Firematic Service will be held on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 4 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Fire Department honors. Burial will follow at the Cutchogue Cemetery.
SoutholdLOCAL photos courtesy of Cutchogue Fire Department.
