Samuel Oitice, 45, of Peekskill lost his life Sept. 11 at the World Trade Center disaster while working with Ladder 4, FDNY. He was the husband of Jean Oitice and devoted father of his two children, John and Jessica. He was the beloved son of Eleanor and Julian Oitice and brother of Joseph, and is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was a graduate of Assumption School in 1970, and of Peekskill High School in 1974.
He was a patrolman with the City of Peekskill Police Department from 1979 to 1983. He then joined the New York City Fire Department in 1983 where he was stationed at Engine 94 in the Bronx.He also served for over 25 years as a volunteer with the City of Peekskill Fire Patrol. He helped establish a high angle rescue team with children ranging in age from 4 to 18. He then formed the Hudson Valley Dragons, a travel roller hockey league, with five teams of different age groups. The team traveled throughout the northeast and participated in several tournaments. He was an avid New York Ranger and Yankee fan, and loved to watch his children play sports.
Published in the The Journal News on Oct. 30, 2001