Captain Henry "Harry" G. Singer, Jr.
 1922 - 2010

Retired  Captain Henry G. Singer, Jr., 87, died on Thursday, April 22, 2010, in Middletown, MD. "Harry," as
he was known, was born in Cold Springs, NY, on July 28, 1922, to Henry and Cecelia Callahan Singer.  He
was a decorated World War II veteran who served with distinction in the United States Army, in the South
Pacific. He was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his valiant service. He served in the New-
ark, NJ fire department for 30 years, being appointed on March 16, 1947, and retiring in 1977. He was assi-
gned to various companies, including Truck 9 and Engines 5, 15, 18, 20 and 21, and rose to the rank of Fire
Captain. He raised his family in Vailsburg, Newark and South Orange, NJ, before retiring to North Carolina.
He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus in South Orange, NJ. Harry is survived by nine child-
ren; 25 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister.

With respect to Harry's military service, he served as a 1st Lieutenant, 81st Infantry Division, 321st Regim-
ent Combat Team. As part of III Amphibious Corps, Harry fought in the invasion of Anguar and Peleliu. On
Peleliu he was blown off a cliff by artillery fire and subsequently received the Purple Heart.

On August 12, 2010, the World War II hero was laid to rest, with full military honors for his service to his
country, in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Ten members of the NFD Pipe Band had the ho-
nor of participating at his family's request.

Retired Captain Ed McCarthy had this to say about Harry: "He was a neighbor of mine on Isabella Aven-
ue, in the Burg. He lived and breathed 20 Engine. He was a gentleman, and as I found out after I joined
the Fire Department, a hellava fireman."
Photos Provided by Tommy McGovern

This photo of Captain Singer, his youngest son, Ken, and his latest grandchild, Rebecca, was taken in July,
2007, and was supplied by Harry's son, Harry, Jr.