Louis Primavera of Hampton Bays died June 4 at his home. He was 77 years old. Mr. Primavera was born on August 12, 1936, at his family home in Freeport, the son of Dorothy Verity and Louis J. Primavera. After attending Freeport High School, Mr. Primavera enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country honorably during the Korean War. After his service, Mr. Primavera worked for the Village of Freeport as the parking meter supervisor.
He served as a volunteer member of the Freeport Fire Department for 57 years and was ex-captain and honorary chief. He was named Fireman of the Year in 1998. He remained involved all the department, especially with fundraising efforts, and was affectionately referred to by his brothers there as “Uncle Lou.”
Mr. Primavera married Arlene Squires on July 12, 1986. Together they moved to Hampton Bays to work extensively on their home and raise a family. Mr. Primavera had a passion for all things automotive and could often be found in his garage working on cars or mentoring and helping anyone who would call on him.
Many family and friends paid tribute to “Big Lou” by attending his wake. Several members of Hampton Bays American Legion Hand-Aldrich Post #924, as well as Auxiliary members, presented him with symbolic poppies, and the Hampton Bays and Freeport Fire Departments acknowledged his long and dedicated service at the evening wake. His last ride was on a Freeport Fire Department truck carrying his casket to St. Mary’s Church. Passing the Hampton Bays Fire Department substation en route, Mr. Primavera and his family were honored by a Hampton Bays ladder truck flying the Stars and Stripes over the procession. Firefighters from Hampton Bays stood at solemn attention as the truck passed by.
Mr. Primavera is survived by his wife, Arlene; five children, Louis J. Primavera, Jeanette Bermudez, and Vincent, Carlo and Dorothea Primavera; four grandchildren; and siblings, Anne Primavera, Carmella Watson and Thomas Primavera. He was predeceased by an infant son, Pasquale; and his brother Anthony.
A funeral service, led by Brother Dunston of the Little Portion Friary, was held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Hampton Bays on June 9, where Mr. Primavera’s ashes will be privately interred at the Garden of Remembrance.
Survivors said Mr. Primavera will be remembered by his family and friends for his generous spirit, the twinkle in his eye and his spectacular mustache.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the R.J. O’Shea Funeral Home in Hampton Bays.
Memorial contributions may be made to Engine Company 1, Freeport Fire Department, 15 Broadway, P.O. Box 777, Freeport, NY 11520.
on Jun 30, 2014