Thomas Indiano remembered for his eagerness to help others
By Kenneth C. Crowe II
The Times Union (Albany, New York)
Copyright 2006 The Hearst Corporation
All Rights Reserved
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Firefighter Thomas Indiano, who was known for his friendliness and eagerness to help others, died Tuesday at Saratoga Hospital from injuries he suffered in an August motorcycle accident.
Indiano, 51, of Ballston Spa, joined the Saratoga Springs Fire Department in 1989. He was a firefighter and emergency medical technician-intermediate.
“Tom was always upbeat and happy,” Lt. Fred Whipple, president of Saratoga Springs Professional Firefighters Local 343, said Thursday.
“He was a guy who would help you do anything,” Whipple said.
Indiano volunteered at the World Trade Center site in New York City following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Last year, he spent a month in Louisiana assisting in the recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
Indiano was known for his cooking and for his enthusiasm for riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Indiano was out on his motorcycle on Aug. 26 for a day riding in the countryside. He was headed west on county Route 68 at about 8 p.m. in the town of Saratoga when he missed a stop sign at county Route 67. The bike struck a guard rail and Indiano was thrown, landing between two vehicles.
Indiano was taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital for his initial treatment. He was later transferred to Saratoga Hospital.
The firefighters union will still hold a benefit motorcycle ride planned for Saturday to assist Indiano. The proceeds will go to his two children, Matthew and Nicki Indiano, Whipple said.
The 60-mile ride through Saratoga County begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday from the city’s Lake Avenue Fire House. The cost for the ride is $25. Those wishing to attend the luncheon only after the ride will pay $10. It will be held at the American Legion Post No. 70 on West Avenue.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church.