More than 5,000 firefighters, both from New York City and New Hyde Park, lined the streets of Jericho Turnpike and Lakeville Road in New Hyde Park Saturday afternoon to mourn the death of New York City Firefighter Raymond Nakovics, of New Hyde Park.

Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen announced his death after he was rushed to St. Clare's Hospital, a few blocks away from a routine fire he was fighting on the west side of Manhattan, after complaining of chest pains.

Nakovics, 49, was a 27-year veteran of the fire department and a member of Engine Company No. 39 and received three meritorious citations for his dedication, bravery and devotion as a firefighter.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Holy Spirit Church by Father Charles Romano and New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, among others, delivered a stirring eulogy.

Raymond Nakovics, a 10 year resident of New Hyde Park is survived by his wife Susan, his son Chris, a student at Hofstra University, his daughters Jennifer, Lisa and Heather, his mother Alicia, sister Lorraine D'Angelo and brother Vincent and his wife Bianca.

The Illustrated News called the family and asked that they each give a brief description of what Nakovics meant to them and these are the loving words they wrote:

The one thing I will remember most about my husband Raymond was that no matter how late I came home from work, he would always have a joke about how I never came home on time. We would always eat a late dinner together and then talk for hours. Then, in the morning we would sit at the kitchen table for an hour having three cups of coffee each and then talk some more.

These were our two favorite times of the day. My husband was always happy, never moody and always had a story to tell. I can't imagine him not being there in the morning or evening anymore. I will miss him and love him, forever. Susan Nakovics

No one could have asked to be honored with a greater father than Raymond Nakovics. He was kind, caring and admirable. He showed me what the true meaning of father/son relationship should be. I know our precious time together has prepared me for my future and to make me into a better man and to deal with the all the events that life puts before us. I am as proud as a son can be to have had a father like my dad. Chris Nakovics

The saying goes "only the good die young." Raymond is a perfect example of that quote. Raymond was our father in every way. He didn't have to treat us as his own children. He did so because he was an extraordinary man. We all looked to him for his guidance and advice and we depended on him. He was the most decent, honorable man and we are very proud of him. This is very hard to write, because there are not enough words to express how we feel. We love him and need him and our hearts will be broken, forever. Jennifer, Lisa and Heather

Raymond has been a wonderfully supportive and loving son who added so much joy and happiness to my family's life. He was always able to make us all laugh with his quick wit and humor. I will miss him dearly. I take great comfort in the support of his many friends and co-workers. Thank you all. Alicia Nakovics.

My heart is broken and my grief immense, but I'm so very fortunate to have had this wonderful person in my life. Raymond was the most caring supportive brother anyone could ever have. He was always the first to be there during every crisis and the first to ask, "How can I help?" His sense of humor, practical jokes and story telling were limitless. I could go on for a thousand pages, but the highest tribute I could pay to my brother is that he is his father's son and I will always love him with all my heart. Farewell, my hero!

Ray taught and reinforced through his actions the meaning of commitment, honor and valor. I was truly fortunate to have had him to look up to. He was a good brother and a good son who selflessly devoted much of his time ensuring that his mother was always taken care of. We will all miss him deeply. Vincent and Bianca Nakovics.

Ray Nakovics was a man who enhanced our lives with his wisdom, honorable values, special sense of humor and comforting friendship. His passing will leave us with an impossible void to fill, but we will savor many wonderful memories. Not signed.

Directly after the services and interment, the firefighters of Engine Company No. 39 and the immediate Nakovic family and friends were all treated to a dinner catered by Umbertos given by the New Hyde Park Fire Department at its headquarters on Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park.

The rest of the New York City and New York State Firefighters went to the Sperry property where a tent had been erected and food was served before they traveled back to their various locations.