Louis J. Amabili, Sr.

Louis J. Amabili, Sr., 88, of Hockessin, DE passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2017.  Born in Hockessin on August 8, 1929, he was the son of the late Corrado and Elisa Amabili.

Lou was a graduate of Conrad High School and the University of Delaware.  He dedicated his life to fire service, having joined the Hockessin Fire Company in 1947 and worked through the ranks to become Chief Engineer, 1st and 2nd Assistant Chief, along with Vice President, President, President Emeritus and a Director for the past 30 years.  Lou was appointed the first Director of the Delaware State Fire School in 1964 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1996.  Upon his retirement, Lou was honored by having the school renamed the “Louis J. Amabili Fire Training Center”.  In addition, Lou gained national recognition in fire service when, in 1970, he was appointed by President Nixon to serve on the National Commission for Fire Prevention and Control.  The Commission produced the landmark report, “American Burning”.  In addition, Lou was actively involved with several other fire service entities; he served as President of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors from 1973-1980, was a charter member of the National Fire Academy Board of Visitors from 1978-1986, served on the NFPA Board of Directors from 1980-1986, and was chairman of the Fire Department Instructors Conference in 1979 and 1980.  Since 1994, Lou was a proud member of the Congressional Fire Services Institute Board of Directors.  His many decades of service and contributions to fire service will preserve his legacy.

His wife of 59 years, Carmella (Cioti) Amabili, passed away on August 12, 2007.

Lou is survived by his daughter, Janice Amabili of Burlington, NJ; his son, Louis J. Amabili Jr. and wife, Bridget; his grandson, Louis J. Amabili III and wife, Lacie; and his great grandchildren, Lyza and Silas.  He was predeceased by his sister, Detta Amabili.

Calling hours will be held at the Hockessin Memorial Hall, 610 Yorklyn Road, Hockessin on Thursday, October 5 from 4:00-7:00PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin on Friday, October 6 at 11:00AM.  Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lou may be made to Hockessin Volunteer Fire Company, 1225 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707.

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