Peter Zuckas, 81, Identified as Locust Valley House Fire Victim

Peter Zuckas, 81, has been identified as the victim of a fatal house fire that occurred on Friday in Locust Valley, say police. 

Zuckas had just returned from lunch with his brother-in-law and was reportedly forced onto his back porch by the fast-moving fire where he became trapped, according to News 12. He was a retired Nassau County police officer. 

The fire occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Second Avenue and 12th Street. Glen Cove EMS and Glen Cove Fire Department assisted the Locust Valley Fire Department at the scene. Pictures of the departments battling the blaze are available from photographer Mark Bellew at AllHandsFirePhotos.com. 

The family will receive friends Tuesday 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. at McLaughlin Kramer Megiel Funeral Home, 220 Glen Street, Glen Cove. A funeral mass will be held at the Church of St. Hyacinth Wednesday at 9:30 am. Zuckas will be buried in Locust Valley Cemetery.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.