STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — John Joseph (Puggy) Polignone, 62, of Annadale, a retired city firefighter honored for his heroic efforts during the 1993 World Trade Center bombings, died Sunday at home.
The lifelong Staten Islander was born in Rosebank and graduated from New Dorp High School.
He later lived in Bay Terrace and Grasmere before settling in Annadale in 1981.
Mr. Polignone first worked as a forklift operator at the former Nassau Smelting & Refining Company in Tottenville, then became a correction officer at Rikers Island.
In the 1980s, he joined the FDNY, assigned to Engine Co. 276 in Brooklyn, and later at Engine Co. 167 in Annadale. He retired in the mid-1990s.
Mr. Polignone was honored by the FDNY for his heroic efforts during the 1993 World Trade Center bombings.
He enjoyed playing softball in various leagues throughout his childhood and adult years. He also loved all New York sports teams, especially the Yankees. Proud of his baseball card collection, he enjoyed attending baseball card shows across the country.
Surviving Mr. Polignone are his daughter, Shanna Polignone; a brother, Domenick, and four sisters, Mary Ann Polignone, Deborah Ackerman, Judy Galletta and Toni Marie Martinez.
A memorial service will be held March 22 at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Funeral Home, New Dorp. Arrangements included cremation.
