Charles J. Wassil Jr. (1960-2013)

Charles J. Wassil Jr., 52, of White Plains and formerly of Putnam Valley, died May 1, 2013.

He was a detective with the City of Peekskill Police Department and a first responder at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, according to Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, which is handling his funeral arrangements and published his obituary.

Wassil developed neurosarcoidosis after working as a first responder at the World Trade Center after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He became an advocate for health care coverage for first responders who were sickened by working at Ground Zero.

Before working for the City of Peekskill, he was an officer at the 44th Precinct in the Bronx from 1986 to 1990.

He was born May 25, 1960, in Peekskill to parents Charles and Virginia Guzi Wassil Sr. He attended Hendrick Hudson High School, graduating in 1977. Wassil served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1977 to 1983. On May 11, 2012, he married Angela Vigorito in White Plains. He was a licensed pilot, a member of the Peekskill PBA and the "Wild Pigs" Police Motorcycle Club.

Survivors include his wife, Angela Wassil of White Plains; a sister, Judy Ryan of Mount Pocono, Pa.; and a niece, Laura Rutkoski of Maryland.

Visiting hours are 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Friday, May 3, at the Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington St., in Peekskill. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at St. Columbanus Church, 122 Oregon Rd., in Cortlandt Manor. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Cortlandt Manor.