Crime & Safety

Update: Police Identify Victim in Fatal Commack House Fire

Louis Donolli, 78, killed in fire on Deepdale Drive, according to police.

Police have identified the victim of a fatal fire that engulfed a Commack home Friday afternoon.

Louis Donolli, 78, was killed in the fire that broke out in his home on Deepdale Drive at 1:30 p.m., Suffolk County police announced. 

Donolli's son Timothy was also home at the time of the fire. According to police Timothy, 48, was with his father on the second floor of the home when he smelled smoke. Timothy went downstairs to try to extinguish the flames, but was unsuccessful, authorities said.

Find out what's happening in Commackwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He then attempted to go back to the second floor to rescue his father, but was unable due to the fire, police said.

Michael Magner, 49, of Huntington, was working nearby when he saw the fire, police said. Magner went inside the home and helped Timothy evacuate the house.

Find out what's happening in Commackwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Timothy suffered burns from the fire and was taken to Stony Brook University Medical Center, Patrick Fazio, Commack fire district commisioner told Patch. Police said his injuries are non life-threatening.

Louis was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician's assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner, police said.

The Commack Fire Department responded to the scene, along with the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps, as well as the Dix Hills, East Northport and Brentwood Fire Departments. The fire was placed under control by 4 p.m., authorities said.

The fire is being investigated by the Smithtown Fire Marshall and members of the Suffolk County Police Department Arson Squad, though police said it does not appear to be suspicious.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.