We are saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Steven J. Jendricks, Class of 1956, age 88, in fire at his home in Oakdale on Wednesday morning, October 8, 2025.  Stephen was born October 19, 1936.

The Long Island News 12’s reporter Keith Vese’s October 8th article stated in part; 

Oakdale community mourns 88-year-old man killed in house fire

The blaze broke out around 5:40 a.m. Wednesday at his home on Waterford Road, leaving behind a charred structure.

An early morning house fire in Oakdale claimed the life of an 88-year-old man, who was identified by police as Stephan Jendricks.  The blaze broke out around 5:40 a.m. Wednesday at his home on Waterford Road, leaving behind a charred structure.

Fire officials say the home was already engulfed in flames by the time crews arrived on scene.  Despite efforts to enter the house and rescue Jendricks, the fire proved too intense.

“We made entry to the side of the house, made it down the hallway, but due to the fire load, we had to push our way out,” West Sayville Fire Chief Patrick D’Onofrio said. “We weren’t able to grab the victim, unfortunately.”

Jendricks, a beloved figure in the neighborhood, was known for his love of the outdoors.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Steven’s family, friends, and classmates during this tragic time.

On Facebook, The Long Island Decoy Collectors Association posted;

We deeply regret to inform the decoy waterfowl collecting community of the passing of Mr. Steven Hendricks who passed within his home due to an unfortunate house fire at the age of 88. Member of The South Shore Waterfowlers Assoc. Steve was an avid decoy collector & outdoorsman with a passion for waterfowling. Our thoughts & prayers are with the family at this time.

Further information will be shared as it becomes available.