SOUTH OZONE PARK — A retired man died last Thursday when a fire ripped though the home that he had lived in for more than four decades, neighbors said.
Arthur Custodio, 74, was killed around 8:45 a.m. as the blaze tore through the inside of his residence near 133rd Avenue and 120th Street, firefighters said. Neighbors of the former auto mechanic said they heard the fire start and tried to help save him.
“Everyone tried to get into the house, but the smoke was so strong,” said Custodio's neighbor, who refused to give his name.
A spokesman for the FDNY said the cause of the blaze was not determined as of Tuesday and the investigation was ongoing.
The neighbor said Custodio resided in the house for 46 years and lived by himself after his wife died a few years ago. He also had two adult daughters, one of whom came to the house later in the morning and broke down as she saw the remains of the fire.
Nearby residents said Custodio and his family were very friendly with the community.
“Our kids grew up with his kids,” the neighbor said.
