The naming of the street took some time.

"We don't have many new streets being made. It's a rare thing to get a new street as opposed to getting honorary signs," said Town of Islip Councilman Christopher Bodkin, who attended the unveiling.

Bodkin suggested the idea to the owner of the development, Paul Aniboli during the project's beginning phases. "Like all the other heroes of 9/11, he is a hero to each and every one of us and should never be forgotten," said Aniboli, whose company donated the $900 for the sign.

Though misspelled - the current sign has a lowercase 'k' and lacks an apostrophe - a corrected version will be in place within a few weeks, the time required to make a new one, Aniboli said.

Regardless, family and friends are appreciative of the gesture. "It's not every day they name a street after your brother," said Timothy O'Keefe, 48, Patrick's brother. "I want to thank the community for doing such a wonderful thing."

O'Keefe, a Lynbrook High School cross-country runner, went on to become a construction worker before joining the FDNY in his mid-20s.

The 20-year firefighting veteran was remembered by loved ones for his humor and his generosity.

"He was the easiest-going guy, the most unpretentious, and anytime he could reach out and help somebody, he would do it," said Walter Van Houten, Peter O'Keefe's brother-in-law. "He's just the kind of guy you would want to be around all the time."