A funeral was held Monday morning for another Long Island hero. Retired FDNY Capt. Michael Lyons died last week from a 9/11 related cancer.

This past weekend, family, friends and firefighters paid their respects to the 53-year-old Dix Hills resident. Capt. Lyons spent more than 20 years with the FDNY earning numerous honors for his heroism. On 9/11, he was one of a handful of firefighters who dug a victim from the rubble alive.

FDNY Capt. James Leach says Lyons rescued Pasquale Buzzelli, who was then able to come home to his pregnant wife.

"He was bigger than life," Leach says. "I know people say that all the time--I know I'll never meet a man as big as him."

Friends say even while he was very sick with stage four cancer, he still worked to help others suffering with advice and comfort.

Assistant FDNY Chief Michael Gala Jr. says Lyons was given last rights four years ago and continued to battle.

His two children and wife were given his helmet.

Lyons' funeral was held Monday at St. Elizabeth's Church in Melville.