Hundreds of people paid their respects on Thursday to a retired FDNY firefighter who died last week from a 9/11-related illness.

Ray Phillips passed away on Saturday after losing his battle with severe asthma, his family says. They say he contracted asthma from his time at Ground Zero while working with Rescue 3 in the Bronx.

Phillips joined the FDNY in 1977, and for 30 years was well-known for dressing up as Santa at the department's Widows and Children holiday party.

He also served as chief for the Blooming Grove Fire Department.

Phillips is the 166th FDNY member to die of sickness due to the Twin Towers wreckage.

He leaves behind his wife and their three children. His son, and namesake, is currently serving with the NYPD.