Neighbors in East Northport were devastated to hear that NYPD Highway Officer Anastasios Tsakos was killed in a hit-and-run accident on the LIE in Queens Tuesday.

Simone and Rosemarie Giacolone, who live next door to the Tsakos family, were heartbroken to learn the father of two was killed.

"Just full of life," says Rosemarie. "I mean - amazing guy. A lot of energy. He treated us like we were part of his family."

Simone says Tsakos was "getting to be like a brother to me."

MORE: Police: NYPD officer killed in hit-and-run on LIE in Queens, LI woman charged

When the couple came down with COVID-19, they say Tsakos called them every day to see how they were doing. They say he got them food and his wife even made them soup.

Neighbors say the 43-year-old had just moved to East Northport with his family about a year ago, but everyone knew him.

Everyone News 12 spoke with says he was an incredible family man.

"Unbelievable. Always outside with his children when he wasn't working," says Steven Mandera.

Cindy Cosentino lives down the street from Tsakos. Her daughter is a police officer, saying she feels the family's pain.

"I just thank God that she's OK and she comes home every day," says Cosentino. "You do worry, but it's their job and they're there to protect and serve."

Town of Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci directed that all flags on town properties be flown at half-staff to honor Tsakos.

The Elwood School District, where one of Tsakos' kids attended Harley Avenue Primary School, sent a letter to parents regarding the accident. In the letter the district says, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Tsakos' family as well as all the friends and neighbors who knew and loved him. We thank him for his service and for the ultimate sacrifice he has made in an effort to keep us all safe."