George Froehlich of Staten Island, New York, passed March 29, 2018, after a long battle with cancer that was the result of being at the WTC site. He witnessed firsthand the devastation and destruction of the WTC terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. He was on duty at the time and, while watching the news report, saw the second plane crash into the towers while at his firehouse, Engine167/Ladder 87. From that day on, firefighters from all over, including my husband, selflessly sprang into action doing whatever they could to help rescue or retrieve anyone who may have survived. Although on light duty, he spent many hours at Ground Zero helping transport firefighters and supplies to wherever they were needed.

George began his firefighting career at Ladder 242 in Brooklyn. He stayed with the company for several years before relocating to Ladder 87 in Staten Island. George was a well-liked member of both houses and was known to be quite talented when it came to carpentry, electrical, and plumbing work, helping anyone who needed work done around the firehouse or their own house. George enjoyed his role of chauffeur and was proud to be an FDNY member. His proudest moment was when his youngest son, Christopher Froehlich, was accepted into the FDNY academy. His son graduated the academy and became a member of the FDNY two weeks after George’s passing.

George was also a savvy businessman who, with the help of a partner and friend, John Duffy, opened a neighborhood tavern called “Duffy’s” in Staten Island in 1985. Because of their strong ties to the neighborhood, the business became a success and still operates to this day. While Duffy ran the front of the house, George meticulously maintained the books and business aspect of the establishment, as well as fixing and maintaining the premises.

George was a kid at heart and loved to joke with family and friends. He would always try to make people laugh with his antics. He loved the quiet times at his vacation house in Lake George, New York, and treasured time there spent boating, fishing, and tooling around the property fixing and building things.

George, the son Joan and the of the late George Froehlich, is survived by his wife, Michele Perosi-Froehlich; his children, Jacqueline Napolitano, Michael Froehlich, and Christopher Froehlich; two grandsons, Frank and Cooper; siblings, Carol Gengler and husband Charles, Joan LaMarca and husband Joseph, and John Froehlich and wife Maria; as well as several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews . He will always be remembered though his kindness, generosity and love of life.