John Kevin “Jack” Gremse was the oldest son of Jack and Eileen, brother to seven siblings, proud father, stepfather, and grandfather. His brothers and sisters have shared that they learned from his quiet example some important virtues—selflessness, sacrifice, and patience—for which they were eternally grateful.

He married his soulmate, Kathy, in 1993, and together they built a bond only broken by his death. He and his wife were promoters of large family gatherings, and they chose their house wisely, a few steps from the beach, where many good times were had.

Jack was a proud alumnus of Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, New York. It is said that one is lucky to have one dear friend from high school the year after graduation, but Jack was blessed because he had dozens. Jack and Kathy began hosting high school reunions at their beach house in 1992, and Kathy has continued the tradition. Jack cherished his relationship and experiences with his friends, calling them “classmates for life,” and he was not wrong, as they continue to support his wife to this day.

Jack joined the ranks of the FDNY in 1978 and began his career in Brooklyn. He eventually worked his way to Ladder 126 in Queens, calling it home for over ten years. Throughout his tenure with the FDNY, Jack earned many citations for bravery and heroism but was never boastful about them, saying, “I was just doing my job.”

After 20 years as a firefighter, Jack took the lieutenant’s test and, as those results were pending, he joined many fellow firefighters in response to Manhattan Box 5-5-8087 on 9/11/01. A heart-wrenching promotion took place five days later, as the city and country were in mourning. Jack, alongside others, took on the onerous task of what was hoped to be a rescue mission, but sadly turned into a recovery mission. Jack vowed to serve proudly as a lieutenant out of respect for those who lost their lives that fateful day.

He eventually got a spot at Engine 302/Ladder 155 in Jamaica, serving with great honor until 2008, when he was forced into early retirement due to his 9/11-related illness. Sadly, Lt. Gremse lost his battle on September 16, 2014. His sacrifice is recognized across the country at many memorials. At home, Kathy and his classmates began a high school scholarship called “The Lt. John K. Gremse Graduation Assistance Fund,” and his classmates had the Freshman Boys 55M Dash renamed, at an event known as the Stanner Games, to honor Jack as one of Molloy’s greatest sprint groups during his high school years.

His courageous actions will be imprinted on our hearts forever.