Just heard of the passing of an FDNY legend - Frankie Buckles. Frank McCue.
Even though some members were not aware - Frankie was in fact a member of the FDNY. Serving with Marine 5 and retiring around 1976. I am not totally sure, and I will update when I get all the info, but I believe he came on the job around 1950.
He also served in the USMC and spent time in the South China Sea. He spent time on several Navy ships - observing atom bomb testing in the Pacific, in the post World War II era.
At one time, Frankie was known to everyone, in every firehouse, in the entire city. He would sell "dupe" badges and other paraphernalia to the members. But most important to him, he loved visiting all of the firemen in all the firehouses in the city.
Frankie lived on the Grand Concourse & E. 167th Street throughout and after the War Years - before moving to Roscoe, NY to live with his nephew, where he passed away.
I will update with wake information and anything else I get when it becomes available.
I believe the wake will be in Coney Island, but that is tentative at this time.
RIP
Even though some members were not aware - Frankie was in fact a member of the FDNY. Serving with Marine 5 and retiring around 1976. I am not totally sure, and I will update when I get all the info, but I believe he came on the job around 1950.
He also served in the USMC and spent time in the South China Sea. He spent time on several Navy ships - observing atom bomb testing in the Pacific, in the post World War II era.
At one time, Frankie was known to everyone, in every firehouse, in the entire city. He would sell "dupe" badges and other paraphernalia to the members. But most important to him, he loved visiting all of the firemen in all the firehouses in the city.
Frankie lived on the Grand Concourse & E. 167th Street throughout and after the War Years - before moving to Roscoe, NY to live with his nephew, where he passed away.
I will update with wake information and anything else I get when it becomes available.
I believe the wake will be in Coney Island, but that is tentative at this time.
RIP