Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Francis Esposito
Francis Esposito
Obituary
Guest Book
Francis Esposito Obituary
Francis Esposito was a rookie firefighter with a passion for playing pool with his brothers and father, taking his boat out for a spin and riding his meticulously-kept midnight-blue Harley-Davidson with the fringe and saddlebags, said his cousin Catherine McKeever.
Before joining the Fire Department, he was a taper, putting up wallboard, and excelled at that job, she said.
Firefighter Esposito, 32, of Tottenville, Staten Island, went by Frankie, and his older brother decided to name his first child that. It didn't matter that his first child was a girl. "She loves it," said Ms. McKeever, who knows young Frankie idolized her uncle. "She loved him so much. The name just fits her," she said.
She remembers family gatherings when she and her cousins were younger. "Frankie would be like a little rascal, always in the midst of trouble with his brothers," said Ms. McKeever, who lost another cousin, Lt. Michael Esposito, at the trade center. "Wherever there was trouble, they were there." She remembers them throwing clothes out the window, and throwing their little brother down the laundry chute.
"They grew up, but they never changed," she said. "They were too much; they were all comedians."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mark Smith
April 18, 2023
I just bought the book, "In The Line of Duty". While reading through the names of those who lost their lives on 9/11, I came across Francis Esposito´s name.
My Mother´s parents were Esposito, so the name carries a lot of weight with me as it is part of my Italian heritage. All my prayers and love to your family, Michael Esposito´s family, but also to all of the policemen & firemen who sacrificed their lives "In The Line of Duty."
Mark Smith
Cindy Roe
September 11, 2021
Remembering Francis on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
September 11, 2011
RIP on this 10 anniversary
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
February 18, 2011
Hi Francis, although we never met I know you must have been a brave and courageous person. We were related in one way or another. I am proud to say you are my relative!
sammy
February 15, 2011
hello francis never met you wish i had. r i p sweetheart
September 7, 2009
My name is William Emil Russo son of William Russo and Anna Russo. My grandfather was Antonio Russo and Grandmother was Emilia Russo. I believe that my Grandfather and an Esposito family in Budd Lake NJ are related. Maybe you know more. Bill Russo 347 952 2008
Doug Abraham
July 19, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
EDWARD VOMERO
February 11, 2008
RICHIE
GOOD JOB ON THIS MEMORIAL SITE FOR FRANKIE
DAD
Jerry brigante
September 23, 2007
Hey Frankie,
I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you always.
love, cousin Jerry
RICHARD VOMERO
June 18, 2007
I LOVE YOU CUZ
Kristine
October 25, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
October 3, 2006
In memory....
Evelyn B
September 18, 2006
Thank you Francis for your courage and bravery. You made the ultimate sacrifice so that others could live. We will never forget.
Carl Zitofsky
September 11, 2006
Hi Frankie,
I am a better person for knowing you and will always miss you. I am proud to be honoring your memory with a pin from your tower / ladder company. May your soul always rest in peace. You are a true hero.
Anne' Marie Vomero
September 11, 2006
Richard is so proud to wear his "Uncle Frank's badge" to school today...for my young son, you are his real-life hero...We are SO proud of you...But we would give anything for him not to have to wear that badge in your memory...We really miss you and love you...Anne' Marie & Richard
Nate
September 10, 2006
Francis,
It has been five years since the attacks and may we never forget.
I am commenting to say that about a week after the attacks, my grandmother purchased me a mercy band bracelet. On it read, Francis Esposito...I had to get it out to you. I thank you for your courage. I know you are in a better place now, but if you ever get this I thank you, and may god bless.
James Johnson
September 11, 2005
God Bless You...
Chuck Smith
March 27, 2004
I am honored to wear the mercyband that carries your name. I had an opportunity to visit Ground Zero on March 18, 2004 where my wife & I prayed for your namesake neice and your surviving family. I cannot express how powerful the sense of loss that overcame me during my visit to this site of the September 11th tragedy. I am grateful for your sacrifice and long for the day that we meet again in God's Kingdom of Glory.
With Highest Regard,
Chuck Smith
Debra Stoecker (nee: Vomero)
February 7, 2003
Dear Frankie,
It's me, your cousin Debbie from MD. I feel privaledged to be able to put my feelings into words to you and think about you all the time in so many different lights.
I think about our growing up years and the closeness we shared. All the fun we had at grandma and grandpa's house in Forked River, the trips to Great Adventure when we were small, the Christmas Eve's we'd spend at your house and the Thanksgiving holidays we spent at mine. We would play and hug (and sometimes fist fight). We were definitely close. There are too many good memories to recount but you were a great cousin to me, and I just want to tell you that. Even though I hadn't seen you in a while, since my wedding in '96, I knew the day would come when you would show up at my doorstep again. I know you liked Baltimore and we had a lot of fun when you and Dawn came down, we went to the Inner Harbor and hung out. I had a great time when we went to Manhattan to see you DJ at the club.
I know you loved and respected my dad and my mom, I remember how sad you were when your Uncle Richie passed away in 1990. After he died, you still kept in touch and it meant so much to us, especially your Aunt Marie, she misses you, her godchild, very much. I can still remember so vividly, you came down to MD and took all of us all out to dinner? That was the type of person you were, so thoughtful and caring. You made that effort to stay in contact and had not forgotten the closeness we shared as a family.
You were like a brother I never had, actually I wanted to marry you when I was a little girl but you were my first cousin so I just accepted it and moved on. You, and your brothers, were the closest thing to being my brothers and my daddy's flesh and blood sons. He adored all of you and if he could have seen what a great man you grew up to be, he would have bragged about you to everyone he knew.
When little Richie called me and told me you were missing at the WTC, I cried so hard and I prayed. Now that you are gone, I want you to know that I can still see you so clearly in my mind, your spirit is so strong. I have faith that I will see you again and that you are watching over your entire family. The only comfort is knowing you are with God now. You were doing what you had always done that day, just magnified 1 million times. You were caring and helping others. There are no words to express the admiration and gratitude I and so many, all over the world have for you. You had unimaginable courage the day you left this world.
Your beautiful face and charming smile, your witty and caring personality and your extension of bravery and courage will never be forgotten.
I will miss you forever,
Love,
Cousin Debbie
Kim D'Orazio-Finazzo
December 24, 2002
Hi Frank
I just wanted to with you and you family a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Kim D'Orazio-Finazzo
October 22, 2002
Three hundred and forty three in all
The strongest and bravest
answered the call.
On September 11th
They were given a test
To do the job...they do best.
There was only one question
to answer that day.
"What is the price....
You're willing to pay?"
One by one their answer,they called.
"I'll give my life...
I'll give my all."
"You answered correctly
You passed the test.
Now enter heaven
and take your rest."
Heaven's new Fire Department
has THE VERY BEST!"
On September 11th 2001
Three hundred and forty three in all
The strongest and bravest
answered the call.
(this is to honor 343 of the bravest and best.)
A friends mom wrote this on her sons Legacy.com page. I thought this was a very nice thing she wrote. I am sharing it with you.
God Bless your family. You are all in my prayers
Bill and Jeanne Cramer
September 25, 2002
To Frank:
Thank you God for the life of Frank Esposito. He died a hero trying to get others to safety and, therefore, making the world safer for all. He gave his life for us as you did many years ago on the cross and "There but for the Grace of God go I".
And to Dawn:
O God, our refuge and our strength, and a very present help in times of trouble, how much I need your strength and presence in my life right now. I feel weak, depressed, anxious, even frightened. I need help to face these hours and days.
So I claim your promises that I will not be given any more to bear than I can handle, that your strength will be sufficient, and that my despair will give way to your peace that passes all understanding.
Dawn, we love you and please know that we are here for you and that you are constantly in our prayers
Liz Minters
September 19, 2002
I just want you to know that I carry you close to me always, around my wrist. I was born and raised in Greenwich Village and know the acts of courage you guys display daily. I will NEVER allow any of you to be forgotten out here in California and I am really honored to have your name on this bracelet. Godspeed..
Dena Casey
September 16, 2002
Thank you for your sacrifice. You are a tribute to your family, who I
know miss you deeply. That fateful day we learned a hero is much, much more than a movie star, rock star or sports star can ever hope to be.
Marilyn Pennington
September 15, 2002
My daughter-in-law and precious grandson are cousins to Francis Esposito. Listening to AnneMarie speak of you, it seems like I almost know you. We can never fathom the horror you went through and the courage and bravery you and all the others showed on that fateful day last year. We are so proud of all of you and our hearts and love go out to your family members. We hold you all in our prayers.
Trudy McGinty
September 12, 2002
To Frank
My husband John went to Probie school with you. He has so many fond memories of you and the laughs you shared during those months of training. He thinks of you often and always with a smile on his face. I know he misses you very much and he prays for you and your family. Thank you for being a friend to John. I know, as does he, that you are an Angel in Heaven watching over him and all of the members of the FDNY.
May God Bless You.
Patricia ESPOSITO-Wofford
September 11, 2002
Thank-You
Patricia,David&Gregory Esposito
Kim Stein
September 11, 2002
My name is Kim and i live in tampa florida and go to Sickles High School. Today all of the students at my school recieved ribbons with the name of everyone who passed on 9/11. My ribbon had Francis Esposito on it. The whole day i was thinking how i was carrying a whole persons life just pinned on my shirt. I wanted to do something, to write his family an email or a letter. This is the closest i can come to that because i cant find any addresses. I dont know Francis at all, but i am so proud of him. He died while saving people. He didnt have to do it, but he did. That takes so much courage. To Francis' family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss, Im sure he was a great man. If you ever want someone to talk to, Im here. September 11th was so uncomprehendable to me...but now its finally sinking in on the one year anniversary. So many people lost their lives, and it effected so many more lives. More people died than the number of students in my school...its just so sad. I love you all and you will be kept in my prayers. God Bless you! My email is [email protected]
Anne Gonzalez
September 9, 2002
No words can express how I felt the day I called you Dawn and found out about Frankie. I am so sorry for your loss. It's so hard especially with the anniversary of 9/11 coming so soon. I can't stop laughing though when I think about the spaghetti and garlic under the bathroom door that night at Jessica's house or the napkins on our heads at Kim and Artie's wedding. We did have some really fun times together and we still will have many good times. Love ya :)
Anne Marie Vomero - Pennington
September 8, 2002
Dear Frankie,
I cannot begin to put into words how proud I am of you. As your oldest cousin (on the Vomero side), I have watched you grow up from a silly, funloving little kid to a hero adult doing what he loved to do best. As much as we all miss you and want you back, it is comforting to remember how many fun times growing up together that we had! I thank God that I had a chance to know you and see what awesome things you got to do with the time that God gave you with us. You got to see a lot of your dreams come true - something a lot of folks don't get, even in a longer life that you were given. Although I am many, many miles away from the rest of my family, my heart is still with ya'll...especially your mom. As a mom myself, I cannot imagine the pain she endures every day. I am praying for the family every day. My son, Richie, has bragged to all of his friends about his "Uncle Frank" the hero. He and I have created several pages in his scrapbook dedicated to you and 9-11. Some of the NYC firefighters have come down here thanking us for all of the shoeboxes of care that we sent to the rescue workers -dedicated in your name so now he has another special friend, Capt. Rosie, who is a hero firefighter who did rescue work in 9-11. (He flies down every so often to help us with memorials and such.) Even in this small West Texas town, the pain is felt. Thank you, Frankie, for the supreme sacrifice that you made...willingly...with dedication and honor. Your family is very proud of you and misses you terribly, but we know you are in heaven with our Savior (and my daddy and other family members). I love you...Anne Marie
Janet Schubert
September 8, 2002
Dear Frankie & Family,
The year anniversary is approahing. It will be a sad day in America and the world.
You will be remembered by millions who never knew you or met you.
In Vero Beach our city is having a memeorial service, at which I will say a prayer for your loved ones who will be grieving that day.
You are in my daughter Kristin & Rob's wedding vidio singing New York,New York, You will always be a part of our memeory of that "Happy Day".
Gailand Henard
September 8, 2002
Francis
I didn't know you. I got your name at church. I say a prayer for you and your family every morning and every night. God bless you and your family and THANK YOU!
Gailand Henard
AL FALLICK
July 29, 2002
HEY FRANKIE, BEEP,BEEP,...........YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS RIGHT, IT MEANS I MISS RIDEING WITH YOU, I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN ONE DAY MY FRIEND. OFF THE ROAD AL
KAE
July 17, 2002
Dear Frankie:
I hadn't seen you often over the past few years, but when I did it was like a day didn't pass. We grew up together with the whole gang. Dom, Joey, John, Mun, Steven, Sal, Big Joe, Fred, Mike, Christine, Mad, Kelly, myself and of course Kevin. Sorry if I forgot someone. Hopefully you and Kevin are having some good times, oh and also with Kathy. I will hold all memories in my mind. The bond of friendship between all of us will always be there. Your missed. I am very saddened by your loss. My thoughts are with you, your family and your wife.
Meghan Ponczek
May 26, 2002
Dear Frankie,
I hear so many wonderful stories about you from Richie and Rebecca and your family. I know that I have only met you on few occasions, but I remember you as being a kind, thoughtful and a hysterically funny guy. You and your family are in my thoughts everyday. You are deeply missed.
FF Roger Welch Sr.
May 13, 2002
Francis, I didn't know you, but I purchased a bracelet with your name and company on it. I will keep you and your families in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you!
john marino
April 25, 2002
I JUST WANTED TO SAY SORRY TO THE FAMILY ME AND MY SISTER MARISSA HAVE KNOW YOU AND YOUR BROTHERS AND YOUR SISTER ALONG TIME I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY VISTING YOUR GRANDFATHER ON MY BLOCK, MAY THE LORD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL..YOU WILL BE MISSED
Angie Campbell
April 25, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Richard Vomero
April 24, 2002
Frankie,
There is soo much i want to say to you right now that i can't.You were like a older brother to me since i was 13 and now your gone. I know deep in my heart that you are watching over me and daddy from heaven and that you'll always be here for me because thats what cousins are for watching each others backs.The funeral was a true exibit to the person you were,A HERO.i wil always keep you someplace they can never take you from..my heart..always remembered never forgotten..true heros are born not made..and you are one of those heros ,frank.even though i never told you this,i look up to you still to this day you were like the brother i never had and i love you just the same..hey frank remember the time i threw the house party and you kicked everyone out..the wedding..my first bachler party ..i still remember going on my first taping job with you to that old ladies house....every christmass was a riot with you and dom..now things are diffrent with out you.you had to see the responses from people all across the country when i posted that letter i wrote to you the night daddy told me you were missing, its amazing how many people wrote to me about you,my cousin,it never crossed my mind that you would be one of the f.fighters missing i always thought you were invincible ever since i was a kid, but like they say the good die young,and its the truth. for the first time in my life frank i cried for weeks thinking about my older cousin who i looked up to grewing up.i still cant come to grips that your gone but thats life and people come and go but its the true people in your life that leave a impression and frankie believe me you left a huge impression in my life. i have a new found respect for the firefighters out there saving complete strangers lives. everytime i pass a firehouse i think of you and catch myself about to cry. theres not much more to say frank everything else is locked inside my head,,my cousin frankie died for his job as a nyc firefighter showing what i always knew. he was and still is a true hero. i love you cuz..
Lil Richie
Terri Napolitano
March 14, 2002
Dear Frank, You were one of my probies at CFR. You were so nice and very friendly and you made me laugh a lot! The fun I had teaching you and the guys patient assessment!!!!!! I was looking forward to you coming back for refresher. Now I will look forward to seeing you in heaven. You are an Angel now. Wow! How cool that must be. I bet you're making all the Angels happy. I will miss you greatly. I have a picture of you hanging up in my office of our "group". I look at it everyday and think of you fondly. You are with so many of my friends who also became an Angel on September, 11th. I'll pray for your family and wish them well. Save a spot for me up there will you? You will be in my heart forever. Terri Napolitano, FDNY/EMS Instructor.
Suzanne Cecil
March 13, 2002
Dear Francis,
I wear a bracelet bearing your name. Wearing it to honor your life
and remember daily how brief it can be. Our son, Charlie, is 32 years old. From this day forward, when he celebrates a birthday, you will be in my heart. God bless and keep you and may He watch over your loved ones. With a grateful heart, I thank you. With love and respect, Suzanne Cecil, Rohnert Park, CA
Adriana Esposito
March 11, 2002
Frankie,
I just wanted to tell you how much everyone misses you and loves you. I kno your watching over us with uncle Micheal you are a geart hero
love your cusin,
Adriana
March 4, 2002
i will always remember you with the DA and the giant turquoise caddy
how after joining the FD you became quieter, and how you seemed different, suddenly an adult.
bless you, and know you were and are loved
Judy Beebe
March 4, 2002
My thoughts and prayers are with your family, Frank. My dearest friend is Dawn's cousin Cindy. I feel that I know the family well.
Anonymous
January 15, 2002
DEAR LORD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS
WONDERFUL MAN AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS.GOD
BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL FIREMEN.MAY
WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..AMEN
Maria Williams
January 9, 2002
Frank,
How could anyone have known that only 4 days after doing some home renovations in my basement you would be gone. It's very strange knowing that you were the Fireman hired to do work in my home.
We did not know you well, but we have heard stories of you from Charlie Bjournes.
We pray that you may rest in peace and we pray for you family.
God Bless You.
Teresa Jahn
January 3, 2002
We thank Francis for dedicating his life to helping and saving others as a firefighter. Such a dedication comes with a brave, warm and caring heart filled with compassion for his fellow man. May Francis's courage, life and love continue living in those who love him and in those who have been touched by his life. We are extremely sorry for our nations great loss of Francis. Our hearts cry deeply with you in America's loss of a hero.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Lauren Esposito
January 2, 2002
Frankie,
I just wanted to tell you that you will be missed very much. I know that you and Uncle Mike are with eachother watching down on the whole family. This family will never be the same with out you guys. Love you and Miss you
Your Cousin,
Lauren
J Cherbonneau
December 25, 2001
Dear Francis,
On this Christmas Day I want you and your loved ones to know you have not been forgotten! I truly believe you are now an Angel in Heaven and are one of the brightest stars that shine in the darkest of night! God Bless you, Francis and may you rest in Peace!
Diane Dangelmaier
November 19, 2001
I wanted to find out more about Francis Esposito. I am wearing a mercy band in his honor.If you don't know what a mercy band is -they were made in New Mexico - a silver band like what was worn for the Vietnam soldiers. My Grandfather was a chief in NYC back in the 1950's and I wanted to make sure that a fireman was remembered for giving his life on Sept 11th. My parents were born and raised in Queens. I grew up in Rochester,NY. I want to wish Francis's family and friends - PEACE. My prayers are with you.Diane
Showing 1 - 52 of 52 results
Make a Donation
in Francis Esposito's name
How to support Francis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Francis Esposito's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored