Holbrook, New York
Raising the Roof
Gerard P. Schrang's fantasy from an early age was to say the words "I'm on the job" as a New York City firefighter, according to his wife, Denise Schrang. A few years after high school he made the fantasy come true. He went on his last job, with Rescue Company 3 in the Bronx, at age 45 on Sept. 11.
"We were happy," Mrs. Schrang said. "His life was to save and help other people.
"He was a simple guy. He loved his family. His idea of a good life was stability, a roof over our head, no fighting," she said of her husband of 25 years, the father of Jacqueline, 22, and Brian Patrick, 19. "On May 10 of 2000, we bought our dream house in upstate New York. We had started the second phase of life."
Mrs. Schrang said she could not bear the thought of going to the house without her husband, an avid hunter and fisherman. But she has gone twice since Sept. 11 and found peace.
"If I give that up, I give up on him and the kids," she said. "We promised each other we would live to be 90. He only made half of that."
Jim Rocchio, a friend, remembers the time that the two of them gave Mrs. Schrang a fit by literally taking the roof off the Schrang home in Holbrook, on Long Island, in a home improvement venture.
Firefighter Schrang was quiet and generous, Mr. Rocchio said. "Here he is, a paid fireman, and he comes out here to help out his community as a volunteer firefighter. He was a good father and a real good friend."
I didn't know Mr. Schrang personally but my grandfather did. Every year when 9/11 rolls around my grandpa Stephen DeLena sits in his chair with the news on a listens to each name be read aloud. He only truly breaks when Mr. Schrangs name is read. I want to just say I am so thankful for heros like him, he gave his life to save others and that is a worthy sacrifice,Thank you Mr. Schrang
Bailey DeLena
September 10, 2025 | Shirley, NY
Thinking about my old childhood friend from Holbrook this week. We'd hang out at the Holbrook FD; we were Jr. FD guys together, played in the FD marching band (Holbrook Wranglers), and generally played under the streetlights on Church Street and local ball field together, playing whatever game was in season. We grew up a few houses apart. God bless you & yours. I think about you every 9/II.
Gregory Condemi
September 16, 2024 | Ridge, NY | Friend
He was a great friend and better family man.
Dominick Fuentes
September 10, 2022 | Friend
I met Gerard at Databit a computer manufacturer in Hauppauge LI. He had a red camaro then and I sold his brother my 71 Ford Torino. Gerard was selected to NYFD Academy. He was a great guy and Father. We lost contact over the years. I moved to California and joined the Los Angeles Police Department. My parents still lived on Long Island and I would see them at least twice a year. On the fateful day 9/11 I was awaken by my family and observed the tragedy. I Prayed that Gerard would make it...
Dominick Fuentes
September 10, 2022 | Friend
A really great guy and Brother Fireman. I miss you Jerry.
Richard Rodrigues
June 21, 2021 | Holbrook, NY
Mrs. schrang , I sent a message in 2011 recalling sitting with you on your first night out in ac. Just want you to know we haven't forgotten. We never will . God bless you and your family.
Helen Rinaldi
September 09, 2016 | Charles Town, WV
I just made sausage and peppers for my kids and told them how this was the meal he use to make at L33 back when we were fireman together. Still miss you and think about you. Getting closer to catching up with you each day
Gerry Tucker
January 27, 2016
I wrote sometime back. My feelings and high regard for your hero remain as strong as ever.
September 13, 2015
The other day I did a stair climb memorial and wore Mr. Schrang's badge with his picture up and down 110 stories.....I can not begin to imagine what life has been like for his children and wife.....I hope some comfort comes to them in knowing as far away as Misawa Japan, on a military base, an Air Force wife wore his badge proudly......Thank you Mr. Schrang for all your bravery
Jennifer Lundin
September 12, 2015
