Gregg Froehner

Gregg Froehner

Gregg Froehner Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 13, 2001.
Modest Man of Action
Since he was a boy, Gregg Froehner yearned for a job where he could serve others. When he was a teenager, he became an Eagle Scout and a volunteer firefighter. After college, he became a police officer with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Mr. Froehner, 46, was assigned to the PATH system in Jersey City, and was a unit leader for the Emergency Services Unit. Yet he never bragged about the rescues he was involved in.

Many people who knew him in Chester, N.J., where he lived with his wife, Mary, and four children, did not even know what he did for a living. His wife usually only found out about his daring episodes when she overheard his nightly conversations with his boss, whom they sometimes referred to as his "other wife."

Mrs. Froehner used to work as a nurse in a nursing home, and one of her patients was Mr. Froehner's grandfather. One day, he told her, "You look like somebody my grandson should meet."

This information was passed on to Mr. Froehner's father, who urged Mr. Froehner to go visit his grandfather soon at the nursing home. Mary and Mr. Froehner clicked immediately.

When he was home, Mr. Froehner was a total family man, his wife said. "He loved his children more than anything in the world," she said in her eulogy. "This could be seen in the way he always called Katie his little smiley face, by coaching Matt's team in Little League, by laughing to himself all the way across the room at one of Heather's jokes and by teasing Meghan that she couldn't date until she was 25."

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on November 12, 2001.


Gregg Froehner, 46, always in the action

When terrorists bombed the World Trade Center in 1993, Gregg Froehner was there to help. He was there a year ago when an out-of-control elevator carrying a dozen passengers slammed into a tower's ceiling.

And he was there Sept. 11 after two hijacked planes hit the Twin Towers. But this time, the Port Authority police officer and member of the emergency service unit never made it out.

"They did their job like they were trained to do," Port Authority Police Sgt. John Gilburn said of Mr. Froehner and 36 other Port Authority officers lost when the Twin Towers collapsed.

Gilburn knew Mr. Froehner, 46, of Chester, for more than two decades. The two started with the Port Authority just months apart and worked together for years in the emergency service unit, where Mr. Froehner was a squad leader.

Mr. Froehner, who started in 1979, had specialized training in numerous rescue areas and completed a counterterrorism course in toxic and biological agents in 1995. He also was good with his hands, fellow officers said, and could fix equipment in the field with whatever material might be available.

"He was one of those guys everybody wanted to have around," said Gilburn, now assigned to Newark International Airport. "He was a fun-loving guy, easy going. He was a character."

More than a decade ago, Gilburn remembered losing a plaid tie at a Christmas party, one his wife had given him. It wasn't until several years later that he found out what happened to it.

"All these years went by and this tie just reappeared -- and he (Mr. Froehner) was wearing it," Gilburn said, laughing. The "tie issue" became a running joke among the friends (and Gilburn's tie eventually got sent back to him).

Port Authority Sgt. Kevin Murphy also worked in the emergency service unit with Mr. Froehner, saying the more experienced officer would pick up his comrades' spirits by telling stories of his former life as a milkman. Mr. Froehner also liked to golf, although as Murphy put it, "Gregg wasn't exactly Tiger Woods."

During a summer of 2000 charity golf outing, Murphy said their foursome came to a short hole where the green was on an island surrounded by rocks. Mr. Froehner took out a club that if hit properly would provide far too much distance and made a pronouncement: I'm going to skip the ball on the water three times, hit the rocks and land it on the green.

He swung. The ball skipped over the water, hit the rocks and landed on the green, 39 inches from the hole. Murphy and the others went crazy. Mr. Froehner just smiled and walked back to his cart.

As for the rest of his round? "Horrible," said Murphy, laughing.

Mr. Froehner is survived by his wife, Mary; a son, Matthew, 13; three daughters, Meghan, 15, Heather, 14, and Kathleen, 10; his parents, Kenneth and Anna Froehner of Chester; a brother, Kenneth Froehner of Pompton Lakes, and a sister, Dorell McNamara of Chester.

Visiting hours are from 1-5 p.m. Saturday at the William J. Leber Funeral Home in Chester. A funeral Mass will be offered at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church in Chester.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Froehner/Gilbert College Fund, c/o Bank of New York, 444 E. Main St., Chester, N.J. 07930, or the Gregg Froehner Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 55, Flanders, N.J. 07836.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Gregg Froehner's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 13, 2021

Cindy Roe posted to the memorial.

February 19, 2017

Robert Froehner posted to the memorial.

July 5, 2016

amy chappell posted to the memorial.

Cindy Roe

September 13, 2021

Remembering Gregg on the 20th anniversary of 9/11..

Robert Froehner

February 19, 2017

Robert d froehner cedar falls Iowa. I'm proud of Gregg and I'm honored to share his last name

amy chappell

July 5, 2016

Shortly after the bombing, I purchased fund-raising dog tags with the names of the 9/11 heroes. One of them carries the name of Gregg Froehner. I was just going through my desk and came across it. What a remarkable man. RIP

Bonnie

September 22, 2010

Gregg, still think about you. Karen, your god daughter, still talks about you and how you were going to buy her a doggie. She was only 5. We will never forget you and the heroism you demonstrated on that horriffic day almost a decade ago. May you be in a better place.

Doug Abraham

March 22, 2009

Happy Birthday!!!

John Flynn

October 18, 2008

Mary,
You and the kids are always in our prayers and Gregg's memory is always in our hearts. It was a honor and privilage to be the "otherwife"

John and Colleen

Kristine

November 2, 2006

As I 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 9, 2006

In remembrance....

Evelyn B

September 19, 2006

Thank you for your courage and bravery. You are truly a hero. We will never forget!

Mary Vallis-Weber

September 13, 2006

For Gregg's wife and children, Uncle Kenny and Aunt Ann, Dorell and Kenny-boy,

I will always be Marilyn Mosie Eck's best friend. Through Marilyn, I've known Gregg since we were only children. I have always been very fond of him. The last time I saw Gregg was at Mom & Dad Mosie's 50th Anniversary Party. At that time he told me that he was a police officer. I wish that I had thanked him that day. I thought of Gregg all day on 9/11/06- he is my hero. There are no words for the sorrow I feel for all Gregg's family. I will always remember Gregg and his wonderful smile.

Much love,

Mary

Greg with his daughter Meghan at Linda's 1st Birthday Party 1986

Beth Wozniak

September 11, 2005

Gregg lives on in the hearts and memories of so many. Our love and prayers remain with Mary and their children, Meghan, Heather, Matt and Katie.

Danielle Kerr

September 11, 2005

You are still a hero to me. Today again my prayers are with you and your family. The many lives you touched are part of your legacy.

Danielle Kerr

September 11, 2004

I want your family to know that you and your family remain in my prayers on the third anniversary of September 11th. You remain in my heart.

Harlan Marks

October 28, 2003

a childhood friend from the James Fallon playground

it saddens me to hear of Gregg's sacrifice

it makes me proud to say i knew him

G-d bless him and all those who left us that day

Judi Nicastro

September 11, 2003

Mary,

We've never met, but Gregg introduced my husband,John and I in 1980 while they were both volunteer firefighters on the Wayne, NJ Fire Dept. We all spent alot of time together back then and I still have a few great pictures of Gregg at the dept Christmas Party,1980. If you would like, I would be happy to send copies to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Judi and John Nicastro

Gary R. Adler

September 11, 2003

To Mary and your children:



In 1980, Gregg was working as a dispatcher for the Wayne Police Department. In the spring of that year, I was hired on as a dispatcher in Wayne. I was then privileged to be trained by the best. Gregg trained me just prior to his resignation from Wayne to go join the force at the NY/NJPA.



I knew Gregg from a friendship born through our volunteer service to the community. While Gregg was a member of Wayne Fire Company 4, I had the pleasure of working with him in association via my membership at the Wayne Township First Aid Squad, the Wayne Office of Emergency Management, and employment with Wayne Police Special Services Bureau.



I always had great admiration and respect for Gregg not only as a fellow worker and volunteer, but always as a good friend.



Several years later, living out of state, I flew home through Newark Airport.

Lo and behold, who do I run into in the terminal...Gregg. What a pleasant surprise it was to have seen him after many years had passed and we went on to different lives. We talked for a few minutes till he was radioed for assistance. Not unlike the Gregg I knew back then, he responded immediately to the call.



On many occasions when I would travel into Newark Airport, I would always look Gregg up and either get to say hello or had left a message for him. Some time later, when I had attempted to get in touch with him at the airport, I was told he had been transferred to the city. Unfortunately, we lost touch after his transfer.



I will always treasure my friendship with Gregg. I'll always remember his hearty greeting and firm handshake to me when I first saw him at Newark Airport, after so many years had passed since our camaraderie in Wayne. I will never forget him.



I'd like to extend my heartfelt prayers and sympathy to you and your family.



God Bless You.

Maureen McGinty

June 6, 2003

Mary,

You don't know me but I am Colleen Flynn's sister. John has been devistated over losing his best friend...but we worry more about you, you and your children have been in my prayers everyday since 9/11...you are not forgotten..why don't you take the kids to Myrtle Beach?...it will not cost you anything...I know how much John loved Greg

Lauren Earl

September 10, 2002

Matt's in my grade/school. Iv known him for im not even sure how many years. But i want you to know that if I can do anything im still here. All I can say is that im so sorry i didnt know your family better for living here as long as we have, and I hope that Mr. Froehners memorial can offer some comfort tomorow, and whenever else you need it.

Aubrey Figueroa

September 10, 2002

I'm praying for your family everyday. God loves you and never give up.

Jeremy Froehner

August 5, 2002

I did Not know U but I was related. I,m Sorry I never got to know U. Good luck and god bless

Angie Campbell

April 26, 2002

**********GOD BLESS YOU**********

Elizabeth Schaffenburg

April 18, 2002

Just a note to say we still hold your family in our prayers. May God give you the strength to achieve a level of acceptance and peace. My children, William and Lila, were in school with Matt and Heather.

Melissa Laughery

April 12, 2002

God Bless your family & friends... all the heros of 9/11 will never be forgotten & are always in our hearts <3

Scott Ellis

January 31, 2002

I had the privilege of "growing up" with Gregg, a high school classmate of my brother. Even though I hadn't seen him in many years, there were many times when I thought about some of the things we did while working together during college at the Valley Shell Service Center in Wayne, NJ. I'll always remember him as someone who truly would have given you the shirt off of his back if he thought it would help. He was always quick with a joke and smile and truly enjoyed life. I also had the privilege of attending his Memorial Service and seeing that there were many, many people who thought about Gregg the same way I did. We'll miss you Gregg.

Retta (Finckenor) Payne

January 31, 2002

May God give you strength & courage. Know that you're not alone. We'll keep you in our prayers.

Larry&Corinne Finckenor

January 29, 2002

Gone are the happy days of Barbara Way! Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Froehners at this time.

January 19, 2002

DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS

BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN AND HERO GREGG

FROEHNER AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD

BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..PEACE

BE WITH THEM..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND

THE PORT AUTHORITY WORKERS..MAY WE

NEVER FORGET 9/11/01...AMEN

Teresa Jahn

January 1, 2002

We are very sorry for the nations loss of such a brave, warm and caring person. We thank Gregg for dedicating his life to help others. Such a dedication comes with a heart full of love for his fellow man. May Gregg's courage, life and love live on in those who love him and in those who have been helped by him. May you always feel the warmth of his love radiate into your hearts. The world will miss Gregg and his gift of rescuing and caring for others. Our hearts cry with you.

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

Will, Corinne & Willy DeRoberts

December 7, 2001

We will be thinking of you this Holiday season.

Musser Hall @Ursinus College

December 5, 2001

We just wanted to give our sympathies and let you know that you are not alone during this time of tragedy. May God be with you, and we wish you a Merry Christmas! You will never be forgotten!!

Angela, Teryl and Kalyn Froehner

November 13, 2001

Our prayers will be with you in your time on sorrow. If our family can do anything for you please let us know.

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September 13, 2021

Cindy Roe posted to the memorial.

February 19, 2017

Robert Froehner posted to the memorial.

July 5, 2016

amy chappell posted to the memorial.