FDNY firefighter, 9/11 first responder remembered after passing away from 9/11-related illnesses
Kevin Robert Kelly died on July 28 at 67 years old.
Family and friends gathered to say goodbye to an FDNY firefighter and 9/11 responder who died last month after suffering 9/11-related illnesses.
Massapequa Park’s Kevin Robert Kelly passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 28 after battling various forms of cancer. Kelly served in Fire Engine Company 307 for 27 years and made his way into the second tower as it was falling on Sep. 11, 2001.
"He was the best man I ever knew, best firefighter, best nozzle man, best Dad,” said Kristen Wygand, Kelly’s daughter.
Kelly spent weeks at ground zero searching for people including his two best friends - also firefighters - who died on 9/11.
"He loved people,” said colleague and retired FDNY firefighter David Forland. “He was great in the firehouse. He had a good wit about him. He was a good chef, and he just loved his job."
Kelly retired from the FDNY in 2008 and served as a union delegate and battalion delegate for the FDNY.
