Aug 24, 2007 6:25 pm US/Eastern
Fallen FDNY Firefighter Called 'Man Of Conviction'
Robert Beddia 1 Of 2 Killed in Deutsche Bank Building Fire
By Dave Carlin, CBS 2 News
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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According to Rev. John Delendick, fallen firefighter Robert Beddia "didn't become a firefighter for the money, he didn't become a firefighter for the glamor. He became a firefighter because of certain values."
CBS
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Robert Beddia's funeral was held Friday at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
AP
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Firefighters Joseph Graffagnino, left, and Robert Beddia were killed Saturday, Aug. 18, in a fire at the Deutsche Bank Building near ground zero.
CBS
There were tearful tributes inside St. Patrick's Cathedral on Friday as thousands gathered to say goodbye to fallen firefighter Robert Beddia.
Beddia was a 23-year veteran who lost his life doing a job he loved.
The 53-year-old loved firefighting, mentoring his colleagues and the FDNY camaraderie, so much so that when he became eligible for retirement a few years ago he said no -- not me.
"This is the same man who repeatedly turned down the office of his superiors to recommend him for department honors," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. "You don't need to do that. He'd say I'm just doing my job."
Bloomberg vowed to vigorously investigate last Saturday's blaze at the former Deutsche Bank Building. Beddia was on the 14th floor -- fiery, smoky, toxic maze that it was. The standpipe meant to supply water was dry as a bone. His family members need so many answers, so do the co-workers who relied on him.
"He was the senior man, a very important position," FDNY Chaplain John Delendick said. "Young guys talked about what a good teacher he was.
"He was such a man of joy, such a man of conviction, such a man of love," added Delendick, who delivered the eulogy at the second FDNY funeral in as many days. Joseph Graffagnino, who died alongside Beddia, was remembered Thursday at a ceremony in Brooklyn.
Added friend Geri Diorio: "He was the greatest guy. He touched everyone and whomever he touched was very lucky."
Friday's funeral mass honored Beddia's inspired, honorable work life, without glossing over a personal life with moments of mischief.
"He was not a prankster but he enjoyed when a prank was pulled on somebody else," FDNY Lt. Richie Quinn said.
Beddia was so very good at so many things, but friends say the humble firefighter never would have expected this massive turnout and all this grandeur. They're sure if he could he would say no tears.
Some people in the area asked why Fifth Avenue was closed. When they got the answer they understood the traffic can wait. The city can wait. The city can also thank a hero.
Beddia was buried on Staten Island, the borough where he was born and raised.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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