Our condolences to the O'Shea family and the Fire Department of
New York City. FireFighter James O'Shea, 41, a 17 year veteran of
the FDNY assigned to Ladder 127 in Queens died Saturday September
27, 2003. James had worked a structure fire at Kew Gardens in Forest
Hills Queens Saturday evening. He mentioned not feeling well after
overhauling the fire but refused medical treatment at the scene close
to the end of his shift. He returned to his home in Holbrook, Long Island
where he began having chest pains and was rushed to Brookhaven
Memorial Hospital where he later died. James was the first FDNY
firefighter to die in the line of duty since September 11, 2001.
James or "Big O" or "Shea Stadium" was a 14 year veteran of Ladder
127 and the company chauffeur. He was known for the knowledge
he passed in to rookie firefighters. He was also a former winner of the
International Fireman of the Year award.
Our brother James leaves behind his wife, Yetta and his two young
sons Jake and Matt. A wake will be held for James on Wednesday
October 1, 2003 and Thursday October 2, 2003 2-4PM and 7-9PM
both nights at Grant Funeral Home in Brentwood, New York. A funeral
will be held for James on Friday October 3, 2003 1PM at the Good
Shepherd Roman Catholic Church in Holbrook, New York. A memorial
fund has been established and donations can be made to:
