Firefighter's courage, spirit rememberedNearly nine months later, Sikorsky, a five-year veteran of the FDNY, has been laid to rest. He was remembered yesterday by family and colleagues at St. Boniface Church as a brave soul, a free spirit and a best friend. "I never lived a day in my life without Greg by my side, and never in my worst nightmare could I imagine a day where he would not be there, or that I'd have to live without him," said Perry Sikorsky, Greg's brother, who broke into tears as he spoke. "I wish that every person lost at the World Trade Center could have been found. Today, my family and I are at peace, knowing my brother has been brought home to be laid to rest." Sikorsky's remains, and those of two of his co-workers from Rescue Squad 41 in the Bronx, were found in the last weeks of excavation at Ground Zero. In the days following the attack, George Sikorsky went searching through the rubble with Greg's Dalmatian, Dominic, who battled dehydration and bleeding paws to find his master. The Rev. Robert D. Saccoman said people must be open to joy and grief. One of life's greatest challenges, he said, was learning how to live with tragedy, rather than letting it dictate the future. Saccoman focused his attention on the front pews, where the Sikorsky family sat, and reminded each person that while they might feel isolated at times, they were not alone. "Nothing helps more than knowing that someone else understands," Saccoman said. "Look around that shaken world of yours and you will find human footprints everywhere. "It is one thing to accept sadness as a natural part of life," he said. "It is another thing to let it capture and control our lives. This will not do." Sikorsky was a 16-year veteran of the Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Department and at one time was its lieutenant. The former Marine was studying for the lieutenant's exam with the FDNY when he was dispatched to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. Standing between two of the firefighters was a boy dressed in a navy pullover jacket with the letters "FDNY" stitched on the back. Robert Hamilton, 12, was standing in for his father, Robert, a member of Sikorsky's squad who also died at the World Trade Center. Six members of Squad 41 lost their lives in the collapse of the south tower. Young Robert, who lives in Washingtonville, N.Y., said members of the FDNY would always be his family. "I'm good friends with all of them," he said. Inside the church, nearly two dozen widows who lost their husbands in the attacks were given special seats beside the altar. The women gathered to offer moral support to the Sikorsky family. Most people who came to the funeral Mass had attended Sikorsky's memorial service in October at St. Boniface, with the exception of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who sat across from the family yesterday, but did not speak to the crowd. Many wore pins with Sikorsky's picture, which were handed out as people entered the church. Sikorsky's burial at Ascension Cemetery in Monsey followed the Mass. Saccoman said those who cared about Sikorsky and believed in his faith in God could take comfort in knowing they would see him again. "Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time," he said. |
