F.S. residents join together, offer prayers for fallen neighbor

The Franklin Square community has rallied around the family of Steven Frosch, an employee for the city Sanitation Department who was killed on June 21 after a mechanical boom pinned him at a Queens garage he worked in. Frosch, 43, who was a resident of neighboring Garden City South, left behind his wife and four children — the youngest of whom is two-months old. He was a former NYPD officer who left the force to work with the Sanitation Department in 1999.

Frosch’s funeral was held at St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Franklin Square last Friday, and hundreds of residents attended. A Go Fund Me campaign in memory of Frosch has also been started, and as of Monday had raised more than $60,000 — easily surpassing the goal of $10,000. The website is www.gofundme.com/alh5r4.

“Visits to his garage reveal a man deeply admired and loved by his colleagues, many of whom were his dear friends,” Sanitation Department Commissioner Kathryn Garcia said in a statement. “We are all reminded that this is a dangerous job that requires constant vigilance for ourselves, our partners, and the public. And it is a job without which the city could not exist. I just wanted to take a moment to convey my heartfelt condolences not only to his family but to the many among you who were his friends. This will be a week of mourning, but I have already seen the strength and compassion for our fellow employees as we grieve. Together we will support one another through this difficult and tragic time.”

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of one of New York’s Strongest todaywhile on the job in service of our city,” City Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Steven Frosch’s family - especially his wife and four children — as well as his friends and fellow sanitation workers. New York City stands ready to support them all in this tragic time of need.”

On a Herald Facebook post shortly after the funeral, several Franklin Square residents offered their condolences and prayers:

“Beautiful send-off for a beautiful person.” – Christina Cowen

“So very tragic. My heart breaks for his family. Saying a prayer for them.” – Gina Cantone-Centauro

“He was a great person. Knew him personally from my old neighborhood but moved to Garden City. Four kids…” – Elizabeth Gianetto Careccia

“My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children and his entire family. May he rest in peace.” – Miguelina Torres Laizzera

“May his soul rest in peace. My prayers go out to his family.” – Sebnem Tuzun

“Amazing farewell to an amazing man.” – Christine Canzoneri McGrath