OUR HERO

We all came here today to honor a man we all love and respect. His name is Frederick Ill, Jr. Most people called him Fred or Freddy. He was a man that touched so many lives. He was a man that had many names and titles in his life. He served his country like his father. He was a soldier in the Army Reserves. They called him Sgt. Ill. In the New York City Fire Department he was a firefighter, Lieutenant, and then Captain. Most of all, he was a brother and comrade to the men he loved, respected and worked with. At home he held many titles; Friend, Cousin, Nephew, Brother-in-law, Uncle. He held the title of Brother to Jane Ill, his sister who he loved and admired. He was called Son or "Son Dear" by his parents Alice and Frederick Ill, Sr. -- the people that raised this remarkable man. He was called Dad by his children Fred III, Jennifer and Lauren. His children that he loved and that will continue to keep his legacy and spirit alive. He was the beloved husband to Mary, his Wife.. .his friend, partner and forever soul-mate.

As I look at all these names and titles, I look for one word that would best describe this wonderful man. The word, the name, the title is HERO. He was a hero to his friends, co-workers and his family. He is a real-life hero because of the impact that he had in all of our lives. His kindness, his love, his actions and his words. Hero best describes this man because of the way that he lived, and the way that he died. I feel we are all better people because of this man. So, when people look at movie stars and ball players and call them role models and heroes, take Fred Ill, Jr.’s picture out of your wallets and say "this is a real role model and hero ". And if you dream and aspire to be someone, be just like him.

In closing, I would like to tell Freddy thank you for being our hero and thank you for showing us that real heroes live among us.

Love always,

Jimmy

Jim's tattoo

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