Wake held for Timothy Klein, firefighter killed battling house fire in Canarsie, Brooklyn
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NEW YORK -- A wake was held Thursday for hero FDNY Firefighter Timothy Klein.
The 31-year-old was killed while battling a raging house fire Sunday in Brooklyn.
Two services took place at McManus Funeral Home in Flatlands for the firefighter who was loved by many.
The Queens community he grew up in is heartbroken about the loss, but wants New Yorkers to know how much he meant to them.
Edward Shannon remembers Klein from Archbishop Molloy High School, where he is now the dean of students.
"He was a pleasure to have coached. He was one of those tough, gritty Rockaway kids," Shannon told CBS2.
Klein was a student athlete known for his drive. Shannon was his junior varsity basketball coach.
"As we look now to what he did as a part of the firemen and as part of the fire department, he was a true team player. He was part of the team that went in to do their best to save people's lives," Shannon said. "He gave the ultimate sacrifice."
Klein graduated from high school in 2008, and his three younger sisters, Erin, Bridget and Tara, also went there over the span of 10 years. They're all described as wonderful people.
From high school, to first grade, Klein left a mark.
"He was a bundle of energy," said his first grade teacher Suellen Foti. "He loved to learn."
Foti recalls his passion for the career as a fireman from a young age.
"I remember that we used to have the firemen come in and they did a whole fire safety and let them try on uniforms and everything, and he along with all the other students were so excited and they so wanted to be a fireman," Foti said," she told CBS2.
More than 20 years later, Klein went on to serve with the FDNY, just as his father did.
Foti said she's honored to have the privilege to teach a child who grew up to be such an incredible man.
"I watched him grow up throughout the eight years he was here at St. Francis," she said. "He was a very good boy and he'll be sorely missed."
Klein leaves behind his parents, sisters and girlfriend.
Hundreds pay respects at wake for Timothy Klein
Hundreds of firefighters stood guard for a hero, a solemn salute as Timothy Klein's family left McManus Funeral Home after the wake Thursday.
"This is obviously an incredibly difficult day in a long line of very difficult days for the fire department," FDNY acting commissioner Laura Kavanagh said.
Sunday afternoon, Klein lost his life after bravely entering a burning home on Avenue N near East 108th Street in Canarsie. He was trying to save 21-year-old Carlos Richards, a man with autism who was trapped inside.
Richards also died. His sister, Chloe, came to Klein's wake to pay her respects.
"He came and tried to save my brother and save our home. And I feel awful that he passed. I wanted to just thank him for his service and thank his family and just show my respect," she told CBS2's Nick Caloway.
Klein was a man of service. From Ladder Company 170 to the Fight for Firefighters Foundation that builds ramps for those in need, he was always there.
"They've built 30 of these since the organization began for people in need, and Tim did not miss one of those 30 builds," FDNY acting chief of department John Hodgens said.
Mayor Eric Adams came to pay his respects to the Klein family.
Strangers also came to thank the hero who always answered the call to serve.
"He went in to save somebody's life. Somebody's life. He left home and he didn't make it back home," Flatlands resident Jennifer Haynes said.
Friends say Klein had a smile on his face 24 hours a day, and he truly loved being a firefighter. The acting commissioner of the FDNY said the department will be there for Klein's family not just today, but in the weeks, months and years to come.
"He was the best firefighter, the best son, the best brother."
The reverence could be felt in the firefighters' salute as Timothy Klein's family walked into McManus Funeral Home.
It was the start of a long and painful goodbye.
"He was the best firefighter, the best son, the best brother. He was the kind of guy everybody relied on. His absence leaves a real hole," Acting FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said.
From Ladder Company 170 to the fight for Firefighters Foundation, which builds ramps and other amenities for those in need, "Timmy," as he was affectionately called, always showed up.
That's why the line wrapped around the funeral home, as hundreds returned the favor.
Mayor Eric Adams came to pay his respects, along with area residents with no connection, hoping their presence provided some support.
"He could've been my son. It doesn't matter skin color or anything. I felt so bad when I heard. I mean, he went in to save somebody's life," said Jennifer Haynes of Canarsie.
Klein lost his life on Sunday afternoon after bravely entering a house on Avenue N by East 108th Street in Canarsie that was fully engulfed in flames in an attempt to save 21-year-old Carlos Richards, who was autistic, and trapped inside.
"We lost a young man in the building as well and just that alone will make a firefighter feel sorrow," a fire official said.
Richards was described as being the light of his family members' lives, who loved horse racing, music and wrestling.
His family sent heartfelt gratitude to the FDNY and, specifically, Klein for their heroic efforts.
"It's very sad and I hope his soul rests in peace," one person said.
At just 31 years old, Klein left a lasting legacy. His life now serves as a lesson.
Firefighter Timothy Klein Fund
The FDNY announced Thursday it's launching a foundation in Klein's memory.
The department says the money will go toward two organization he was involved in -- the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation and the Fight for Firefighters Foundation.
"We build access ramps and help to make first responders' homes handicap accessible. Timmy was on the board of The Fight for Firefighters Foundation. He was at every build; he was always up to help people. Timmy was our go to guy: he helped with fundraising, building, and so much of the behind the scenes work that goes into running a foundation. This not only a tremendous loss for the FDNY, but a big loss for our Foundation," FDNY Lieutenant John Vaeth said in a statement.
CLICK HERE for how to contribute
Service details announced
The wake will held Thursday, April 28 at McManus Funeral Home at 4601 Avenue N in Brooklyn from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The funeral will be at Church of St. Francis,129-16 Rockaway Beach Boulevard in Belle Harbor, at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 29.
Friday's ceremony will be streamed live on CBS News New York.
