Family, Friends Pay Respects To Former FDNY Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A private memorial service is being held for former New York City Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta.

Family, friends and former co-workers gathered Wednesday at the Nicholas Scoppetta Children's Center on First Avenue to pay their respects.

Mayor Bill de Blasio delivered remarks remembering Scoppetta's legacy and 50 years of service.

"He would not have been who he was, he could not have achieved all he achieved without being a New Yorker," de Blasio said. "But we literally wouldn't be the city we are today without Nick Scoppetta -- that's how extraordinary his reach and his impact was."

Scoppetta served as fire commissioner during 9/11 and is credited with helping the department rebuild after the attack. He also helped found the city's Department of Children's Services.

"He answered the call of duty from wherever it came because it was the right thing to do and because it brought him joy," said former Mayor Michael Bloomberg who appointed Scoppetta. "He wasn't in it for the glory, he never sought the spotlight, with uncommon humility he served with great honor in pursuit of the most noble goals."

"He changed thousands of lives; he made us better, he made us stronger," de Blasio said. "He left an imprint that we can feel to this day."

Scoppetta died last week of cancer. He was 83.