Thomas J. Greaney

What Happened

Lieutenant of the Fire Department of the City of New York, who died of an illness from the rescue and recovery at the World Trade Center. Died on 05 January 2014, at the age of 60. The Fire Department has not published a release naming this member among the additions to its World Trade Center Memorial Wall, so no inscription is claimed here.

Biography

Thomas Jude Greaney, 60, passed away peacefully at home in Olive Bridge, New York, after a courageous battle with illness related to his service at the World Trade Center following the attacks of September 11, 2001. His death is recognized as a line- of-duty death due to exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. Born and raised in Rockaway Park, Queens, Thom attended St. Francis de Sales School, Brooklyn Technical High School, and Sullivan County Community College. In 1977, he proudly joined the New York City Fire Department, dedicating 25 years to serving the people of New York. He rose to the rank of lieutenant and served with Ladder 175 in Brooklyn before retiring in 2003. After 9/11, the emotional and physical toll of the rescue and recovery efforts weighed heavily on him. Despite personal hardship, he embraced sobriety, moved upstate, and built a peaceful life centered around family, nature, and service to others. Thom was a man of many talents—a fisherman, farmer, carpenter, mentor, cook, and scholar. He swam daily, grew his own food, and cherished visits from his children and grandchildren. Thom was a devoted father to Liam, Alison, and Mairead, and a proud grandfather to Dorian Jude, Nova Lei, Jade, and Isla. His love, loyalty, and wisdom shaped the lives of those around him. Even in his final months, he faced illness with dignity and strength, surrounded by family, love, and the same courage he showed throughout his life. He is deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, extended family, loyal friends, and his brothers and sisters in the FDNY. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the example he set—of service, sacrifice, and unwavering love.

Service Record

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