Long Island Firefighter Dies From 9/11-Related Cancer

John Moschella, a Long Beach resident and retired FDNY captain, died on Dec. 8 from cancer related to his time doing rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero after Sept. 11. He was 52.

Moschella was born on Jan. 5, 1966 to Salvatore and Marjorie. He was a devoted big brother to Frank (Julie), Maria (Pete), James (Christine) and Matthew; a loving nephew to Fran and Carmella; and a fun, sweet uncle of Mikaela, Elizabeth, Chase, Olivia, Sofia, Kacie Celia and Lucia, along with Miguel, Francisco, James, Luke and Grace. He leaves behind many loving cousins and countless friends and brother fire fighters.

Raised in Farmingdale, Moschella was a proud graduate of Farmingdale High School and a member of the class of 1984. Everyone who met him loved "Johnny Mush," as he was known. He lit up a room with his personality and infectious smile, never had a bad word to say about anyone and had a heart of gold.

Moschella served in the FDNY for 28 years. He started his firefighting career in Engine 257/Ladder 179 in Canarsie, Brooklyn. He was later a lieutenant in Engine 287 in Elmnurst, Queens, and a captain at Engine 26 in Hell's Kitchen in Manhattan, where he worked until he retired earlier this year.

His family said that Moschella never gave up, and fought his cancer like he lived his life: with courage, strength and an unwavering warrior spirit.

The wake is being held at McCourt & Trudden Funeral Home, located at 385 Main St. in Farmingdale. Visitation will be held on Dec. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Dec. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be held St. Killian Roman Catholic Church, located at 485 Conklin St. in Farmingdale, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, to be followed by internment at St. Charles Cemetery.

Photo courtesy McCourt & Trudden Funeral Home