High Tide

​This has been a truly devastating week for the Rockaway community. Early Sunday morning, many awoke to the heartbreaking news that Firefighter Pat Brady had lost his life while battling a fire in Brooklyn. There are no words to truly express the heartbreak and shock the community is feeling right now.

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Everyone knew Pat — he came from a large Rockaway family, tended bar at Harbor Light and Connolly’s, was always the life of the party, and was loved by all. It’s been said by many: Pat was larger than life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kara, the entire Brady family, his many friends, and his fellow firefighters. Rockaway has lost one of the best — a true legend who will be missed beyond words.

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The wake for Pat Brady will be held at Marine Park Funeral Home tomorrow, Friday, November 14, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The funeral will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Church.

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Yesterday, Wednesday, November 12, marked the 24th anniversary of the crash of Flight 587 in Belle Harbor — a terrible and terrifying day, just two months after 9/11. Two hundred sixty people aboard the flight were killed, along with five Rockaway residents in their homes. Our thoughts remain with those who lost loved ones.

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Many of our advertisers are offering holiday specials — from sales to parties and more. Check out our ads for great local deals. When you take advantage of these offers, please tell our advertisers you saw their ad in The Rockaway Times — we truly appreciate your support.

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Speaking of the holidays, a reminder to our wonderful advertisers: we’ll be publishing early for Thanksgiving week. The email and paper delivery will go out on Wednesday, November 26. Please have all ads submitted by Tuesday morning, November 25, especially if you want to reach Black Friday shoppers!

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Due to the funeral for Pat Brady on Saturday, the Graybeards will postpone their pickup of blue bags filled with food donations for those in need until Sunday, November 16. See their ad on page 7 for details.

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Some hopeful news for St. Camillus. At Sunday’s Mass, Father James Rodriguez relayed a message from Bishop Brennan saying he still hasn’t made a decision about the future of the church, so Masses will continue past the original December 28 date until further notice. Fill those pews, folks!

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The Northern Lights made an appearance in Rockaway again. Not quite visible to the naked eye, but those using night mode on their phone cameras could catch some pinks and greens around the night sky on Tuesday night.

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A man died on Tuesday, November 11, after falling on to the A train tracks at the Beach 60th Station at around noon. According to police, the man in his 60s had a medical episode, fell on to the tracks, hit his head and was electrocuted by the third rail. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family.

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Councilwoman Joann Ariola is hosting a Thanksgiving Feast giveaway. Her office will distribute precooked meals for a family of four experiencing food insecurity. Pickup is on Wednesday, November 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at her Rockaway office (114-12 Beach Channel Drive). You must pre-register by calling Jessica at 718-738-1083.

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Due to the government shutdown, The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH) is offering nutritious lunches for $2 to all SNAP recipients and furloughed workers at Beach Dunes Café (45-19 Rockaway Beach Blvd.) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proof of SNAP benefits or furlough status is required.

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Starting December 8, the Rockaway Ferry route will extend to Throgs Neck and Soundview in the Bronx, with a stop at East 34th Street in Manhattan. See details on page 10 or visit https://bit.ly/NYCFerryChanges for more information.