Brooklyn mourns fallen Sanitation worker

Family, friends, neighbors and colleagues gathered at Brooklyn’s Most Precious Blood Church, 70 Bay 47^th Street, on Tuesday, August 5 to mourn Sergeant Frank Musella, a member of the Department of Sanitation’s Enforcement Division who died suddenly in the line of duty on Wednesday, July 29.

Musella, a 37-year-old Brooklyn, had atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and was stricken while in his city car, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

On Thursday, July 30, Mayor Bill de Blasio ordered that all flags throughout the five boroughs be flown at half-staff in honor of Musella, a member of DSNY since October, 2006 and an avid volunteer for the agency’s Autism Speaks campaign.

“The Sanitation family is heartbroken over the sudden passing of Sergeant Musella, a dedicated member of our Enforcement Division for the last nine years,” said Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia. “He worked tirelessly to keep New York City clean, safe and healthy, and when off duty, volunteered his time and efforts to support DSNY’s Autism Speaks campaign. The Musella family will be in our thoughts and prayers.”

“We’ve lost a good man – a man who had character, a man who dedicated himself in so many ways to brightening the lives of others,” said de Blasio at the service. “For nearly a decade, Frank was devoted to keeping this city clean and safe. He began patrolling the streets as an enforcement agent, and worked his way up to supervisor. And he took great pride in his work. And he was respected by all who knew him and all who worked with him.”

Musella will also be remembered, de Blasio said, for his sense of humor.

“He was focused and devoted on the one hand, but a man who had such heart at the same time, who had such compassion – and yes, as all know, a sense of humor, and a sense of the kind of the antics that would lift up everyone around him and make their day better,” he said, giving credit where due to his all-in-good-fun pranks.

“I am surrounded by so many people who are part of New York’s Strongest,” he went on. “Well, think of the strength of Frank in every way, not just on the job, but as an exemplary family man, as a man who was there for his family and so many others – a pillar of strength and love for his family.”

He leaves behind his wife, Alessandra, and two sons, Frank, Jr., 8, and Anthony, 4.