Ralph William Geidel, Sr., 56, of Connelly Springs, NC, died of site-related illness on Tuesday October 21, 2014 at his residence.
Ralph was retired from the FDNY and worked on Engine 225.
He spent 9 months at the World Trade Center site after the September 11 terrorist attacks, with his firefighter father and brother, searching for the remains of his 44-year-old brother and best friend, FF Gary Geidel of Rescue Co.1, and all the other victims of the attack.
Ralph was diagnosed with World Trade Center-related esophageal cancer in 2003.
He was also a United States Marine Corps sergeant and served aboard the USS Coral Sea during the Iran hostage crisis.
A private memorial service will be held by the Geidel family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Uniformed Firefighters Association, 204 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010, c/o: The UFA Widows’ and Children’s Fund. Please make checks payable to: The UFA Widows’ and Children’s Fund.
