Talk Bronx New York

Marine Lance Cpl. Alberto Francesconi, the first U.S. casualty in Iraq in 2009, was laid to rest in the Bronx on Fri., Jan. 9.

 The grief-stricken older brother of fallen Marine Lance Cpl. Alberto Francesconi told a packed Bronx church Friday he blames himself for the battlefield death.

“This is especially hard for me, losing Albert, because he pretty much followed in my footsteps,” said Robert Rivera, a 31-year-old Navy reservist. “We did everything together.”

Francesconi, 21, was killed by a land mine in Afghanistan on New Year’s Day - the first U.S. casualty there this year.

Read more..

(No Ratings Yet)
 Loading ...
 Email This Post

Edward Cardinal Egan stood in superbly for Santa Claus on Tuesday, showering kids and their parents at a Bronx immigration center with gifts, song and Christmas cheer to the delight of all.

“Just call me Santa Claus,” the cardinal announced to about 40 youngsters at St. Rita’s Immigration Center in University Heights, who promptly broke into smiles, gathered around him and took turns sitting on his lap.

Later, it was Egan’s turn to smile as the children serenaded him with holiday songs including “Feliz Navidad” - Spanish for Merry Christmas.

The cardinal said he was delighted to help anyone in need but noted that gift giving shouldn’t just be a holiday thing.

“Some young kids need help all year,” Egan said. “It’s important to help out where you can.”

One of Santa Egan’s helpers was Tim Rooney, president of Yonkers Raceway, who donated some of the toys. Read more..

(No Ratings Yet)
 Loading ...
 Email This Post