Rockaway Times

11/21/2025

RBAF Reggae Party to Provide Relief for Autism Community Devastated by Hurricane Melissa

This Saturday, November 22, party with a purpose at Rockaway Beach Autism Families (RBAF) Hurricane Melissa Relief Reggae Party happening at Rhythms On The Rock. With DJ Mugsy Mugs spinning reggae, dancehall and more Caribbean rhythms—come out and show some love for the Jamaican autism community still reeling from Hurricane Melissa, a record-breaking Category 5 storm that flattened the island with 150 mph winds and massive flooding. RBAF is only asking for attendees to bring a toy, a box of diapers, clothing and more as part of the relief drive of which all items will be shipped directly to the Jamaica Autism Academy. As the island’s reggae legend, Bob Marley, sang, “One love, one heart. Let’s join together and feel alright.”

Hurricane Melissa, the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record, hit southwestern Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 system. Other neighboring countries, including Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Bahamas and Bermuda were also pummeled. However, Jamaica got the brunt of the hurricane, and the death toll is estimated at 45, amidst more still to be confirmed.

As shared by Sydia Allen, the executive director of the Jamaica Autism Academy (JAC), the damage Hurricane Melissa left behind in Jamaica three weeks ago still grips the nation, as they remain in the thick of disaster relief and recovery.

Allen said, “The island looks like Palestine and Afghanistan. It looks like a bomb dropped and flattened the country. It’s very traumatizing. People have no food, no clean water. There are no more trees, vegetation. A lot of people lost their homes, livestock and farms. It’s not like people can say, ‘Let me pick a fruit,’ to eat. There’s absolutely nothing left.”
Click link to read more:

By Kami-Leigh Agard This Saturday, November 22, party with a purpose at Rockaway Beach Autism Families (RBAF) Hurricane Melissa Relief Reggae Party happening at Rhythms On The Rock. With DJ Mugsy Mugs spinning reggae, dancehall and more Caribbean rhythms—come out and show some love for the Jamaica...

11/20/2025

Rockaway Raises One for Pat with a Legendary Sendoff

It was a sendoff fit for a hero and a legend. On Saturday, November 15, Rockaway stood still as all attention was directed to the funeral of fallen FDNY firefighter, and now lieutenant, Patrick Brady.

In a procession made for Rockaway royalty, Patrick Brady’s flag-draped casket sat high atop a Ladder 120 fire engine, led by an NYPD and firefighter es**rt from Marine Park Funeral Home, across the Marine Parkway Bridge, where FDNY firefighters stood along the pedestrian path holding American flags as the procession passed by, while the FDNY’s harbor unit sprayed water from Jamaica Bay, forming rainbows high above them. As the procession reached Cronston Avenue, Brady was greeted by a different sea of blue, as firefighters lined the street for more than 10 blocks, while a sea of red-clad members of the community waved American flags as the procession, now joined by the FDNY Emerald Society bagpipers, made its way to St. Francis de Sales Church, Brady’s parish down the block from his home.

Inside the church, tears poured like the drinks Brady made behind the bar, in between laughs sparked by shared memories of the ways Brady brought joy, while outside, Belle Harbor was wrapped in the love of the FDNY and the community who cherished the man being honored.

Assisted by SFDS’ Father Bill Sweeney, Deacon Armand D’Accordo and more, FDNY Chaplain Father Peter Purpura led the Mass in front of a church packed with Brady’s many family members, friends and members of the FDNY, while an overflow crowd filled the gym, and viewing events at The Rockaway Hotel, Jamesons, the Belle Harbor Yacht Club and more, and many others tuned in online at home. Patrick’s cousin, Catherine, read the First Reading, while his cousin Kristen was invited to read the Second Reading, his aunt, Mary Price, read the Prayer of the Faithful, and his nieces and nephews brought up the gifts.

Father Purpura spoke of the community and the tragedies it has endured. “Nestled between the ocean and the bay, this neighborhood is more than just a collection of houses or homes. It is a community. Here, generations of families have built a foundation rooted in shared cultures and enduring values. Here, the story of one’s life is interwoven with one’s neighbor’s story. Our lives, our stories are formed in our homes, in the hallways of St. Frances de Sales, on the basketball courts and ball fields, during long summer days on the beach and the evenings spent on porches and local spots from Connolly’s to the Harbor Light, and for Pat, everything in between,” Fr. Purpura said. “Yet beneath the beauty of this community, there runs a current that is always felt but seldom acknowledged. And that current is the degree to which this community has endured suffering,” he added, going on to speak about how the community was impacted by 9/11, the crash of Flight 587, Hurricane Sandy and more. And citing a response made by the late Monsignor Martin Geraghty who was interviewed among the many 9/11 funerals, Fr. Purpura shared how the parish has gotten through it all—“We have our Catholic faith. Our Catholic faith reminds us at this funeral Mass that every human life is a precious gift. Pat Brady embodied this truth. His presence was a blessing, a gift to all who knew him. He brought joy and laughter wherever he went. and his sense of humor was truly unforgettable.”

He then acknowledged those who loved the man in the casket before the congregation. “Patrick was first, a cherished son of Sue and Dennis, a beloved brother, to Jimmy and to Brian. The gift of his life extended far beyond the large Brady clan to the entire Rockaway community and the countless friends and eventual fellow firefighters who considered Pat not simply a friend, but a best friend. In marriage, Patrick shared the gift of his life with Kara, a choice filled with love, devotion, and a shared hope for the future. His love for you, Kara, was no April Fools,” Fr. Purpura said, referencing Brady’s surprise April Fool’s Day wedding in 2023. “Kara, we stand with you. We will continue to support you and love you. And you know that you will never walk this road alone,” he said.
Click link to read more:

By Katie McFadden It was a sendoff fit for a hero and a legend. On Saturday, November 15, Rockaway stood still as all attention was directed to the funeral of fallen FDNY firefighter, and now lieutenant, Patrick Brady. In a procession made for Rockaway royalty, Patrick Brady’s flag-draped casket s...

11/20/2025

A group of NYPD prayer warriors who pray the rosary outside of police precincts will be at the 100th Precinct on Beach 94th and Rockaway Beach Blvd. on Saturday at 11 AM. They are asking the community to join them.

11/17/2025

Please see my statement on my decision to not seek re-election in 2026

11/16/2025

For you, Pat Brady ❤️🇺🇸

Drone video by Jason Keane Ten Eyck
Photos by FDNY/ Rockaway Community
Editing by Katie McFadden

11/15/2025

As we mourn Lieutenant Patrick Brady, his photo shines brightly above the City he served at One Times Square. We will never forget him.

11/15/2025

11/15/2025

11/15/2025

Tonight the SFDS swim team dedicated their meet to the late Patrick Brady. Pictured is his little cousin Jack wearing the shirt the team wore tonight and the team.

11/14/2025

As Rockaway gets ready for tomorrow’s funeral for FF Patrick Brady, tributes from shells on the beach where he lifeguarded, to red ribbons on poles, red line flags, artwork from school kids at SFDS and his name spelled out in solo cups from WISH Jr., have been spotted all around to show support for Brady, his family and the FDNY. Rockaway will never forget Pat Brady.

11/14/2025

Some info about tomorrow’s funeral plans for FF Patrick Brady.
There will be no parking on Cronston Avenue from Beach 144th to Beach 127th Street and on Rockaway Beach Blvd between Beach 124th and Beach 133rd, so please plan accordingly.
Funeral services begin at St. Frances De Sales at 11 a.m. Overflow for the church will be directed to the gym for a livestream of the service. The Rockaway Hotel is also holding a live stream of the service. You can also watch at home at www.nyc.gov/FDNY.
The funeral procession will travel along Cronston Ave and down Beach 129th Street to the church. Those who want to pay their respects as the procession passes by are asked to be on Cronston Ave by 10:15 a.m. Bring a flag or wear red.
The Marine Parkway Bridge will not be closed for the day but plan for some delays as the procession comes through from Marine Park Funeral Home.