Queens Firefighter, 28, Dies From Cancer On 9/11 Anniversary: Union

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — Friends and family this weekend will honor the memory of a young Queens firefighter who died from cancer on the anniversary of 9/11, according to his union and an online obituary.

When he passed away Sunday, Michael H. Gebert was just 28.

Gebert, of Middle Village, is survived by his parents Tom and Elizabeth as well as his siblings Jennifer, Brendan, and Matthew, according to his obituary.

"Our hearts feel broken," family friends wrote on Gebert's tribute wall. "[We] are at a loss for words."

Gebert was an active member of Engine 324 on the Horace Harding Expressway and 108th Street on the border of Forest Hills, according to an announcement from the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York.

He served six years with the FDNY, the notice said.

The young firefighter joined the FDNY shortly after graduating from St. John's University in Flushing. He was also a graduate of St. Francis Prep in Fresh Meadows.

Gebert's wake was held at the Leo F. Kearns Funeral Home on Woodhaven Boulevard and Dry Harbor Road Thursday and Friday.

His funeral will begin 10:45 a.m. Saturday at St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church at 66-05 79th Place in Middle Village, the announcement states.

More than 1,500 people responded to the announcement on Facebook with words of condolences and sympathy for those who knew Gebert.

"How tremendously tragic," wrote Kathleen Setaro. "My sincerest condolences to his families ( Including FDNY) and friends. May he R.I.P."