Friends and Family Say Goodbye to Yorktown Man Who Fell From Bridge

Brendan Frail, had left a mark on many people's lives through his smiles, sense of humor, good heart, love and compassion.

His untimely death brought friends and family into a packed service at St. Patrick's Church, where they said their goodbye.

"Even in his 19, short years, he lived life to the fullest," Rev. Herbert DeGaris said. "There was such a wonderful, unique gift that he brought."

Frail, a 2008 Yorktown High School graduate, was sitting on a bridge abutment overlooking the Croton Reservoir when he slipped and fell early Sunday, August 22. Divers discovered his body nine hours later.

Frail's mother was escorted into the church by her other son, Kieran, 23. During the service she rested her head on her son's shoulder. Frail's father, Francis Frail, died of a heart attack in 1996.

Long time friend Rob Zimmel said the man everyone knew just as "Frail" was the kind of person who would tell you like it was and be there for others for better or worse.

"He had the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met and put the needs of others before him until the day it stopped beating," he said.

DeGaris referred to Frail as his favorite server and remembered when Brendan had told him that one could not love without Jesus.

"He was real, he was honest, and he was true," he said.

DeGaris said although Brendan is physically gone, his love and presence he has given to all those he knew, have been embedded in their bodies and souls. He added he could not bear to go to the old railroad bridge yet.

"For me it's not going to be that beautiful place," he said. "But them I realized Brendan's not there, but here."

Frail, was an elementary/special education major at Providence College. He was the chair of the men's hockey team and a member of the "Friars Faithful" athletic club. In recognition of his sports enthusiasm many of his college friends in attendance wore "Frail Fanatics" t-shirts.

"I want you to know that although we had him but for two years, he made a mark," said Rev. Brian J. Shanley, president of Providence College.

He said he would often see Brendan dressed up at the college's basketball games, sitting behind the basket and going "crazy."

"Whatever he did," Shanley said," he did it with passion. We will not forget him."

The college will hold a Mass in honor of Brendan when students return to campus.

Kay Buckley, coordinator at the guidance services at Yorktown High School, said she would remember Brendan as a "big booming force and a smile on his face all the time."

"He was the kind of kid who did everything respectfully, but he could find a sense of humor in everything," guidance counselor Cathryn Quackenbush said.

"He was always happy and smiling," Chris Goodman,  said.

"He was loud for all the good reasons," Michael Ryan said.

Akil Davis said he would remember Frail as a "very lively dude."

Ben McDonald said Frail was a good friend.

"He was the type of person who if someone was down, he would come and cheer you up," he said. "He was very trustworthy, very loyal."