To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

They gathered at the Harmon Funeral Home in West Brighton to pay their respects to Lieutenant Robert Ryan Jr.

Ryan, 46, was battling a fire in a two-story home Sunday when part of the ceiling collapsed on top of him. The blow knocked his helmet and breathing mask off.

Family and friends remembered Ryan as a dedicated firefighter and family man.

"He lived for his children," said brother-in-law Victor Lacovano. "There was nothing he wouldn't do for his kids. He was dedicated father, husband, brother and brother-in-law."

"Bobby was an unbelievably dedicated and loyal fire officer," said FDNY Captain John Graziano. "You can't ask for a better leader of men than Bobby. He trained the new firefighters as if they were his own kids."

Another viewing will be held Tuesday, with funeral services on Wednesday.

Ryan leaves behind a wife, two children, and two step-children.

He suffered serious burns on the job several years ago, and during his year-long rehabilitation he worked with Staten Island University Hospital to raise money for its burn unit.

The 17-year veteran was also remembered by his colleagues for helping to bring life back to Engine 6 after the September 11th terrorist attacks.

"He helped rebuild that firehouse and work with those families at six engines that lost four firefighters on September 11th," said FDNY Chief Salvatore Cassano. "So Bob was extremely dedicated. He was a family man and it's somebody you would want to put a fire out or rescue you if you were trapped."

Officials say the fire he was battling was not suspicious and appears to have been sparked by faulty electrical wiring in the attic.