Farewell FRANK V, officer, brother, friend, FISHERMAN….

[FASTEDDIE29]

On friday morning I got some very bad news that a great friend of mine, Frank Viggiano, was in the tragic accident on Staten Island. He was pronounced dead on the scene and I cannot begin to explain the feelings that are going through my head right now. Reality hasn't quite set in yet but I know it will. I am at a loss for words these days and really don't know to react. I'm a loud, life of the party kind of guy most of the time but right now I just feel confused.

Frank was not an NJF member but he and his brother Mike have been big parts of my life for the last 15 years or so. We all enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and camping together. I turned Frank and Mike on to the world class fishery upstate NY and they haven't turned back since. Many, many good times were had by myself and this band of brothers. These Viggiano brothers were at my wedding. Frank was at my bachelor party and we just can't talk about what went down that night right now, LOL. What a night it was! I don't think anyone slept until we all got home sometime Sunday afternoon. GOOD TIMES!!!

Frank became an officer in Linden 5 years ago and his reputation is spotless. You will not find a blemish in this kids short life. He was well respected in town by all. Always smiling, always helpful, never starting problems or conflict. He helped people in many ways no matter what the situation. He purchased the home he grew up in from his parents shortly after becoming a Linden police officer. When he wanted something, he worked for it and got what he wanted. Working 4 days on with 3 days off he took every side job Linden PD offered him, never turning down work. This young man may be the most driven person I have ever met.

He traveled to the Great Lakes with his brother often. At the young age of 28 this man has been to Mardi Gras, Texas, Florida, Maine, NY, Rhode Island, Maryland and places most people his age don't experience in a lifetime. I have nothing but respect for my friend. Although we haven't spent much time together in recent years because of conflicting schedules it doesn't matter because once where together its like we were never separated. His smile can light up a room. He would give anyone the shirt off his back, even if he didn't know you. I really don't know what to say at this time.

Please don't speculate. Please have respect for my friend and his family. Frank was a mans man. He lived life to the fullest but it was just cut way to short. I miss his tall goofy ass so much!!!

FAIR WINDS and CALM SEAS my friend.

R.I.P. Officer Frank Viggiano
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[Gerry Zagorski]

Sorry for your loss Eddie. Loosing someone so young and full of life is tough.

[acabtp]

saw the article on this. sorry to hear about your friend Eddie, condolences to the family
some real nice fish he had there be happy you helped get him on them

[Mikey topaz]

Def a good down to earth guy no dobut about that! Pleased to have pleasure to fish with him!

[FASTEDDIE29]

A few more pics of the crew, 1st year on the mighty Oswego river. Circa 2004 or so.
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t599/fasteddie2927/DSC00150_zpstb6nt2so.jpg
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[Sandrider611]

I've been waiting until this tragic news hit the NJH family.. Making the call to Eddie was one of the most gut wrenching experience I've ever had.. Not only was Frank a close fishing partner of mine, the main influence my son and I found the hard water; but also my closest co-worker..
Frank devoted his every second to family and his love, fishing.. He was a true gentleman, professional law enforcement officer, amazing friend and true Sportman!!! May his spirit follow everyone on their many journeys this season!! God bless and rest easy my friend!!! May you be graced with many flags and world class Pike!!!

[FASTEDDIE29]

I've been waiting until this tragic news hit the NJH family.. Making the call to Eddie was one of the most gut wrenching experience I've ever had.. Not only was Frank a close fishing partner of mine, the main influence my son and I found the hard water; but also my closest co-worker..
Frank devoted his every second to family and his love, fishing.. He was a true gentleman, professional law enforcement officer, amazing friend and true Sportman!!! May his spirit follow everyone on their many journeys this season!! God bless and rest easy my friend!!! May you be graced with many flags and world class Pike!!!

Mike, thank you for the call although it was something I never expected to hear. My first instinct was to drive to the house and that I did. I couldn't believe the news until the LINDEN PD pulled up to the house in full force. I gave all the info I could on where the families lived. I tried to call Mike as my first thought but was then advised to let the Sheriffs office handle the situation. I'm happy that you were the one that notified me of this horrific news. Your a brother to me now and always. A friend of Franks is a friend of mine, now and forever. This loss hits very close to home as half of my family still resides in Linden. A very large amount of people have been affected by this tragedy. My heart and prayers go out to all families involved.

[Chrisper4694]

Stay strong and enjoy life, I don't know any of you personally but it would appear your friend lived life to the fullest. My condolences guys.

[kcritch]

Eddie...So sorry for your loss my friend. Some things you just cannot explain.

We too are are suffering a similar situation. One of my oldest sons best friends from college died in a ski accident yesterday in Vermont. The kid had just graduated college last year and was working in New Hampshire just starting his life. An awesome kid...23 years old...we are all devastated as these kids are like family to us. It is very strange to watch you child go through the loss of one of his friends. I can't get my head around it.

I can definitely relate my brother. Hang in there and be strong.

Ken

[FASTEDDIE29]

Here's a few more of Frank up on Lake Wallenpaupack, PA. This guy could fall to sleep anywhere and still land a keeper Striper on a tip up.
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t599/fasteddie2927/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpstpr60wza.jpg
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t599/fasteddie2927/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsvi7ledcg.jpg:D

[Sandrider611]

Wow those are some great pics!! I remember some of them like they were yesterday!! Frank thought the world of you Eddie and along with Brother Mike considered you a mentor!! If anyone can do it, I'm sure you'll carry on his memory far and wide, over lake and stream! Is been a pleasure to meet you and more of an honor to call you my friend!! Anything I can do I
please don't hesitate to hit me up!!

Perhaps the NJH Frank V Memorial Ice Tourney??

[AndyS]

I read about in the newspaper. I hate reading things like this, keep 'em in our thoughts and prayers.

[gwl2oneida]

I just pulled out the copy of the salmon river m&g pic. I didn't know him well but I'll always miss him. Pouring rain, crammed in my tiny cabin. Good times.

[SgtHam850]

RIP Brother

[Capt. Lou]

Very sorry to hear of this tragic loss of UR good friend .

[MikeThePike]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone in memory of my little brother. Not a second has gone by since I found out that I don't miss him. Ive spent the past few hours going through thousands of pictures to pay proper tribute to him but I honestly don't think I could ever fully pay tribute to the greatest guy I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was my best friend first, my little brother second! RIP Officer Frank Viggiano!!!!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/MikeThePike/MikeThePike012/NCM_2417_zpsnv2ugpf9.jpg

[UglyStick]

Eddie - my condolences to you and the family... nuff said..

[Andrushkin33]

There are no words

Here, I think of NJF crew as one big family and any friends are a part of that family as well. Although I did not know the man personally news like that still strike home.

My condolences to all. Family, friends, Linden PD.

Andre

[jimmythegreek]

Guys my deepest sympathy and regrets to the friends and family of these fine gentleman, may their lines always be tight and the winds in their favor........RIP

[bunker dunker]

my prayers go out to the family.rest in peace Frank

[FASTEDDIE29]

Thanx for the kind words guys. Frank is one of a kind. I'm sure some of you have run into him here or there. Him and Mike fish like maniacs. They are very dedicated to our sport and share the same passion most of us do. A life in the outdoors is a better life for all. For those of you who may not know Frank and Mike, they're also known as Skihunter and Pike Popper on that ice fishing site. Frank being PikePopper, Mike being Skihunter! 2 very great people, brothers, outdoorsman. Always willing to help no matter what the situation. They are my brothers!!! Always!

[JerryC]

sorry for your loss

[MikeThePike]

I'm finally getting a chance to make a real post in honor of my brother. I'm trying to mostly just add pictures with myself, him, and FastEddie in them.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/MikeThePike/Frankie/0226121536_zpshtzqymfc.jpg
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He did not fit in that kayak. One of the main reasons when I bought my sit on I left it in his backyard to use
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/MikeThePike/Frankie/SANY0904_zps9azosthm.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/MikeThePike/Frankie/IMGP0334_zpsixal7kbl.jpg
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[MikeThePike]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/MikeThePike/Frankie/Picture123_zpsxdjm3bxm.jpg
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[MikeThePike]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/MikeThePike/Frankie/0605001840a_zpsyu3dfcaq.jpg
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Gassing up the last time we had our boat out with my father
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/MikeThePike/Frankie/0510121505_zps7vvycasl.jpg

Ed, saying you turned us into Great Lake trib nuts is an understatement. Every chance we got we were up there chasing salmon and trout!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/MikeThePike/Frankie/downsized951118121047_zps8q2itq6p.jpg
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[MikeThePike]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/MikeThePike/Frankie/1014121010_zpsnpog2tb1.jpg
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Only we would set tip-ups on a trout stream to fish for steelies out in Erie, PA...it tears me up that he never got to land one in the two years we were out there for them
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I started introducing him to the lake but only got to take one trip with him.
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[shrimpman steve]

Very sorry to hear. My condolences

[FASTEDDIE29]

Thanx for having a look at the post and showing your respect for a very good friend of mine. Myself, Mike and the Viggiano family appreciate all the kind words. Frank was taken to the family plot today in Fairview, NJ where he was laid to rest with his grandparents. RIP Frank Viggiano! Friend, brother, officer and super fisherman!

My favorite part of the day, there hasn't been many at all recently, was pissing people off on the Nj turnpike. We had a 500 car motorcade with approximately 100 cop vehicles shut down the turnpike from Linden all the way up to our exit. Frank would've loved to see that, LOL! State troopers blocking ramps. Motorcycles blocking ramps. Oh man, what a showing of respect today for one of the most humble, modest, helpful, caring and passionate people I've had the privilege of knowing.

All I can say is that he will always be missed by many! TIGHT LINEZ!!!

[lets_go_rangers]

cant really say much that hasnt alsready been said but really sorry for your loss to everyone out there who knew the man. i saw this sorry all over the new was sad to see

[buzzbaiter]

Driver had BAC of 0.24 or 3x the legal limit. I know many of you like your beer but its senseless accidents like this that you should think about before downing your next drink. Perhaps time ALL cars have the breathalyzer ignition lock (https://www.smartstartinc.com/products/ssi-2030/). If only a one person is saved, its worth it. I think what we'll find is far more people drinking & driving then we ever thought. Of course people will be screaming about personal rights and/or invasion of privacy forgetting the fact its meant to help protect you, your family, friends and innocent people. Not unlike seat belt and smoking laws which many still ignore despite obvious dangers.

I'll step down from my soapbox now. Time to fish.

[muskynut]

Very sorry for your loss.....my condolences....:(

[FASTEDDIE29]

I had a visitor last night. Frank came to see me and the loss of sleep was a very small price to pay. I enjoyed the company for sure. We all miss you Frank, your goofy smile, your quiet confidence, your presence! Thanx for keeping me company this past year. It was one of the hardest ice fishing seasons in a while, not seeing you out there just doesn't feel normal. Myself and many others will never forget you. I know your watching over us all!

TIGHT LINEZ up in HEAVEN MY FRIEND! I MISS YOU!!!

Frankie Vigg
E.O.W. 3/20/2015

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[Mikey topaz]

That boy sure is missed no doubt bout it hell of a guy and fishermen����

[Rich196]

Man you hate to see stuff like this, sorry for your loss, seemed to be one hell of a guy. We will keep you in our prayers.

[jimmythegreek]

such a terrible senseless loss of a good guy...Im sure hes smiling down everytime you hook a biggin' buddy. prayers go out to his family and friends

[HerringKing]

I'm sorry for your loss Eddie