North Fork Friends Remember Frank McBride, Who Died Tragically After Mattituck Train Accident

NORTH FORK, NY - Hearts were broken on Tuesday on the North Fork when Frank McBride lost his life too young after his pickup was struck by a Long Island Rail Road train on Elijah's Lane in Mattituck.

Friends and loved ones turned to social media to share their heavy heartbreak, as well as memories of McBride, 35, — longtime member of the Cutchogue Fire Department who worked at the transfer station in Cutchogue — recalling a smile that brightened days and a heart of gold.

The MTA confirmed Wednesday morning that McBride had lost his life in the accident.

The comments echoed, as friends shared stories about a caring soul who would have given others the very shirt off his back.

"Frank was a beautiful person and had a smile that was contagious," friend Tracy Raynor told Patch. "He would always come to store and visit me and tell me he was going to make me his grandma's Polish donuts. He will hold a special place in my heart."

Valerie DeFio said she has worked with McBride for more than 14 years. "I am heartbroken and stunned. It's just not going to be the same without him. He was one of a kind. He will be deeply missed by everyone that knew him. Such a tragedy," she said.

Lauren Gilbert reflected on the profound impact McBride had on so many he'd touched in his young life. "I, like so many, have known Frank for a long time and his smile and good nature was something that could not be ignored. It didn't matter when the last time I saw him was, he would always come up to me and say, 'Hey Lauren!' Just like he did in his fireman's uniform at the Cutchogue St. Patrick's Day Parade. So many of us see acquaintances and sometimes avoid eye contact, but not Frank. He would go out of his way to look you in the eyes and say 'hello.'"

She added, "We need more people like Frank in this world and it saddens me when someone like that is taken way too soon. But as much as grief will be a part of this community in the coming days and weeks I hope that the celebration of his life and personality shine through and can help comfort his family and friends."

Sharon Sailor, too, shared memories of a young man whose memory will forever shine on the North Fork canvas. "My son Paulie loved to listen to Frankie and the guys at work on the scanner. I remember him and his bride planning their wedding for 10/10/10. Frankie was a kind, innocent, gentle soul . . .a community member, a firefighter, a husband, a son, a grandson, a farmer, a co-worker and an all around good guy who exemplifies what our small town can and should be about."

Patch courtesy photo via Facebook.