Town Considers Hiring Frank McBride's Brother To Fill His Post at Transfer Station

NORTH FORK, NY - The Southold Town board is considering keeping a job that belonged to Frank McBride in the family — by possibly hiring his brother Michael to fill the post.

Frank McBride died tragically last month after his vehicle was hit by a Long Island Rail Road train.

This week, Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said the board is considering hiring his brother Michael to fill his post at the town's transfer station on Cox Lane in Cutchogue.

"I can’t say what decision will be made but assume one will be made by Tuesday at the town board meeting," Russell said.

He added that the title of the job is full-time laborer, with a starting salary range of $37,000 to $43,000.

The job is labor class so there is no need for a civil service exam and no pending list the town needs to hire from, Russell said; the only qualification is a high school diploma and a driver's license.

After McBride's death, the town had a delayed opening of the transfer station to allow his colleagues to attend his funeral.

"Frank was a stellar employee who will be deeply missed. He came to work each day with one goal — to help his coworkers, help the public and to do the best job he could. I won’t just miss him as his boss, I will miss him as one of the many, many residents that enjoyed seeing him at out transfer station every day," Russell said.

After their unspeakable loss, friends and family remembered McBride for his beautiful smile, open heart, and generosity of spirit; they spoke of laughing with him at the transfer station, a familiar face that will be missed forever.

"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.