Martin J. 'Woody' Mchale

Martin Joseph "Woody" McHale passed away suddenly on Monday, December 24, 2012, at Long Island Jewish Hospital in New York. He was 50. Woody was appointed to the NYC Fire Department on July 16, 1989, and assigned to Engine 252 - Squad 252. He was promoted to Fire Marshal in 1999, working in the City Wide North Bureau of Fire Investigations. He survived the collapse of 911, and was the first firefighter to place water on the fire. Woody was recognized by the fire department for investigative excellence and was awarded the Commissioner Martin Scott Medal in 2007. He was a member of Local 94 Fire Marshall Delegate, the VP of the Fire Marshalls Benevolent Association, a former Captain of the FDNY football team, and he played for the Brooklyn Mariners semi-pro football team.Born in Queens, NY on July 30, 1962, he was a son of Catherine (Lionetti) McHale of Queens, NY and the late John J. McHale. Surviving is his loving family including his mother; his wife of 9 years, Hope I. (Gottlieb) McHale; twin sons, Matthew John and Ryan Damien; and a brother, James M. McHale and his wife, Patricia, of Fairfield, CT. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing at American Martyrs R.C. Church, 79-43 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY on Friday, December 28, 2012 from 2 to 9:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 10:00 am, at the above church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Woody's memory to FM Martin McHale's Childrens' Education Fund, c/o FDNY Foundation 9 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201.