John Michael Szczech

John was born on September 11, 1964 in Rockville Centre, NY. As a boy, he loved building things like go carts, tinkering with engines, boating and fishing…which inspired him to become a mechanical engineer. The tinkering continued…

It was as a youth, volunteering with the Hempstead Fire Department, that he found his true calling, and his best friend Bronko. In August, 1990, John’s dream was realized when he was appointed to the New York City Fire Department, beginning his career at L106. During his time in Greenpoint he met his FDNY brothers, and forged the unbreakable bond that endures to this day. Promoted to Lieutenant, he went on to lead E206 for many years until getting back on the Truck as a Happy Hooker at TL131; his last firehouse before going on to Special Operations until his retirement in 2020.

The loves of John’s life were firefighting, fishing, boating, kielbasa & pierogis, and Jennifer(most likely in that exqct order). In 2009, John married his “beautiful wife” as he referred to her, when he found out she could make bigos & pierogi - and could polka! John & Jennifer were lucky to have many years on the dance floor with the Pulaski and Emerald Societies.

As John’s health declined, they were able to find joy in the simple things…music, food, singing, Guinness, friends, and their beloved pets. Despite his tremendous suffering over this past year, his tenacity and sense of humor remained. He was still “Johnny Check”, and jokingly referred to himself as “Strong like bull - smart like truck”.

John passed peacefully with his devoted wife at his side. In heaven now, he is once again Big Strong Johnny Szczech.

The Power & The Glory.

I wonder if there are fireworks in heaven…