Remembering Detective Patrick William Franzone:
November 3rd, 1967 - September 18th, 2025
Born on November 3, 1967, to Carole and Billy Franzone, Patrick was a child blessed with a natural gift for empathy. From an early age, he was moved by the struggles of others and always sought ways to help those less fortunate.
One day, while paging through a National Geographic magazine, young Patrick noticed photos of a poor village. Curious and concerned, he asked his mother, Carole, why the people in the pictures didn’t have enough food or shelter. She explained that they were living in poverty and that the magazine was sharing their story with the world.
A few days later, when Carole picked up the magazine again, she discovered that Patrick had tucked a handful of pennies between its pages — his own small but heartfelt attempt to help the people he’d seen.
Patrick Franzone, 6 years old (1973).
As Patrick entered his teenage years, he and his family moved from Laurelton, New York, to Freeport — the place he would proudly call home for most of his life. It was in Freeport, during his high school years, that Patrick discovered his calling to serve others. He felt a deep connection to the community and a strong desire to support families in need, always looking for ways to make a difference close to home.
Patrick also expressed an early interest in joining the military, particularly the United States Marine Corps — a branch whose ongoing support for Toys for Tots reflected the same generous spirit that had guided him since childhood.
Patrick at 18, with his parents Carole and Billy Franzone (1985).
In 1986, Patrick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, answering a call to serve his country with the same dedication he had always shown to his community. Over the next five years, he completed tours in various parts of the world, including Sicily and Turkey. His strong work ethic and natural leadership helped him rise quickly through the ranks, earning the title of Sergeant.
During his time in the Marines, Patrick formed bonds of friendship that lasted a lifetime — brothers-in-arms who shared in both the challenges and the pride of service. Shortly after the birth of his first son, Patrick received an honorable discharge. He and his wife, Maria, were overjoyed to welcome their first child, a moment that marked the beginning of a new and cherished chapter in his life.
Patrick’s United States Marine Corps portrait, taken following his enlistment (1986).
Patrick and Maria’s first son, Kyle Anthony Franzone, was born on August 10th, 1989. Though Kyle was born with microcephaly and cerebral palsy, this never deterred Patrick, Maria, or their family from providing him with a wonderful life.
Through Kyle, Patrick and his family came to understand the true depth of compassion and resilience. He often said that caring for Kyle taught him more about love, patience, and strength than anything else ever could. It was because of Kyle that Patrick developed an even greater appreciation for the importance of supporting and advocating for individuals with disabilities — recognizing the invaluable lessons and joy they bring to the lives of those around them.
Patrick and his eldest son, Kyle (1990).
In October of 1991, shortly after completing his distinguished military service, Patrick began his career as a police officer for the Village of Freeport. Serving the very community he had long called home, Patrick approached his work with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to keeping others safe.
During this time, he and Maria welcomed two more sons, Kieran and Conor Franzone, completing the family that would always remain the center of his world.
Even as he protected and served the people of Freeport, Patrick felt a continued pull to do more — to find new ways to give back and strengthen the community that had given him so much.
Kyle, Patrick and Maria Franzone (1991).
In 1993, Patrick took on the role of Chairman for Toys for Freeport Tots, a position he approached with the same dedication and heart that defined every part of his life. Patrick made it his mission to ensure that every child in need within the community could experience the joy of the holiday season.
Under his leadership, the program flourished. He worked tirelessly each year to make sure enough toys were purchased and distributed, but his generosity didn’t stop there.
Patrick serving as Chairman of Toys for Freeport Tots (2008).
On May 20, 2009, Patrick and Maria faced the unimaginable loss of their eldest son, Kyle. In his memory, they turned heartbreak into purpose by creating an annual Toys for Freeport Tots fundraiser known as “Kyle Fest,” celebrating Kyle’s spirit through giving and community.
A Facebook post Patrick wrote to his eldest son, Kyle, after his passing (2012).
Kyle Fest was held each year from 2009 to 2019 as a joyful celebration of Kyle’s life, filled with great food, music, and community. Patrick invited some of his favorite Long Island musicians to perform — including his sons, Kieran and Conor Franzone.
Each year, the event raised between $6,000 and $16,000 for Toys for Freeport Tots, helping the charity expand its reach and provide more toys, clothing, and even new electronic toys as the times changed.
Patrick and his cousin Erik, fellow Marines and lifelong friends, celebrating Kyle Fest together (2012).
Patrick often went the extra mile, personally helping families, especially those with children with disabilities — secure clothing, food, shelter, and even vehicles when times were especially difficult. His compassion and determination touched countless lives and strengthened the bonds within the Freeport community.
Patrick taught everyone around him that the true meaning of Christmas is seeing joy on the faces of others, especially those who had endured hardships throughout the year.
Patrick sharing the spirit of Christmas with a young friend at Toys for Tots (2016).
In April 2024, Patrick retired from the Freeport Police Department after more than 33 years of honorable service. Though always humble, he received countless accolades throughout his career, consistently putting others before himself, no matter the circumstances.
Patrick’s dedication to others went far beyond his scheduled duties. He often came into work on his days off to assist his fellow officers in emergencies. Notably, during the 9/11 attacks, he traveled 45 miles outside his jurisdiction to support his NYPD colleagues by assisting with their search and rescue efforts at Ground Zero — a true example of his courage and commitment to service.
Kieran, Maria, Patrick and Conor Franzone at Patrick’s Retirement Ceremony (2024).
In September 2024, Patrick was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer linked to his work during the aftermath of 9/11. True to his strength and spirit, he faced the illness with immense courage and grace for a full year. On September 18, 2025, Patrick passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
Before his passing, he fulfilled one of his lifelong dreams — building a home in Panama City Beach, Florida, with his beloved wife, Maria. Though he wasn’t able to enjoy retirement as they had hoped, his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his son, Kyle, in Heaven — sharing laughter, love, and their own eternal Kyle Fest together.
Kyle and Patrick Franzone (1989).