A dreary day outside matched the mood inside as the coffin of Joe Esposito was carried into St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Mourners filled the pews to say a final goodbye to the former NYPD Chief.
“All of us, who came here today to this magnificent cathedral to remember to pray for one of the greatest persons in my life — Espo,” said. Msgr. David Cassato, NYPD chaplain and former pastor of St. Athanasius, where Esposito was a parishioner.
Msgr. Cassato said Esposito was a personal friend and a man who lived his faith every day.
“Where was he every single Sunday? At church at St Athanasius at the 11:30 Mass,” Msgr. Cassato said.
The longest-serving chief of department in the history of the NYPD passed away last week at the age of 73 after a battle with brain cancer.
His daughter spoke at the funeral.
“When my mom left us when her heart gave out, my father lost his heart too,” Eve Esposito said. “And that cancer that was lurking in his system, hanging around since 9/11, I’m sure, decided it’s time: ‘Let’s send this man home to his wife.’”
Esposito helped guide the city in the days, weeks, and months after 9/11.
He also played a key role in reopening churches in the Diocese of Brooklyn during the pandemic.
At one point, Esposito served as chairman of the Diocesan Review Board, the panel that helps the bishop in responding to allegations of abuse against priests.
He’ll be remembered as a man who loved his city, loved his family, and just wanted to take care of everyone.
“We’re so proud to have been his daughter,” Eve said. “My dad, my hero, everyone’s hero.”
“I thank God for this man in my life!” Msgr. Cassato said. “Espo, rest in peace.”
In addition to his 45-year-long career with the NYPD, Esposito also served four years as commissioner of the Office of Emergency Management.
Mayor Eric Adams said, “He was the definition of public service.”