By Ivan Pereira
Family and friends of the brothers killed in a massive fire in Springfield Gardens two weeks ago gathered Wednesday morning for an emotional goodbye to the young boys.
The parents of TyAnthony Duckette, 8, and his 17-month-old brother, Daniel Wilson, could not contain their composure during the two-hour funeral service at the Church of God Prophecy in St. Albans. The boys, two other siblings and their grandmother were at home at 141-45 182nd St. June 17 when the fire broke out.
Although TyAnthony was able to get out of the burning building, he went back inside to save Daniel but did not make it out. The elder boy’s father, Tyronne Duckette, became teary-eyed as he talked about his son’s bravery.
“The Bible says give honor when honor is due,” he said. “I truly believe my son and his brother were honored.”
The fire that spread through the entire house may have been started by a faulty light fixture, according to firefighters.
The boys’ mother, Sonia Wilson, who was not in the house at the time of the blaze, did not give any remarks but was comforted by the words of several supporters, including the principal of TyAnthony’s school, who gave the mother a special letter of resolution.
Principal Beverly Mitchell, who heads PS 37 in Springfield Gardens, said the second-grader always showed leadership qualities, not only in his studies but also in his interaction with classmates.
“The sense of responsibility and love did not allow him to stop when his brother was in danger,” she said.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4546.
