(08/20/07) DYKER HEIGHTS ? A somber atmosphere surrounded Dyker Heights Monday in the wake of a firefighter?s death.

Joseph Graffagnino, 33, died Saturday battling a fire at the Deutsche Bank building at Ground Zero. A steady stream of firefighters, friends and relatives stopped by his home in Dyker Heights to pay their respects Monday. Store owners in the area also remembered Graffagnino as a friendly and generous man.

Neighbors say Graffagnino was a devoted father who always had his two children by his side. The deceased firefighter would have turned 34 Monday.

Another firefighter, 53-year-old Robert Beddia, also died at the building.

Related information: Dyker Heights fireman dies in blaze near Ground Zero