Frank Siller Biography
Frank Siller is the Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in memory of his younger brother, Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who died during the September 11, 2001, attacks. Born in 1953 in Staten Island, New York, Frank was one of seven children. After losing both parents by the age of 22, he took on the responsibility of raising his younger siblings, including Stephen.
In the aftermath of 9/11, Frank and his family founded the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to honor Stephen’s heroic actions and support first responders, military personnel, and their families. The foundation provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and builds specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
Under Frank’s leadership, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has grown significantly, reporting over $474 million in revenue and support in 2022. The foundation continues to expand its programs, including initiatives to combat veteran homelessness and provide educational resources about 9/11.
Frank Siller Age
Frank Siller was born in 1953, making him 71 years old as of 2024.
Frank Siller Hometown
Frank Siller hails from Staten Island, New York.
Frank Siller Parents and Siblings
Frank Siller was born to George and Mae Siller in Staten Island, New York, in 1953. He is one of seven siblings:
- Brothers: George, Russell, and Stephen Siller
- Sisters: Janis Siller-Hannan, Mary Siller-Scullin, and Regina Siller-Vogt
The Siller family faced significant challenges early on. When Frank was 22, both of his parents passed away, leaving the younger siblings, including Stephen, who was eight at the time, under the care of the older ones. The eldest brother, Russell, along with his wife, Jacky, took Stephen into their home, with support from Frank and the other siblings.
What Happened to Frank Siller Brother, Stephen Siller
Frank Siller’s younger brother, Stephen Siller, was a firefighter with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1. On September 11, 2001, after completing his shift, Stephen was en route to meet his brothers for a golf outing when he learned of the attack on the World Trade Center. Determined to assist, he retrieved his gear and, finding the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel closed, ran nearly two miles through the tunnel with 60 pounds of equipment to reach the Twin Towers.
Tragically, Stephen lost his life while saving others during the collapse of the South Tower. In honor of Stephen’s heroism, Frank Siller and his family established the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The organization supports first responders, military personnel, and their families by providing mortgage-free homes and other assistance.
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Frank Siller Career
Frank Siller’s career is deeply intertwined with his role as the Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization he co-founded in 2002 to honor the memory of his younger brother, Stephen Siller, a firefighter who perished during the September 11, 2001, attacks. Under Frank’s leadership, the foundation has grown from a local initiative into a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to supporting first responders, military personnel, and their families.
In the early years, Frank focused on establishing the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in New York City, an event that retraces Stephen’s final steps from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center site. This annual event has become the foundation’s signature fundraiser, attracting tens of thousands of participants and raising significant funds to support its programs.
Recognizing the needs of catastrophically injured service members, Frank spearheaded the foundation’s Smart Home Program, which constructs custom, mortgage-free homes equipped with adaptive technology to restore independence to these heroes. Since its inception, the program has delivered numerous homes across the United States, profoundly impacting the lives of veterans and their families.
In response to the increasing number of first responders losing their lives in the line of duty, Frank expanded the foundation’s mission to include the Fallen First Responder Home Program. This initiative pays off mortgages for the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring their loved ones have financial stability during challenging times.
Under Frank’s guidance, the foundation launched the Gold Star Family Home Program, providing mortgage-free homes to the families of military personnel who have died in service to their country. This program reflects Frank’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of those who serve and ensuring their families are cared for.
In 2019, the foundation reported that 93% of every dollar raised went directly to its programs and services, a testament to Frank’s dedication to financial transparency and efficiency. This commitment has earned the foundation the highest rating from Charity Navigator for multiple consecutive years.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in 2021, Frank embarked on the “Never Forget Walk,” a 537-mile journey from Washington, D.C., to New York City, retracing the route his brother took on that fateful day. This endeavor not only honored Stephen’s memory but also raised awareness and funds for the foundation’s ongoing mission.
Throughout his career, Frank Siller has demonstrated unwavering dedication to supporting those who serve and protect. His leadership has transformed the Tunnel to Towers Foundation into a beacon of hope and assistance for countless families, ensuring that the sacrifices of heroes like his brother are never forgotten.
Frank Siller Net Worth
Frank Siller has an estimated net worth of $10 million as of 2024.
Frank Siller Wife and Children
Frank Siller is married to Patricia Siller. Together, they have three children. While specific details about their children are not publicly disclosed, the Siller family has been actively involved in the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which Frank leads as Chairman and CEO.Â
FAQs
Who is Frank Siller?
Frank Siller is the Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in memory of his brother, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who died during the September 11, 2001, attacks.
What is the Tunnel to Towers Foundation?
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors the sacrifice of Stephen Siller by supporting first responders, military personnel, and their families through various programs, including building mortgage-free homes for injured veterans and paying off mortgages for families of fallen first responders.
What inspired Frank Siller to start the Tunnel to Towers Foundation?
The foundation was created to honor Stephen Siller’s heroic actions on 9/11, where he ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with 60 pounds of gear to assist at the World Trade Center, ultimately sacrificing his life.
What is Frank Siller’s role in the Tunnel to Towers Foundation?
As Chairman and CEO, Frank Siller oversees the foundation’s operations, fundraising efforts, and program implementations to support first responders and military families.
Has Frank Siller received any compensation for his role in the foundation?
Frank Siller serves as an uncompensated volunteer in his role as Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
What are some key programs initiated by Frank Siller through the foundation?
The foundation’s programs include the Smart Home Program, which builds specially adapted homes for catastrophically injured veterans, and the Fallen First Responder Home Program, which pays off mortgages for families of fallen first responders.
What was the “Never Forget Walk” undertaken by Frank Siller?
In 2021, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Frank Siller embarked on a 537-mile walk from Washington, D.C., to New York City, retracing his brother Stephen’s final steps to honor his memory and raise awareness for the foundation’s mission.
How has the Tunnel to Towers Foundation grown under Frank Siller’s leadership?
Under Frank Siller’s leadership, the foundation has expanded its programs and increased its fundraising efforts, achieving a program service percentage of 93%, meaning 93 cents of every dollar goes directly to programs and services.
