Francis "Frank" Cagan, Jr.

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Francis "Frank" Cagan,Jr.

Loved Husband, Father, Son, Brother and Friend.

Francis "Frank" Steven Cagan, Jr., also known as “Professional Bad-Ass”, “Frank the Tank”, “Big Brother”, & “Cap”, was born on November 10, 1967 in Islip, New York. He always dreamed of becoming independent and successful…and that’s exactly what he did. He began his stellar career as a firefighter at the age of 20 years old in 1989 for the city of Sunrise Fire Department, where he became a fearless leader and rose up the ranks to become Rescue Supervisor and Paramedic Lieutenant. He then became one of the youngest Fire Captains in the department’s history at the age of 33, and in 2002, was awarded “Firefighter of the Year” for his selfless heroics in rescuing a person trapped, unconscious, inside a home ravaged by fire with zero visibility. He saved countless lives over the course of his 30 years with the department and dedicated his life to taking care of others, especially his family. He is THE GREATEST DAD, beloved husband, helpful son, incredible brother and brother-in-law, wonderful uncle, father-figure, and everyone’s best friend.

No matter where he went, everyone gravitated towards him. People just felt connected and loved by him. Frank was the life of the party and his personality was contagious. He had the natural ability to capture a room and make anyone laugh until their bellies hurt with his witty and dry sense of humor. He was a friend and confidant to everyone and never failed to give the most sound advice and guidance. To know him, was to love him, a great and honorable man…the best man to his family. His talent to be a strong leader was evident when he was chosen by his colleagues to represent them as President of their Union, District 3, and when he served on the Pension Committee Board as Chairman of the Board. He had many accomplishments and passions in life, but his greatest of them all, was the family he built together with his wife of 20 years, Bethel, daughter, Kaela, and son, little Frankie, whom he loved to the end of the universe and beyond. He lived a life of service to others, whether it be for his family, the neighbors across the street, or a stranger in the road. He was a mentor for all, in everything he took on and everyone he came across. He led countless people towards their calling in MMA and being a firefighter. As a man with many hobbies, he was able to cross paths and help others of all walks of life, particularly those he met through his work and his love of boxing and mixed martial arts. He had this immense confidence and passion when it came to his love for working out, which began at the age of 13 and never stopped. Not only was he an avid Jiu Jitsu and Tough-Man boxing competitor, he was a “Golden Glove 139-lb Boxing Champion” and the “2015 Competitor of the Year” at Vagner Rocha’s BJJ/MMA. But above all his achievements, he loved spending time with his family, especially with his “Beautiful Bethel”, “Sweet KK”, and “Amazing Son”. There was never a day that you wouldn’t find him on the mat supporting Frankie while grappling or at soccer games cheering on Kaela from the sidelines. He was and will always remain to be the definition of a devoted husband and father. Regardless of all the adversities in his life, he remained resilient and strong, a true fighter and an unwavering protector. Through the battles he faced, he became an instrument, opening eyes, and changed not only policies but lives, thus, leaving behind a legacy of strength and love. 

Frank is an exemplary, one-of-a-kind man. He was truly a good, nurturing, kind, honest, and hard-working man. The list could go on. Everything he wanted and aspired for growing up, he gave to his family. He is an inspiration to us all, and inspires us to do better. We are better people because of him, the world is a better place because of him, and we can achieve great things because of him. His love for us will always remain, limitless in our memories, and most importantly, in our hearts. On March 29th, 2022, at the young age of 54 years old, Frank was reunited with our Maker. Our beloved fighter can now rest and be at peace with our Lord Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Bethel, and his children, Kaela & Frankie Cagan; his parents, Francis and Annette Cagan; his brother, Kenny Cagan, and his sister, Danielle Borges. We will miss him more than words can express. 

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 7th, 2022 from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm at the T.M. Ralph Funeral home (371 NW 136 Avenue, Sunrise, FL, 33325) and a Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 8th, 2022 at St. Edward’s Catholic Church at 11:00am (19000 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL, 33029).