2005 Stories and Memories
Dec 25, 2005 MERRY CHRISTMAS
MERRY CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN CHUCK,
IT WAS AROUND THIS TIME A FEW YEARS BACK WE WERE AT MY AUNT CARMENS HOUSE WITH MY COUSIN RUTHY, ERNIE, NORMA THE KIDS AND MY UNCLE ERNESTO MY DAD AND MOM ALL COOPED UP IN MY AUNTS LIL APARTMENT. IT WAS AROUND THIS TIME OF YEAR YOU WOULD COME BEARING GIFTS FOR ME AND MY SISTERS AUNTS UNCLES AND COUSINS; YOU WOULD ASK TITI CARMEN "HEY CARMEN YOU GOT ANYMORE OF THAT "COKUITO" AND THE WHOLE ROOM WOULD BURST OUT LAUGHING INCLUDING YOURSELF BECAUSE OF THE WAY YOU WOULD SAY IT. ALL THE SWEET MEMORIES YOU LEFT BEHIND AND I WILL ALWAYZ CHERISH THEM AS I GROW OLD AND GREY. YOU ARE FOREVER IN MY HEART AND I AM FOREVER ENDEBTED TO YOU; YOU MADE ME A BETTER MAN AFTER THE PASSING OF MY DAD. YOU WERE AND STILL ARE THAT PILLAR OF STONE NOT MADE WITH HANDS. I ASK THAT U SEND A BLESSING TO YOUR FAMILY MIKE AND YOUR MOM DAD ETC...... I REALLY MISS U PAL.... U WERE THE BEST THERE WAS AND THE BEST THERE EVER WILL BE. I LOVE YOU PRIMO FORREVER.... SEND A SPECIAL BLESSING TO MY COUSIN NORMA, RUTH, TITI CARMEN OUT IN QUEENS AND S/I BECAUSE THEY NEED IT JUST AS MUCH AS I DO AROUND THE HOLIDAYS. SEND MY LOVE TO THE KIDS NORMA JEAN AND LIL CHUCK WHO AINT SO LIL ANYMORE SO I HEARD....LOLOLOL.....I LOVE YOU ALL.......MOST OF ALL U CHUCK..... YOU ARE AN ANGEL TO ME AND THE LIGHT THAT WAS AND STILL IS TO MY FUTURE...MERRY CHRISTMAS BELOVED PRIMO......
ANTHONY ECHEVARRIA RAMOS
Nov 22, 2005 random thoughts
It's a little hard to get a good station consistently when I drive to and from school every weekend, but there is one station that lasts from around exit 7 on the turnpike all the way to Delaware. It started with the nonstop Christmas music the first week of November. On my way back to school last weekend, not in the best of moods, I switched over to this station and after a few songs in I hear that distinct raspy voice, "You better watch out, you better not cry...". Bruce Springsteen. Naturally, think of you...and Christmas. I started giggling out loud...I got a kick out of it when you used to call my Dad at several times between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. You'd ask for Santa and I could hear either Charlie or Norma Jean yelling in the background because they were being told that Santa was putting them on the Naughty List. Without any prior discussion of what you were doing, my father put on his best Santa voice...
How did neither one of you laugh??
Love you
Sarah Margiotta
Nov 2, 2005 5-K Remembrance
Hello Mike,
My name is Amy Wang and I am 15 years old. I go to Townsend Harris High
school and on October 22, 2005, our school had a 5k-remembrance
walk that was put together by the Patriot group. The walkers were each given
an ID tag with a firefighter that perished on September11. I was lucky
enough to get your brother, Lieutenant Charles Margiotta. When I was
walking, I looked at your brother's picture and I didn't even realize who he
really was. I didn't realize he did so much more than sacrifice his life for
the safety of others. I didn't realize he was a private investigator,
stuntmen for several famous movies, and a loving parent, husband, and
friend. I read many articles online about his life and what kind of person
he was and still is. Although I don't know him directly, I feel like he was
someone I would be able to talk to. From what memories and stories I’ve read
from your site, he seems to truly be a kind-hearted person. During the
remembrance walk, Captain Fuentes, another firefighter who was helping
others on September 11, made a speech to all the families and students that took part in this
event. He told us to talk to the people our tags represented as if they were our guardian angel.
So I’m going to look to Charlie Margiotta as my angel, because I am one
more person that will know how he touched the life of many others as well as
mine. I'm so glad I looked up your brother's life because I thought in order
to look up to someone in guidance, I must get to know him first as well. So
thank you for posting your website and I just want to let you know, Charles
Margiotta will never be forgotten.
Sincerely, Amy Wang.
Sep 12, 2005 4yrs. gone
Hey Chuck its been 4yrs. now it seem like it was yesterday we were sitting at the pinic table talking about retirement, and you said "Ernie I already have my time in, but I am going to hang around til December to finish out the year then I'am out." I remember saying Chuck when my 20yrs are up I'am out and I'am not looking back. Well my brother if I knew what I know now, how I wish we could have had that conversation again. Anyway I was down at ground zero yesterday and your name popped up everywhere on poster, flags, tee shirts just everywhere I looked there you were. Chuck don't think I've gotten soft bringing you flowers but it was to early for our usual tequila, but we'll be having it at the San Genero Feast this week like always. Chuck keep looking out for us, we all miss you and love you Your lil big brother Ernie
Sep 12, 2005 Another year
Yesterday as I stood for a moment of silence at the Eastern Connecticut Fire School, I felt the memorial bracelet I wear with Chuck's name on it. The flag has long worn off, but our memories last much longer. We will not forget.
Marc Scrivener
Sep 11, 2005 A DAY TO HONOR YOU
WELL CHUCK TODAY WE HONOR YOU, EVERYDAY WE MISS AND REMEMBER YOU. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS AND IN OUR THOUGHTS. WE KNOW YOU ARE STILL AMONG US BECAUSE YOU PRESENCE IS ALWAYS THERE IF IT'S IN A PIECE OF MOVIE, A SONG,A STAR, OR JUST THE WIND BLOWING BY WE FILL YOU. ERNIE AND I STARTED THE DAY BY GOING DOWN TO THE GROUND HERO TO PAY OUR RESPECT FOR YOU AND PAUL WE SAID A PRAY, PLACED SOME FLOWERS AND SHED A TEAR GOD KNOWS HOW WE LOVE AND MISS YOU ALWAYS CARMEN, ERNESTO, HUSKEY, RESUE AND RUTH XXOOXXOO.
SIS RUTH
Sep 11, 2005 We Pray each and Every Day
Chuck you'll always be our hero, in our hearts and minds
We all know that they'll never be another you, you were one of a kind.
I pray each night that your at peace and know the love we send.
To my always brother-in-law and friend.
RoseAnn Polo & Family
Sep 11, 2005 Giants Stadium
Well Chuck...the Giants may not win too many games...but they do the right thing. Today we will be going to the game and unveiling a bronze plaque they have installed behind "YOUR" seat to honor your life and dedication to the NEW YORK GIANTS.
I asked them to print 77,000 posters of you to hand out at the gate, but they wouldn't go for it...lol.
We all just keep plugging along...nothing will ever be the same...you are in our minds EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY. The pain is always there...it NEVER goes away. As the years pass, it seems unimaginable that I will never feel the sandpaper scruff of your unshaven face as we kissed hello and goodbye every day. I can still feel it...and I miss that the most. You keep me strong...but if something should happen to me, I am not afraid of dying anymore because I look forward to seeing you more than anything in the world...Just make sure nothing happens to me too soon...lol...we'll have eternity together...my family needs me for a few more years.
I love you and miss you...............Your little brother, Michael
Mike Margiotta
Sep 11, 2005 I LOVE YOU CHUCK.....9/11/05
DEAR CHUCK,
I LOVE YOU CHUCK.....HAPPY ANNIVERSAY IN HEAVEN CUZ. I TRULY MISS YOU, YOU WERE ALWAYS A HERO TO ME AS A CHILD EVEN AFTER MY FATHER PASSED. AND YOU LIVE ON TO BE A HERO IN OUR MEMORIES AND STORIES. I REALLY MISS YOU PHYSICALLY CUZ...I TRY TO STAY IN CONTACT WITH YOUR FAMILY BUT MY JOB SO KEEPS ME OCCUPIED IM SOOOOOOOOOO SORRY CUZO...BUT THIS SACRED DAY ALWAYS REMINDS ME OF MY FAMILY COLLAZO AND MARGIOTTA ALIKE. I WANT TO THANK YOUR BROTHER MIKE FOR CARRYING THE TORCH OF LIGHT BECAUSE WITHOUT IT I TRULY WOULD BE LOST. YOU WERE AND STILL ARE A GIFT FROM GOD AND YOUR SPIRIT REMAINS A BLESSING IN OUR FAMILY COLLAZO/MARGIOTTA. I LOVE YOU CHUCK.....I WILL BE BACK LATER TO SIGN ANOTHER....JUST REMEMBERING YOU ON THIS SACRED DAY...BELOVED COUSIN (CUZ) ....I LOVE YOU....
ANTHONY RAMOS
RAMOS/COLLAZO FAMILY...
ANTHONY RAMOS
Sep 10, 2005 Our Fallen Heroes
Dear Chuck,
I re-wrote the lyrics of Dion's song, "Abraham, Martin, and John," and titled it "Our Fallen Heros." I promise to get a soundtrack to your brother Mike and ask him to put it on your web-site, so everyone could hear it. Thanks for being an angel on my shoulder during my darkest and lonliest days while I was incarcerated. You DEFINITELY helped me get through it. I love you my brother...
Peter Tarangelo
Sep 10, 2005 MY PRAYERS AND LOVE
As September 11th approached teachers again spoke of the tragedy we witnessed that day. As a teacher I hear the sad stories, new ones as I get my new set of students every year, but my story is always the same. That day I lost a friend and the students of OES lost a great inspiration. However, I smiled when I told my story of Chuck this Friday. I remember him smiling and joyful. What a character he was! So,I spoke of him as I remembered him. He and the others will never be forgotten. My prayers to his family and friends and to all who need it, God Bless everyone.
Evelyn Cuevas
Aug 13, 2005 In Memory of Chuck Margiotta, 2001
In Memory of Chuck Margiotta, 2001
Last night I went downtown, maybe for solace, and I see in the square a sea of night candles floating in the dark air. I enter, disappointingly finding out that people were holding the beacons of hope, and the lights were not indeed floating by themselves. I light my candle and wander toward the voices that are letting the words of Amazing Grace flow out almost as if the writer himself was singing it the way he heard it in his head when he was writing it. I find a tree under which no one has found peace. Well, I do, and I sit down and try to remember him. I think I should, but I don’t, and I feel a terrible longing to feel bad. But I don’t. I never met him, but I think I know him. He’s like my Mom, because she cries over him though she tries not to show us. I imagine he’s like my Sister. She is worried. He must be like my Grandpa, who wakes me up at 12:30 at night to tell my Mom that they haven’t found him. He must be like all these people, but most of all, he’s just like me, the one who isn’t worried at all.
“What?” people say? “You aren’t worried?”
“No. I’m not.”
I’m not worried or crying over the faceless ghost of a Hero. Though I’ve never met him, I know exactly what was going through his head. Not, “Will this hurt or will I die?”
No. He was thinking, “If only I could save one person or help one family, I would die a happy man.”
I’m not worried, for he feels no pain, this Hero. He was not thinking of pain or death, not for himself anyway. He gave his life so that many would still have theirs.
This Hero and I are the same, though we’ve never met. But I’m sure in my dreams we have talked and laughed together over milkshakes.
So, ‘no’ is my final answer and it will not change. My thoughts are deferred when a person asks to light her candle off mine. She looks at me questioningly, maybe because my cheeks are stained with tears.
“Did you lose someone dear in the attacks?”
I look at her and smile and I say, “No. We’ll never lose him.”
In memory of Chuck Margiotta, my best friend I’ve never met.
Firefighter and Hero.
Abigail Glenn-Chase
May 23, 2005 A sad web search
I came upon this story when searching for Chuck's father. His father always took good care of me when I was a HS athlete @ PRHS in the 80's when I shopped at his store. I also played softball with Mike and he was always a good man. I'm very sorry for your loss. My family and I will pray for all of you. God Bless you all.
Ed Savicka
Mar 27, 2005 biggest easter bunny
HAPPY EASTER CHUCK. KNOWING YOU IS KNOWING THAT YOU ALREADY HOPPED AROUND HEAVEN DOING WHAT YOU DO BEST AND THAT IS BRING CHEER AND JOY TO ALL. LOVE YOU, ALWAYS IN MY HEART YOUR SIS.
Feb 22, 2005 friend of friend of friend
i came here looking for anything dimmy as a search in his name sent me here--and upon reading the many messages, i wonder if this man was one of dimmy's friends for whom he mourned so deeply after the 9/11 attacks, which ultimately assisted in forming his decision to join the marine corps.
my beloved dimmy gavriel must have known chuck, and because of that i send you all my deepest condolences. dimmy surrounded himself with the irreplaceable types, those you long to be around, much like himself. he was killed in action november 19th, 2004. at least they have each other now. many prayers to each and every one of you suffering through these losses.
gina
Feb 13, 2005 Lt. Chuck Margiotta's Way
Lt. Chuck Margiotta’s Way
When cars wrap around at the end of our block
There are two signs to read on the pole where they dock.
Besides the words they exhibit they give other meanings:
Hold on to the memories, but build on those feelings.
“The” may have preceded the new name of our street
or an “apostrophe s” could have taken a seat.
But the words “avenue” or “boulevard” could never say
That 2004 would be done Lt. Chuck Margiotta’s Way.
He started construction with his two works of art
Two people he loves with all of his heart.
He made his daughter a princess at 16 years old
And was sure that his son’d dress in maroon and gold.
Each summer had passed and the yard’s green patch remained
It grew only more prominent with every rain.
We looked from the porch knowing a square was not right
But when June brought the circle it was tears that we’d fight.
We’d replay the memories with uncertain smiles that is
Looking up at the spot on the roof that was his.
The refreshingly cool water proved ill for such healing
Perhaps one more of his dives would get rid of this feeling.
It was a dry summer night but our green stairs were wet
The slippery path had been his work I’d bet.
I realized there were foot prints, and big ones at that
The trail ended at the terrace edge and did not return back.
I summoned my father though it was four in the morning
And our conclusion was made before even the dawning:
In bare feet as always, “Blunkinglogis,” he read
And we were sure as he dove “Iskinyetti,” was said.
Nine days and eight nights were spent out on the ocean
Your god son showed your antics are still in motion.
You must have chuckled when you placed that sauce on his shirt
Or was it your expression he resembled when he became aware of such dirt?
The summer did not end without concerns in regard to \"Our Glue\"
But when we sent you our prayers you answered them too.
In September he spoke as he pointed up high
He parted his lips and said, “You’re still the ‘Big Guy’.”
Apprehension was common, events teetered on thin string
We were unsure of our feelings and what tomorrow would bring.
In each of these instances our hearts skipped many beats
But our Angel constructed each ending, to him tiny feats.
With less green in our hands and our pockets much lighter
We’re much richer, you see, our bond so much tighter.
There’s no reason for email or even a phone call
A mere house now between us, the gap’s just so small.
With December upon us and the year’s end so near
His deadline was made for his family so dear.
With our rooftops so much higher and close to his reach
He sat back, relaxed, and said, “Mission complete.”
Sarah Margiotta
Jan 25, 2005 Mr
Chuckie, It's just over 2 weeks brother Steve went to join you and Paulie in heaven.I guess
the party slowed down alittle, so God called for reinforcements. I can now relate to the pain
your brother Mike feels when you were called and had to go. I know you guys will look after
each other from now on. Now with Steve there, the line to kick the devil's ass just got longer.
Be at peace brothers, and Chuckie, please show Steve the way.
Mark Kelly
Jan 15, 2005 Happy Birthday Chuck
Dear Chuck:
Thinking of you as we always do but especially today on your birthday. You must be very pleased with how things are going with your family. Charlie and Norma Jean are children to be proud of and that's thanks to your great wife Norma. I guess that's the best present you could receive. You and Paul should be seeing an old friend one of these days (or years), good old Steve Kelly. Will things ever be the same on the "other side" with the three of you there.
We love you big guy and hope that you're celebrating with all our loved ones there.
Love,
Aunt Glenda & Uncle Phil
Jan 3, 2005 In memory of Chuck
In memory of Chuck
Mike...This year I coordinated an Adopt-a-Family program for the CYO. In an effort to provide opportunities for our children to become more involved in their communities, we teamed our boys and girls’ basketball teams with low-income families from our Staten Island parishes. The teams provided the families with gifts of necessities for the holdiays, such as hats, coats, socks, blankets and of course, toys for the children. At a time of great difficulty in their lives, these gifts served to reassure families of our continuing care, support and commitment. Some of the teams dedicated this project in memory of Chuck. I would like an acknowledgement send to your family, however, I don't have an address for them. Could you email their address to me? Chuck will never be forgotten! May you and your family have a happy and blessed New Year.
Rita Takach