2002 Stories and Memories

Dec 31, 2002 The Whiskey

Hey Chuck....another New Years...not much to say...I will be having our traditional shot of whiskey at midnight, and I know you will be with me...I love you and miss you more every day.

LOVE, YOUR BROTHER
 
Michael

Dec 5, 2002 The Snowblower
 
Hi Chuck....been a rough day. I thought about you from the sight of the first snowflake today.

I started thinking about what you always did when it snowed. How you would make sure that all the neighbors were taken care of. I called Dad last night when I heard the forecast and told him to make sure that the plow still started.

Naturally he told me not to worry about it, that he would get someone to shovel. You know that means, I just have to worry more...lol.

Anyway...I started home from work and knew that I had to make sure YOUR street was taken care of in the fashion you had gotten them accustomed to. We found the extension cord to start the plow. Dad overlooked every move I made, (as I knew he would), just because that's what he does!

It wasn't long before I was chugging down the driveway, SNOW-A-FLYIN'. I finished Mom & Dad's driveway and walk, then made a left at the bottom of the driveway straight to your house. Norma came outside to give me a reassuring smile, knowing what was going on in my brain.

When that was done, I made a u-turn heading back to Dad's. Your voice kept saying to me..."I hope you don't think your done. Persichetty can't do his walk anymore. Chester can't do his walk anymore. And Betty won't be able to get in her driveway."

So I found myself plowing straight down the block as only YOU could do, and I did the best I could to make you proud. I cried all the way home.

Last year it really didn't snow...you must have known that I wouldn't be able to handle it. But this year started off with a major snowfall. You must have figured I had enough time to mentally prepare for the job.

I love you and miss you so much.

Your Brother Michael

Nov 28, 2002 QUIET, BUT MEMORABLE.....
 
 IT WAS A DAY LIKE TODAY, WE WERE ALL AT MY AUNT CARMEN'S HOUSE EATING OUR SECOND THANKSGIVING DINNER. AS SOON AS WE WOULD WALK IN WE WOULD USUALLY SEE CHUCK SITTING IN THE LIVING ROOM, WATCHING THE FOOTBALL GAME. HE WAS WITH MY UNCLE ERNESTO WATCHING ALL HAPPEN...LOL... AT SOME POINT HE WOULD SAY " HEY NORMA, PLEASE GET ME A CUP OF THAT COKITO"..LOL... AND I WOULD SIT THERE AND GIGGLE AT HIS PRONUNCIATION OF COKITO, WHEN IT WAS COQUITO...LOL.. I REMEMBER NORMA JEAN RUNNING BACK AND FORTH INTO RUTHY'S ROOM. YOUNG CHARLIE IN THE LIVING ROOM ON HIS DADS' LAP.

THEN I RECALL CHUCK ASKING ME IF I STILL SMOKED. I SAID YES. HE SAID IT WASN'T A GOOD THING AND TO STOP WHILE I WAS AHEAD. I JUST GIGGLED AGAIN, HE SAID "I'M SERIOUS"...AND HE GOT ALL IN DEPTH ABOUT THIS SMOKING THING.. CHUCK EVEN THOUGH YOUR GONE, YOU STILL REMAIN AND ALWAYS WILL REMAIN A PART OF MY HEART.

BEING THAT IT IS NOW THANKSGIVING, HAPPY THANKSGIVING UP IN THE ESSENCE. I WANT TO THANK YOUR BROTHER MIKE FOR THE COMMUNICATION THAT WE'VE BEEN KEEPING. I WANT TO THANK MIKE FOR BRINGING ME BACK TO REALITY AGAIN, MY COUSIN RUTHY FOR BRINGING ME OUT OF A LIFE OF SECLUSION AND SADNESS. THESE TWO MAIN INDIVIDUALS HAVE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE SINCE YOU LEFT US CHUCK. AND IF YOU CAN ASK OUR ALMIGHTY CREATOR TO BLESS THEM BOTH IN ALL THEIR ENDEAVORS FOR THEY ARE THE GREATEST.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO THE WHOLE MARGIOTTA FAMILY, TO MY COUSIN NORMA, MY YOUNGER FAMILY NORMA JEAN, AND CHARLIE I LOVE YOU ALL....THANKS FOR YOU LOVE...I LOVE YOU CHUCK...........HAPPY THANKSGIVING........-----<@

 ANTHONY ECHEVARRIA- RAMOS

Nov 23, 2002 A Little Boy Sean Micheal
 
My moms friend Lana just had a new baby girl. She already has a baby boy who is less than 2 years old. His name is Sean. Shortly after Sean was born, my family went to visit him. All of us held him, but for some reason my father held him the longest and wouldn't put him down. He LOVED babies. My father was also at his Baptism.

Sean is still too young to realize that the BIG man that was holding him a year ago, wouldn't be seeing him again. But today we went to visit Lana and her new born baby girl on September 12, 2002.

My mom has a chain with my fathers picture on it and Sean kept looking and looking at it as if he remembered the man in the picture. All of a sudden he comes up to my mom and looks at the picture and gives it a kiss. Remember, this boy is under 2 yrs old. He kissed the picture of my father as if he were there. Everyone in the room began to cry.

We cried because we were shocked at what this little boy had done after only having seen my dad twice. I have to admit, this is a remarkable, smart baby that knew the touch of a loving man.

 Norma Jean Margiotta

Nov 2, 2002 Charlies' Garden / Empty Garden, Elton John

What happened here
As the New York Towers disappeared
I found an empty garden next to the firehouse here
Who lived here
He must have been a gardener that cared a lot
Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop
And now it all looks strange
It's funny how one insect can damage so much grain
And what's it for
This little empty garden by the firehouse door
And in the cracks along the sidewalk nothing grows no more
Who lived here
He must have been a gardener that cared a lot
Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop
And we are so amazed we're crippled and we're dazed
A gardener like that one no one can replace

And I've been knocking but no one answers
And I've been knocking most all the day
Oh and I've been calling oh hey hey Charlie
Can't you come out to play

And through their tears
Some say he farmed his best in younger years
But he'd have said that roots grow stronger if only he could hear
Who lived there
He must have been a gardener that cared a lot
Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop
Now we pray for rain, and with every drop that falls
We hear, we hear your name

Charlie can't you come out to play in your empty garden

And I've been knocking but no one answers
And I've been knocking most all the day
Oh and I've been calling oh hey hey Charlie
Can't you come out to play

Charlie... can't you come out to play in your empty garden
Charlie... can't you come out to play in your empty garden
Charlie... can't you come out to play in your empty garden

 FDNY Engine Company 165 Ladder Company 85 New Dorp, NY

Oct 30, 2002 Baby Barbarians
 
We were sophomores, just Chuck Margiotta and I; it was autumn, Brown University, Providence, RI, about this time of the year 1976, 26 years ago. We had the grand idea of dressing up like barbarians (the Conan craze phase) and raiding campus frat parties. Chuck had ten little rabbit furs and we stitched them together to fashion two giant fur diapers for ourselves (which we wore over our tight whiteys). As a dynamic duo we stormed through the windows of the Toad Hall Lounge, which left the partiers inside with gaping open mouths. They cleared a large path and some people ran. But then Chuck and I jumped up on their bar and started performing go go dancing to the music. The Toad lounge was soon filled to the brim and girls started throwing dollar bills at us as we performed our exotic barbarian gyrations to the 70's disco beat. The rest is all a little hazy and not for public consumption.
 
 Bruce Alterman

Oct 22, 2002 THE COVER-UP
 
Mike, I don't know if my story is "web appropriate", but it still remains a night I will never forget.

I was in Dom Scali's car, with MIke Luccesi and maybe one other. We headed to the Point to see if there was anything going on. Charlie was driving his car (a Volvo). He had his own usual passengers (maybe Tanto, Joe Gagliardi). Anyway we decide there is nothing happening in Great Kills, the party is obviously somewhere else. Someone says there is a Sea girls basketball game going on, so that becomes the plan.

Now we are on that narrow road going out to the point,(popular hangout at the beach), and Charlie's car is facing the wrong way, so he just decides to back out this winding road. Dom is following, but driving forward. None of us can believe Charlie is going to navigate through this maze in reverse, but he does it successfully and with increasing speed. In fact when we get to the parking lot, this turns into a drag race, only Charlie isn't pointed in the right direction.

Dom, seeing his opportunity to pass, moves out to the left, and steps on it. We are sure Charlie will stop, but of course, he cannot resist a challenge, so HE guns it. We can hear the engine whining as his one reverse gear tops out at about 45. And of course, cars do not steer well in reverse at these speeds, so within seconds we have contact.

We stop the cars. Much consternation ensues, as these great Farrell minds try to figure how to explain the situation. Someone comes up with the idea of parking the cars together at Sea, go in to the basketball game, and then come out to discover they have been "sideswiped" on Hylan Blvd.

Now we have a new plan. Someone thinks to gather the broken glass for added authenticity. The Sea idea worked brilliantly. In fact, two Sea girls jumped off a city bus and said they were eye witnesses to the sideswiping! Seriously, we had never met these girls before. I couldn't have made this stuff up if I wanted to. Dom, as you can imagine, was so nervous he couldn't think straight. Charlie, on the other hand, was very cool under pressure. That was one of his trademark qualities. You know Mike, we were teenage boys, a bit brazen and capable of getting into our share of harmless mischief. But Charlie Margiotta had a lot of character and leadership back then, and he obviously developed into a brave man and hero in the truest sense of the word. I am sorry I didn't have much contact with him more recently, but am grateful for having known him back then.

Keep in touch,

Tom Tullo
ttullo@needhamco.com

Oct 12, 2002 THE GIFT OF LIFE.....

TODAY WAS A DAY OF REMEMBERANCE FOR ME, AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY, MARGIOTTA, COLLAZO, AND RAMOS ALIKE. TODAY WE ALL REMEMBERED OUR FAMILY MEMBER CHARLES CHUCK MARGIOTTAS' HEROIC EFFORTS AND HOW HE WAS REMEMBERED BY HIS BROTHERS. TODAY EVEN THOUGH I COULDNT ATTEND, I REMEMBERED HIM FOR THE HUMAN BEING HE WAS, AND THE HERO HE IS, AND THE ANGEL HE WILL FOREVER BE. AS THE MEMORIAL PROCEEDED I CRIED SOME TEARS, THOUGHT ALL THE GOOD TIMES WEVE HAD AND STILL RECALLED A QUOTE HE GAVE ME SINCE YOUNG....."YESTERDAY WAS HISTORY, TOMORROWS A MYSTERY, TODAY IS A GIFT THATS WHY WE CALL IT THE PRESENT"... HE PASSED THIS ON TO ME, BUT I DIDNT HAVE THE SLIGHTEST CLUE, OF WHAT IT MEANT OR ANYTHING BEHIND IT. BUT NOW AS A GROWN MAN I COME TO UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT IT MEANT, AND THAT WILL FOREVER MORE BE CARVED IN STONE INTO MY HEART. HE WAS A GREAT MAN, LOVED BY ALL, RESPECTED BY MANY, ADORED BY ALL. MY COUSIN WAS AND REMAINS A GREAT, GREAT MAN. AN ANGEL IN HIS TIME, BEFORE HIS TIME, GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. YOURE NAME SOUNDED MANY BELLS, AND TRUMPETS, FOR YOU ARE THE GREATEST CHUCK... NOW IN LIFE I LOOK TO YOUR BROTHER MIKE FOR GUIDANCE AND HELP THAT YOU GAVE ME IN YOUTH. IN THE AFTER I LOOK TO YOU AGAIN TO GUIDE ME TO THE RIGHT.. YOU ARE TRULY REMEMBERED TODAY AND EVERYDAY, AND ADORED TODAY AND FOREVER..... I LOVE YOU CHUCK....

SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE...

ETERNALLY

TONY
 
 ANTHONY ECHEVARRIA RAMOS

Oct 7, 2002 Remembrance Speech by Chief Tom Bahr
 
Good Morning! I'm Chief Tom Bahr of the Ft. Lee Fire and Emergency Services Division.

Welcome to our Service of National Remembrance and Healing. This morning, I have the honor and privilege of introducing you to a friend of our family. His name is Lieutenant Charles Margiotta. He goes by "Chuck". He's a nice tough guy, a football player, a movie stuntman, a teacher, a mentor, a coach, a loving husband/father, an avid hunter and fisherman. He's also a twenty-year veteran of the New York City Fire Departmant. An all around good guy and someone you would learn to love and want as a best friend.

I learned about Chuck's accomplishments and his way of embracing life when I attended his Memorial Service. I proudly sat with his closest friends and family on November 6, 2001 and like others in the Church, I cried and laughed with his friends and family in that special tribute. I was overwhelmed to see the thousands of firefighters, police officers, and emergency services responders that stood outside the Church for hours to express their condolences and prayers to his family.

September 11, 2001 events still affect me professionally as well as personally. The attacks claimed 343 brother firefighters who gave all they could give saving thousands who went home to their loved ones. My message today is simple. Hopefully the events of September 11, 2001 will provoke several challenges and changes to the Fire and Emergency Services and our nation as a whole.

How we as individuals and organizations accept these challenges will profoundly affect the Fire and Emergency Services from this day forward. Our way of life and doing business is different. First responders at all levels were singled out one year ago and our job is now more complex and demanding.

The New York City Fire Department rose to the task at the World Trade Center against conditions and personnel losses which would have overwhelmed and defeated many other Fire and Emergency Services organizations. At the Pentagon that dedication showed again, when the first responders placed themselves in harm's way. These included members of the Fort Myer Fire and Emergency Services who served selflessly and with a deep sense of duty--both important Army values. These heroic actions saved many lives and their continuing efforts in the following days demonstrated the true meaning of what a firefighter is.

I ask you today to remember the events of September 11, 2001 and those who lost their lives seeking to bring order in the midst of overwhelming destruction.

And so you have met CHUCK MARGIOTTA, a friend and one of many people whose life taught us how to live on our Lord's good earth. His last act was to teach us how to die in service to God, his community, and reaching out to those in need.

Failure is never an option in our mission.

Today, I ask God to bless all Fire and Emergency Service Providers and to bless our country with people who literally take the duty of helping others to heart.

Thank you
 
Chief Tom Bahr - Ft. Lee Fire and Emergency Services Division

Oct 3, 2003 THE RESCUER

This is a personal letter to the Margiotta family, Norma, Norma Jean, Charlie, Mr. & Mrs. Margiotta, Mike, family & friends.

I was attending a funeral for a dear friend of ours, Mike Fiore. I was talking with a friend of mine who Charlie knew in High School. CHARLIE’S MASS was the day before. Out of the blue, a Fireman, Paul Buckheit, came from behind telling me that CHARLIE was at the fire on Hart Blvd. a few years earlier. He went on to say that Charlie single handedly carried out my daughters father, Larry McLoughlin, from a fire in his home on the SIXTH FLOOR!!

I stood frozen, but filled with overwhelming emotions, as it is such a painful thing to talk about. At the time it was so unbelievably comforting to know, that although Larry had only survived a few days, we were able to mourn, grieve and pay our respects, unlike so many other families. It also began a healing that is SOOO painful, but yet so long overdue.

I am thanking all the Margiotta family for sharing this man with us and giving some peace to our family we so desperately needed. I wanted to let you know that fate would have it that our daughters, Dorothy and Norma Jean, would go to the same High School and play on the same soccer team! They became friendly without knowing who was who! Coincidentally I met Norma waiting after practice and (again not knowing who she was) we began talking. It was so heartwarming for me to tell her in person straight from my heart, after learning she was Charlie’s wife, how grateful we are that CHUCK rescued Larry and gave him dignity.

You can see why Chuck was so happy and well liked, as there is always a good woman behind every good man. And after meeting his wife, his daughter, and his mom…he has three!
So thank you again for giving us this gift from God that we will be eternally grateful for.

With much love and peace,
Margie, Dorothy, Terence, David and
The family of Larry McLoughlin XXXXOOOOOO

Sep 30, 2002 I'm Blessed
 
 I received my 9-1-1 Honor Bracelet today and I'm blessed to be able to wear this band with a heroes name of Lt. Charles J. Margiotta on it. I'll never be able to express my appreciation for the life that was given so others might live.
Lt., as a fellow brother in the fire service, I'm proud to be able to wear your name daily and honor you. Thank you friend, I'll see you in the morning......John 15:13
Love In Christ,

Rev. Stan Steadman (Grand Prairie, TX )
September 16, 2002

Sep 30, 2002 Cathedral Performance

Yesterday, 9/11/02, I was assigned a heart badge with Chuck's name on it as I performed in the Sacramento, CA performance of the worldwide 'Rolling Requiem' memorial service. I was proud to sing in honor of his life. I felt Chuck's strength and presence as we sang a moving performance for over 1000 in the cathedral. I send blessings and love to Chuck's family and friends. I am grateful for his life.

Jennifer Helm (Sacramento, CA )
September 12, 2002

Sep 30, 2002 Memory Bracelet
 
I am apparently the 5th person to be wearing Chuck's Memory bracelet and I must confess it makes me prouder than I have ever been to have this honor. When visiting ground zero I was emotionally moved to get a bracelet, just wanting in some small way to contribute something. My heart is lighter just knowing that men like Chuck Margiotta were caring enough to give the ultimate. God Bless America!!!

Becky Wright (Bristol, PA )
September 7, 2002

Sep 27, 2002 THOSE WERE THE DAYS....

Dear Chuck:

Guess what? Your old aunt has finally come into the 21st century and gone “on-line”. It took all this time but I did it.

I know you’re probably right behind my shoulder watching what I write. Give me a nudge or blink the lights if I miss something or if my memory fails me.

I’ll start at the very beginning – I was a senior in high school when you were born and I couldn’t have been prouder to be the aunt of my first-born nephew. I was also your official baby-sitter along with Uncle Phil, who at that time was only my boyfriend. You were a character right from the beginning. I believe you walked at nine months and the boy of perpetual motion was on his way. From the first time you walked, you walked on your toes, a trait that followed you all your life. I remember that as a little guy you would get attached to some inanimate object during the day and insist on taking it into your crib at night. One time it was a bottle of garlic salt, another time it was a broom (which proved a challenge fitting it in your crib). When you got a little older, to my horror, you would climb on top of the refrigerator and jump off. You read that right, JUMP from the top of the refrigerator. (Early signs of a future stuntman?)

Uncle Phil and I would take you to the beach and afterwards take you to Bacci’s for hamburgers.

When you got a little older, you and Michael would put very thin thread across the basement stairs, thinking your mother would trip. Thank God, it didn’t work.

Then you reached the age where your greatest delight was teasing your cousin Geri. You would come to my house and all the kids would go down the basement to play. A short while later Geri would come up in tears telling me that you were hanging her favorite dolls from the rafters. You and the other boys would think this was hysterically funny.

When you reached young adolescence, however, you were kinder to Geri. One day you invited her to lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Your Mom and I dropped the two of you off. You told her to order ANYTHING on the menu because you had 10 dollars that you earned cleaning the garage. Geri was very impressed. She was even more impressed when you bought her a 45 record of “Jingle Jangle”.

I remember how your Mom and I would pile you kids into our cars (your Mom had the cool gold Barracuda then) and go to Sea Bright for a day at the beach. Paul was always with us. Even at that young age he was 6 feet tall. We would also go to Bubbling Springs Lake in upstate New York with all you young gangsters. It was there that you and Paul decided to move the raft from its permanent location to one you two liked better. I don’t know how you managed when they were weighted down with 5 gallon drums.

What about the time your Mom and I took all you guys to the drive-in in Jersey to see “Night of the Living Dead”. All you tough guys, Paul, Butch, Mike and numerous friends decided to be cool and sit near the snack stand. You guys were trying to act brave but when the movie got creepy you slowly returned to the cars.

One outstanding memory was the summer your Mom and I rented houses next to each other in Seaside Heights. In later years we referred to that summer as the “Boones Farm Apple Wine Summer”. You were 14 and your Mom and I had to retrieve you from the Emergency Room that night, you weren’t hurt, just slightly inebriated.. I can see you waving to all your cousins as you came into the house, on a stretcher no less, saying in a slurred voice “Don’t worry kids, I’m o.k.”.

Those were the years you and Paul would go fishing and hunting with Uncle Phil. You both loved the outdoors as much as him. What great years they were!

What about the Farrell football games when your mother and I would sit crushing each others hands when they would throw a pass to you, praying you’d catch it. We suffered much during those football years.

Then came the Brown University years when Geri would go to Rhode Island to visit you and Bruce at your “Animal House” fraternity. I heard some very funny stories about those times but I’m sure the really GOOD ones were never told to me. I probably wouldn’t have survived the telling.

After many years passed and you had become a Lieutenant in the Fire Department, I guess you decided Geri had gone long enough without being teased. She bought the house on Hylan Blvd. not far from Engine 85 and had her business situated on the lower floor. You thought it was extremely funny to send some uniformed firemen into the house to tell her she had fire violations that could shut down her business. Just before she got hysterical, they felt bad and said you were outside and were behind the whole thing.

Some things never change!

Also, the numerous times I would be talking to my sister on the phone and she’d say “Hold on” and I’d hear her yelling “Chuck get out of the refrigerator”. That was when you bought the house two doors down and loved to come in and shake your mother up.

The years you worked with Butch in the movies and always did a great job. All through those years you were a great father and husband.

The time Uncle Phil and I came to the farm and you had camped out in the pasture with Norma.

I remember the last time I saw you, I was visiting from Maine and was just turning out of your street onto Victory Blvd. and you were turning in. You saw me, stopped your car in the middle of the turn, got out walked up to my window and said “Aunt Glenda, what’s up?” I kissed you and said “Chuck, I think all the traffic is tied up both ways on Victory Blvd. because of your car and you looked and said “So what”.

How lucky you are to have a brother like Michael who loves you so much and spends his time keeping your memory alive. Keep watch over him.

I promise you this Chuck, I will always be there for your mother. You loved her so very much.

You were larger than life. When you came into a room you filled it with your presence, when you came into someone’s heart you filled it with love,.

From the time you were flying through your parent’s first apartment on your toes till the time you responded to the World Trade Center disaster, you lived life with such energy and enthusiasm. I’m sure in your short life, you lived more than most men live if they live to be 90.

Those of us who know and love you were not surprised that you died a hero, you wouldn’t have had it any other way. You lived your life like a mild tornado and when you left, you did not “go gently into that good night”.

All my love,

Aunt Glenda

Sep 23, 2002 UN4GETTABLE

CHUCK WAS THE SWEETEST OF MEN ALIVE. HE WAS A SHOULDER TO CRY ON, SOMEONE TO LAUGH WITH AND A FUN PERSON TO BE AROUND. THE SADDEST WAS THE PASSING OF MY FATHER BACK IN 1989 TO WHOM HE REFERRED AS DOM ELOY, OR TIO. HE WAS THERE FOR US ALL THE WAY, THEN THE PASSING OF MY GRANDMOTHER MITA HE WAS THERE THEN AGAIN, HE MAY HAVE BEEN MARRIED TO MY COUSIN NORMA BUT I FELT A MORE STRONGER BOND THAN THAT. HE WAS AN ANGEL. HIS FAVORITE GAME WAS RESIDENT EVIL 1&2. WHEN I FOUND OUT OF HIM IT HURT ME AS IF SOMEONE DROVE A STAKE THROUGH MY HEART. I KNOW NOW HE IS IN THE HEAVENS AMONGST MY LOVED ONES, AND I KNOW HE SMILES AT MY ACHIEVMENTS AND WHAT HE CHUCK WANTED ME TO DO. TO RECOUNT ALL THE GOOD HE'S DONE IN THIS LIFE WOULD TRUELY TAKE MORE THAN A STORY, OR MORE LARGER THAN A TELEPHONE BOOK. I AM TRULY PROUD TO SAY CHUCK IS MY COUSIN... HE WAS, IS AND FOREVER WILL BE THE BEST ACTOR, FIREFIGHTER (LT.), INVESTIGATOR AND ANGEL... HE IS TRULY IN GODS ARMS, AND TALKING AMONGST MY FATHER AND GRANDMOTHER.

MESSAGE FOR CHARLIE(CHUCK J.R): IF EVER YOU NEED ME CALL, I KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO LOSE A DAD, AND I AM YOUR COUSIN MAYBE BY MARRIAGE, BUT I LOVE YOU AS MUCH AS I DO YOUR DAD. IF YOU EVER NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO IM HERE FOR YOU..

MEASSAGE FOR NORMA-JEAN: I LOVE YOU AND IF YOU EVER NEED ME AS WELL IM HERE, AS I SAID I KNOW THE HARDSHIPS OF LOSING A FATHER, BUT WE ARE ALL HERE FOR YOU BOTH AND WE LOVE YOU BOTH DEARLY...

917-406-1930
 
ANTHONY ECHEVARRIA RAMOS

Sep 23, 2002 I will never 4get the little things

I still remember when I was seven years old. Something tragic happened in my life. I lost someone I loved very much and still love till this very day, My father, Eloy. I remember being in his funeral and seeing so many faces there and one face I remember the most was Chuck. He was there when My fathers eldest son was'nt there. He was there till the very last day. I will never forget that. Another thing I remember was when I used to go over to my Titi Carmen's house, he would be there, sitting on the chair, always speaking a little spanglish to my Abuelita making everyone laugh. Consoling us and telling us he would always be there for us. Let me tell you something Chuck, even though I haven't seen you since I think, abuelita's passing, I will never forget the little things you've done. You were the best in everything you did. I know you have my father(papi) watching over you accompanied by abuelita with open arms. You are protected because they are protected by our god. all of you are my angels from heaven. and I love all of you. We will meet again.

A message to Norma Jean: I know I haven't seen you sweetie in such a long time but always remember you have a cousin that loves you very much. I know what it feels like to lose a father but never, ever let that hold you back. Always remember you will always be dady's little girl and he will always be watching you and protecting you from the heavens above. If u ever need to talk, Call me.

I love you Chuck............Till the day we reunite..Muah
 
 Gloria Ramos

Sep 14, 2002 My Charlie

Hi Everyone,

September to December was always a special time for Charlie and me. September would start the bird season (grouse, quail, timber doodle, pheasant), October would see us in the woods after bears, November and December would be deer season. When we each received our Cabela's hunting catalogs every September, Charlie and I would call each other at all hours of the night to discuss the new season equipment developments. As our families were sleeping, we would talk on the phone for hours, simultaneously perusing our catalogs from 1am to 4am and giggle like a couple of school girls having fun with the notions of money we could spend on expensive hunting toys.

I hope that some of you good people can develop a relationship like the one I had with Charlie. Even though I am only half of myself now without him, the confidence and boldness that he instilled in me will last forever. And now I really can tell you, it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

Bruce

Bruce Alterman

Sep 12, 2002 NAME ON MY SLEEVE
 
MIKE,

MY NAME IS MARC LABELLE. I AM A DETECTIVE WITH THE TEMPE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN TEMPE ARIZONA. THIS MORNING (9-11-02) A LARGE GROUP OF PHOENIX AREA FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS CLIMBED THE STAIRWELL OF THE TALLEST BUILDING IN ARIZONA AS A TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO PASSED ON 9-11-01. THE NICE PART WAS THAT EACH OF US WORE A NAME ON OUR SLEEVE OF ONE OF THE VICTIMS OF THAT DAY. I WAS GIVEN THE NAME OF YOUR BROTHER, CHARLES MARGIOTTA.

AS WE ALL GOT BACK TO WORK WE STARTED TO LOOK UP THE NAME OF THOSE THAT WE CARRIED ON OUR SLEEVES. I SPENT HOURS LOOKING UP AND READING THE MANY NICE THINGS PEOPLE SAID AND STILL SAY ABOUT HIM.

HIS PICTURE AND ONE OF THE STORIES OF HIM NOW HANG ON MY OFFICE WALL, ALONG WITH THE ARM BAND I WORE WITH HIS NAME. FROM HERE ON OUT, I WILL THINK OF YOUR BROTHER, A MAN I NEVER MET, BUT AM SURE I WOULD HAVE ENJOYED THE COMPANY OF.

GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND ALL THE OTHER FAMILIES OF VICTIMS ON THIS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE, AND ALL DAYS TO COME.

DET. MARC LABELLE

Sep 12, 2002 Friend

I remember Charlie as a fellow Farrell Family member, ( we were both in the class of 1975 ) but he was a Football Player, while I was only a wrestler. He was always a nice guy and we saw each other at all the parties, but never really got that friendly until after both our schooling was over.

I remember seeing Charlie in Demyans Hoffbrau, on a Holiday weekend in our Freshman year in College. I said " hey Charlie, how's Brown treating you", he said good, I said, "any good classes", he said "yeah I'm taking Tae Kwon Do, I can rip your heart out and show it to you before you die".

Another time, probably 1985 or so, I had just landed in Montego Bay airport in Jamaica and I got a tap on the shoulder and a big hello, It was Charlie. We exchanged info. Several days later, he came by my resort, Couples, and after intimidating the guard at the front gate, came in and we had a BIG PARTY in my room. The 4 of us had fun the whole day. I think he brought back some really great souvenirs from that trip!!

He showed me pictures of his Pit Bull hanging from a tire in his yard, commenting on how the dogs neck was as big as his. Next was all the fun we had at the reunions and Tony Toronto's wedding. We would always run into each other and say we have to get together, the last time was on August 28, 2001, on Hylan Blvd. by my office when I was going for lunch and he was passing by in his truck.

I never knew a man who got more out of life. Do you know anyone who has done more things in his life than Charlie, I doubt it. Football Player,Soccer Coach,Hunter,Scuba Diver, Fireman,Private Detective,Stuntman,Actor, Great Father and a dozen more things.

The world is less of a place without him and I am a better person for having known him. He is in my prayers and thoughts, almost every day. Save me a good seat Charlie, right next to you.
 
 Frank Petruzzi

Sep 12, 2002 We Spent The Afternoon Together

 We spent the afternoon together yesterday. Me with your family in front of me and you in my heart. You must be so proud of them all. Norma Jean is beautiful and graceful. She moves through these events with a presence that is beyond her years, yet that little girl smile and hug and kiss hello are as spontaneous as when she was five. Charlie, I guess, was just born to smile and charm. He has grown so much this year, yet he also managed to retain that little boy grin and a hug and a kiss that are as genuine as his father's was. It was an honor to be with them.

It is this time of year that I miss you the most but not because of the anniversary. As the cool nights begin and I smell fall in the air, I know it's time to meet you down Hoffman's on Saturdays to hunt. I miss knowing that no matter what time I got there...you were there first. I miss my hug and my kiss. You insisted on it. Four in the morning, no one around. It wasn't like we were at a wedding or a Christmas party where everyone is hugging and kissing each other. It was just you and me in the woods and I thank you. Not enough of us keep that little cultural Italian greeting that meant so much to you. It is the best of how I remember you.

Last year I hunted Saturday after Saturday, always looking down waiting to see you under my tree (I never could hear you coming, you made sure of that) telling me that you pushed a deer my way. It was always about pushing deer my way. No one pushed to you, you wouldn't allow that. You did for everyone, and as I read the stories I understand that that was the very meaning of your life. You always gave your all to everyone, without hesitation and this final time was no different than every other, unselfish, totally giving, day of your life.
 
 Frank Somma

Sep 12, 2002 The Bribe

Chuck,

Well...a year has gone. where did it go? I feel you everywhere. Today was very tough, but very beautiful. Your boys at the firehouse (85 & 163) did you proud with terrific breakfast and lunch spreads. I can see why you loved your job. All those guys have been great.

I thought about 2 things today.

I thought about when we were about 8 or 9 years old and we would get ready for bed. After mommy left the room, we would crawl towards each other from our beds. But we would do this UPSIDE-DOWN!
We would arch our backs and invert our arms and crawled like crabs. We would inch closer and closer to eachother until our faces were inches apart...then we would collapse hysterically laughing. We did that for a couple of years. Mommy would always yell, "GET BACK IN BED", from the other room.

The second thing I thought about was how you NEVER heard me curse. Anyone who knows me, knows I curse like a drunken sailor. But you never heard me curse!! It would drive you crazy...LOL
I remember as grammer school kids you would try to bribe me to curse. You would say, "Come on...I'll give you a quarter if you say hell...I'll give you 50 cents if you say damn."

When we hit High School the bribes were inflated. You would say..."Come on...I'll give you $1.00 if you say SH--...I'll give you FIVE DOLLARS if you say F---!" It drove you crazy. You would even ask our friends if they ever heard me curse. They ALL said YES. Well we played High School football together...no curses. Then we went through 4 years of college...no curses. Then we played 10 years of Touch football together after college...STILL NO CURSES. And till the day you left us...not one curse.

Chuck...this one's for you....SSSSSHHHHIIIIIITTTTT, I WISH YOU WERE HERE.

Love Michael

Mike Margiotta

Sep 11, 2002 I Love you Mr. Margiotta
 
Hello Mr.Margiotta !! I can't believe its been a year already. It feels like we just had another softball practice. One day you said to me that you wanted me to stay close with Norma Jean and always remain good friends. I promised we would. I feel like I broke my promise because we haven't stayed as close as we were. Mr.Margiotta, I'm sorry I didnt keep that promise . I think about you alot.

I can still remember one day at the beginning of one of our softball games while taking infield I was on the mound because I was pitching that day. Before the game as was our normal routine, Norma Jean was catcher and I was pitcher. So, you were hitting fly balls to the outfield. It was the centerfielders turn to catch the ball. Instead of hitting a high pop, you hit a linedrive straight at my head.

I'll never forget that day. You ran to me and grabbed me in your arms. I just thought about how you cared for me as you cared for your own family . I saw the look on your face as if you had hurt one of your family members. I can still remember what you had said to me. "Oh my God Angela ..Im so sorry , you're just like my second daughter. I never meant to hurt you." And you just held me in your arms. I wish I could be back in your arms on that very day. I wouldn't care if I had to get hit with 100 softballs just to see you once again.

I love you Chuck. Please guide me and help me through each and every day .

Love,
Pray for me Please ! Angela
 
 Angela Lombardo

Sep 11, 2002 LARGER THAN LIFE
 
 My stories about Chuck span from when we were teenagers playing football in high school to the days before he left us. Very few people knew that when Chuck wasn't busy fighting fires or hunting or making movies or spending time with his family, my law firm was a place where he hanged his hat as a private investigator. He personally handled all of my complex personal injury cases. For years he performed every investigative task from photography in impossible places to transporting hostile witnesses to the courthouse. The stories are countless! He was simply the best!

To this day, Chuck haunts me every time I open a file in which he did an investigation. Recently, his ghost appeared in the form of a witness statement that he took. It was a very difficult case but Chuck had managed to gather wonderful evidence in the form of a written statement that was in Chuck's handwriting but signed by the witness. The statement was impeccable. It crippled the Defendant's case. It was during a deposition of this elderly witness that Chuck became the focus of attention. The opposing attorney attempted to discredit Chuck during the questioning of the witness. The attorney failed miserably on his own, but I couldn't help adding in my own two cents knowing that Chuck was no longer with us. Keep in mind that Chuck was a deceiving five foot ten. It went something like this:

QUESTIONING BY OPPOSING ATTORNEY:
Q. Mrs. X, do you recall what the name of the man was who took your statement?
A. Yes. It was Chuck, I don't remember his last name.
Q. Could it have been Margiotta?
A. Yes, I believe it was.
Q. And did Mr. Margiotta offer you something in return for a favorable statement?
A. Something? What do you mean by that?
Q. Isn't it true he persuaded you to sign the witness statement in return for the payment of money?
A. That's ridiculous. He was a perfect gentleman.
Q. Well, wasn't he a large man?
A. Why yes he was rather large.
Q. And didn't he use his size to force you to sign the statement?
A. No. I signed the statement on my own.

QUESTIONING BY MR. BISIGNANO
Q. Mrs. X, I believe you previously testified that Mr. Margiotta was a large man?
A. Yes. He was rather large.
Q. Would you agree that he was over six feet tall?
A. Oh yes.
Q. Would you also agree that he was giant size?
(Opposing attorney) - Objection.
A. I believe so.
Q. Did you happen to notice his arms?
A. Yes.
Q. And would I be correct to characterize that his arms were the size of tree trunks?
(Opposing attorney) - Objection! Where are you going with this?
Q. Go ahead. Answer the question.
A. Yes, he had rather large arms.
Q. Would it also be fair to say that despite his formidable presence he behaved like a choir boy? (Opposing attorney)- Objection, this is totally prejudicial!
Q. Go ahead. Answer the question.
A. Yes. He was very courteous.
Q. Finally Mrs. X, can we conclude that Mr. Margiotta, this giant choir boy taking your statement, was larger than life?
(Opposing attorney)- This is getting out of hand! I want to speak to a judge!
(Slight pause by the witness)
A. I guess we could agree on that.
Q. I have no further questions.
 
Tony Bisignano (Biz)

Sep 11, 2002 In a corner of my heart - bar of soap
 
 Well Chuck a year has gone by. It's so hard to believe you converted yourself from a Hero to our Angel. Don't think for a second that we think you are gone, because just today as I was driving home from the Fire House and your very breath blew past my car and pulled it from side to side. But you just didn't stop there. You visited the back yard where you spent many a days, and knocked a tree down. I guess you and the rest of the Hero's were just saying "we are here".

I just want you to know that you have never ever left our side. I carry a little Angel in my pocket and I introduce him as my own personal guardian Chuck. Well Chuck they say in spanish that Los Compadres if we reach Heaven, where I know you are, we see each other. Well we have a date in the future. I miss you and Love you with all my Heart and that is exactly where I plan to keep you.

Now for my Story:

It was a cold, rainy day and we (Chuck, Norma, Norma Jean, and me)went upstate on a fishing venture. Lord knows I didn't know how to fish, but your a hard guy to say no to. Well anyway, we found a lake, stream, to me it looked like an Ocean. Norma didn't come out of the car. It was a miserable day and Norma Jean was so small. So Chuck and I sat and threw the lines in to fish. It rained so hard. But anyway, there I was with a Giant and fishing for the first time in my life. I was very happy you think? Right! I was wet, dirty, hungry and cold, but I was fishing. Oh Oh I caught something that looked like a fish and I showed it to Chuck. He looked at me and said "Throw it back it's to small". So I did. But oh oh I caught another one. So I showed this one to Chuck again and he repeated, "Throw it back it's to small". Now I was beginning to think either he was jealous because he wasn't catching anything or this was the only fish in the water. We sat there for about two hours to no avail. We got back in the car and went to a lodge to sleep.

Now this is when the story gets real good. Mind you, we were very dirty and Norma was in charge of bringing the toiletries, which she forgot. So I ran into the bathroom and took the complimentary soap, which just fit in the palm of my hand. Now Chuck with that hoarse voice of his called out to Norma, "What do you mean there is no soap?" That's when I gave myself up and started laughing. Chuck called out to me..."If you don't give the soap up you will starve bacause I'm the only one that knows where we are and I'm not going out dirty!" He used deadly physcial force and took the soap from me and walked into the shower. I called out to him, "Please save me a little soap". I fell out laughing and almost broke a rib, because I knew that the soap was going to dissolve just by cleaning one of his arms. He washed and went out like a real gentleman and bought us food and soap. The rest of the trip was wonderful, but I never went fishing again. Just playing with those worms wasn't my thing.

Tu comadre Ruth

Sep 11, 2002 CHUCKIE
 
HEY CHUCK... WE HAD A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN FRONT OF MY PRECINCT TODAY. ALL THE NAMES OF THE POLICE OFFICERS WHO PERISHED LAST YEAR WERE READ ALOUD. BUT AT THE VERY END YOUR NAME WAS ALSO READ. MY CAPTAIN SAID "LET US NOT FORGET ANOTHER HERO FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT LT. CHUCK MARGIOTTA". CHUCK, LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING I WAS SO PROUD OF YOU AT THAT MOMENT. I FELT ALL EYES LOOKING MY WAY, I WAS SO HONORED FOR YOU. I STOOD TALL AND STILL, AT ATTENTION, HOLDING BACK THE TEARS THAT WANTED TO COME OUT. FOR SOME STRANGE REASON I THOUGHT YOU MAY HAVE BEEN LISTENING AT ONE MOMENT WHEN YOUR NAME WAS READ, AND I KNOW YOU WERE STANDING TALL AND PROUD TOO. I ONLY WISH I COULD TALK TO YOU ONE MORE TIME BECAUSE I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO TELL YOU SOMETHING ,YOU AMAZED ME A YEAR AGO TODAY. IM PROUD AS HELL THAT YOUR NAME WAS MENTIONED THIS MORNING AND I WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOUR PICTURE IN MY HAT FOR THOSE DAYS WHEN IM SCARED OR FEELING NOT SO BRAVE. THINKING OF YOU GIVES ME STRENGTH CHUCK. MY SADNESS HAS TURNED TO SMILES, TALKING ABOUT A REAL HERO DOES THAT.
 
 MIKE MAURO

Sep 11, 2002 Thinking of you

It is so hard to believe that a year has already passed and questions still remain unanswered. We have been watching the televised broadcast all morning on this special anniversary day. We patiently waited, watching channel 2, to see "our hero". When Chuck's picture and name came across the bottom of the screen, once again tears came to our eyes. Tears of knowing that we will never see him again. Tears for his family. Tears for the people who he was attempting to save. Tears for the families of the other heroes who never had the pleasure of meeting such a wonderful man.

Tonight we will attend a prayer vigil at the Lakewood Blue Claws minor league stadium, here in New Jersey. Proudly wearing the FDNY emblem on my jacket and carrying the photo of our dear friend Chuck. Even though we are not there with you in NY, know only that we are memorializing Chuck in NJ.

Thinking of you always, and remembering all of you in our prayers.

Joanne & Louie Di Bella

Sep 11, 2002 Thank you

On this day of remembrance, I wanted to let Chuck's family know that I told my boys, Jake and Luke, how lucky they are to have heros like Chuck looking out for them. I told them what Chuck did one year ago today. I'm giving a speech tonight and I will be telling my constituents about Chuck and his great personal sacrifice for all Americans. Bruce Alterman has made sure that none us will ever forget Chuck. He is the kind of friend we should all have.
 
Representative Peter V. Kocot, Brown \'78, Member of the 1976 Football Team

Sep 11, 2002 The Only Brother I Ever Knew
 
It has taken me a whole year to realize that the only brother I ever knew is not
coming home. I've kept my light on every night hoping that someway somehow you would find
your way home but I know now your home is in heaven and they must love you up there.

Chuck I miss you, and when things have gotten rough I would stop and think about
you and the things we did (which were all special) and all of a sudden I get this big
grin on my face and things seem so much easier to deal with. Sometimes I remember our
gorilla joke and where ever I'm at I start cracking up and people think I'm crazy,
I'am cracking up right now just thinking about it.


Chuck today I'am going up to the your garden so be there, I will know if you
are there. My litte big brother this is the hardest thing I've had to do and it's to say
goodbye, and rest in peace I miss you and your are always in my heart, Luv ya kid
your brother Ernie.

Ernesto Collazo

Sep 10, 2002 Sharing the name

I was doing a search for my father in law who died on Sep 7, 2002, Peter G. Margiotta and I came accross this web site. It brought tears to my eyes. Even if we aren't related, I felt a kinship in knowing such a brave firefighter that shared our last name. I pray for the families each day and am so proud to be an American and have such gratitude for those who gave their lives trying to rescue strangers that they didn't even know. Words can not express how heartfelt we feel. All my love & prayers, Jim, Mardi & Sara Margiotta

Sep 10, 2002 Remembering Chuck

In memory of Chuck, Steve Huczko PAPD (Farrell '75), and all who lost their lives trying to save others.

...from these honored dead we take increased devotion to the cause for which they gave their last full measure of devotion...

God bless you Chuck, and the Margiotta family.

 A Friend

Sep 9, 2002 Shift!,... Shift!,................. Shiiiiiffftt !!!!!!!!!

Either he kept records on all of the opposing team's players, or he just remembered the last time the key players batted against his team. Regardless, the "SHIFT PLAY" was a defining moment, etched in my memory about Coach Chuck Margiotta.

That's how I knew him, as a Softball Coach at Mid-Island Little League in Travis. He drafted my daughter, Mikelann, in 2000. His daughter, Norma Jean, was the premier player on the team. Chuck knew it, and it wouldn't be long before the whole team knew it.

I kinda worked my way into the dugout as an Assistant Coach. This position didn't even exist, I just wasn't leaving my timid daughter in the dugout with a screaming Chuck Margiotta. Don't get me wrong, it was my daughter I was watching out for, not Chuck. She could have easily been intimidated out of ever playing any sport, ever again. I didn't want that to happen. Any way, Chuck grew on her, and on me. The discussions after every game with my daughter were intense. Why did he do that? What did he say on that play? He really likes to win, doesn't he? What did he say to the umpire? What did he say to the other Coach?

It's now mid season, and we were playing a quality team. They had a power hitter that Chuck had his eye on. She always drove the ball deep into centerfield, usually for a home run. Well, Chuck had enough of that, he devised the "Shift Play" in practice, for those key situations. In girls softball, at the level we were playing (10-12 year olds), the better players are in the infield. Any ball that got through the infield was guaranteed to be a 2 base hit or better. Anything hit on the fly to the outfield was an adventure. Chuck decided in practice, to "SHIFT", the shortstop to centerfield, "SHIFT" the centerfielder to second base, and "SHIFT" the second baseman to shortstop. Well, the time had arrived, and Chuck saw the girl come out of the opposing team's dugout. Immediately Chuck screamed, "SHIFT!!!............SHIFT!!!!!!...............SSHHIIIIIIIIIIIFFFTTT!!!!!!!!!! The befuddled girls had no idea for the first few seconds what he was yelling, it seemed like an eternity before they shifted. This scene repeated itself 5 or 6 times during that season, almost every time with the same "Deer-in-the-headlights" stare from the players. The best was when I went to get a drink from the concession stand. Parents came up to me and asked, why was he saying "SHIT" so much? After a little chuckle, I explained, and we all had a good laugh. On more than one occasion, I used to scream "SHIFT!!...SHIFT!!...SHIFT!!!..........." around the house, and it would always generate a smile, or a giggle. In 2001, one of his year 2000 players was drafted along with my daughter, on a new team for the 2001 season. When I saw her for the first time at practice, I didn't say "HI", .... I said "SHIFT!!...." We both laughed. I told her I wake up at night hearing those screaming words. What I would give to hear them again. Those days were precious, but I just didn't know how precious.

The last time I saw Chuck was at the 2001 Mid-Island Little League Annual Year-End Picnic. He came with Norma Jean. He was flipping burgers, and having a good time. He always asked for my daughter, and how she was doing. When he heard "All Star" he was proud, as he should have been. No doubt, my daughter would not be as determined today, to be as good as she can, without Chuck's initial influence and that competitive spirit.

Thank you Chuck, I sincerely mean that, "THANK YOU"

These are a couple of the questions that came up during the season. You can guess the answers.

1. Who is that guy in the lawn chair, sitting near our dugout, yelling at the umpire? And did he just get ejected from the "STANDS!!!?"

2. Who is that woman peering over the centerfield fence? She comes to every game, but never gets close enough to the dugout to introduce herself!

3. Do you think Chuck will ever buy that girl a new Glove?

4. .............and new Eyeglasses?

I Coach my son's team now, and I work occasionally with my daughters' team. I learned a lot from Chuck. I never got to know Chuck's son, but indeed he is lucky to have had Chuck as a dad for the short time he did. He can be proud.

Every time one of my children peers into the dugout, from the pitching mound, whether it's my son, or one of my daughters, I can't help but wonder....... "Norma Jean, do you still see your Dad when you look into the dugout?" .....................I'd bet you, a zillion to one, the answer is "YES, I DO!!!"

GOD BLESS THE CHUCK MARGIOTTA FAMILY & GODSPEED !!

The Scerbo Family

Sep 6, 2002 TIME FOR BREAKFAST EVERYBODY UP!
 
Hi to Mike and all of the Margiotta Family -- My best memories as a high school football player were of Chuck. I was a freshman when he was a senior and Mike a junior, so we never played together. But whenever I hear the Beach Boys, or smell fresh cut grass on a playing field, I remember Chuck (and I think Duggan or Stiles), walking from cabin to cabin banging that damn tin garbage can, yelling "TIME FOR BREAKFAST EVERYBODY UP!" To this day, I do that to myself sometimes to get psyched to get up in the morning, and I now do it to my kids.

Charlie sure was a character. Everyone tried to imitate that voice and that walk of his, that confident balls-on-your-feet kind of hop he did. But most of all, I remember how funny he was, how he could make the coaches laugh even if they were rippin' pissed at us.
I had no idea he made it into a couple of films, but if you knew this guy, you knew he was one in a million and he could do anything he wanted to and excel at it.

He was the embodiment of the Farrell Spirit, he had the heart of a Lion, and he is sorely missed by all of his teammates, past and present.

God bless the Margiotta family -

Your teammate


John Sinisi (Staten Island, NY )
John Sinisi (Farrell Football Lions '78)

Aug 25, 2002 LIKE A ROCK
 
 Like a Rock"

I always thought of this song "Like a Rock" as a car commercial song. I never really understood its meaning until this past year. I would remember sitting in the car going on vacation or just a short ride with my dad and hear him play this song. This was his favorite song of all time. Every time, though, he heard this song he would get very emotional. Now every time I hear this song I get emotional, too. I cry because it reminds me so much of my dad.

This song reminds me of my dad because he was like a rock. He gave up his life on September 11,2001 trying to save lives. It was at my dad's memorial I realized why it touched me.

At the end of the memorial, the church went silent and all you were able to hear was the song "Like a Rock". I started to cry. I cried because I knew now that this song was meant for my dad. My dad must have been like a rock to go and do what he did to save lives and not think of anything else. He must have been strong as he could be to even think of going to a pair of giant burning towers. He also must have had to face his fears and do what he was trained to do and be strong like a rock.

This song has been an inspiration for me through these hard times. When I am having a bad day, and I feel I can't go on, I would put this song on and remember I have to be like a rock. I also have to remember that my dad was a hero, and he was like a rock.

Norma Jean Margiotta

This was a composition I had to write for a final. The topic was a song that inspires you or gives meaning. So I decided to write about my dad's favorite song "LIKE A ROCK".

Aug 22, 2002 WHAT? No parmesian cheese?

The members of E-156 and Chuckie were sitting down for their sunday afternoon meal of Pastosa ravioli with bats and balls. As we sat down at the table, Chuckie asked for the grated cheese. We started looking around and realized we ran out!

Chuckie jumped up and said,"Let's go! We can't have this without grated cheese." We slid the pole following Chuckie, and responded lights and sirens to Pastosa's, picked up the cheese, and responded back to the house to eat our meal.

As we sat down Chuckie said, "Can't eat this meal without parmesian cheese....no parmesian cheese...no way."

I will really miss Chuckie. He was my kind of Luietenent and didn't take any crap. I admired him for that. He was a good guy who I got along real well with. It was always fun. I've known him for quite some time, and he was always a bundle of laughs. I will pray for him and I know he is in a better place.

I will also pray for the Margiotta family as I know you are very good people. May God bless all of you.

Stephen Stafford

Aug 22, 2002 Teammates

I'm not going to have any one specific event that I can tell you about. I guess that is the main point. Chuck was such a well rounded individual even as a kid. Our lives crossed for parts of grammar school and parts of High School.

During our grammar school days we were teammates for a few years on a Pop Warner football team, culminating in being co-captains of our team. That year was alot of fun. Chuck and I were unstoppable on defense and opened HUGE holes on offense.

During High School we played against each other and then switched gears and hung out from time to time.

It has always been my pleasure and honor to know Chuck and his family, especially his dad and his brother Mike.

Thank you for giving me the honor of paying my respects to our Hero of Heroes.
 
Daniel Smith

Aug 22, 2002 I Remember
 
 I remember Chuckie from when I was a young girl. He was at many a "Kelly" party and was always so much fun.

He would also visit many years later out in the Hamptons when I rented with his cousin Jack. He was a great person and will be missed by many. God Bless

Love,
Mary Beth
Mary Beth Kelly Snow

Aug 22, 2002 Coaching Chuck
 
As you well know, the time we spent at Farrell (both players and their parents), was probably the best times of our lives!

Coaching Chuck and Michael in the Staten Island Touch Tackle League was also great fun and they are both great kids.

I will tell you a funny story about Chuckie. When I put together my baseball team, both Chuckie and Mike came down to tryout. After a couple of practices I told Chuckie, "You area great football player, but a lousy baseball player." He laughed and said, "If I can throw this baseball up to the Verrazano bridge, can I make the team?" I said, "Yes!" Well lo and behold he did reach the bridge but then said, "Chippy, you are right...I am a lousy baseball player."

And with that, we all had a good laugh.
 
Chippy Gagliardi

Aug 20, 2002 The Cooler

Hi Delt Boys,

Through our 25 years of hunting trips we always took a few snapshots. Pumpy was a great hunting partner for many reasons. One great thing was that he was like a Felix Unger. Pumpy was meticulous and fastidious and when it came to clean fresh clothes and personal hygiene. Of course, with the known fact from freshman year that "Frik and Frak" had approximately the same physical dimensions it was easy for me to steal his clean underwear since mine were Oscar Madisonized. Another time Pumpy carried a 100 lb. cooler eight miles over mountainous terrain in addition to his backpack and rifle because he wanted to set up a little Staten Island "Salumaria" Italian delicatessen in the woods. I thought he was crazy and I refused to carry the cooler, as I was happy to eat the usual Army MRE's. But Pumpy insisted and he humped that giant cooler far into the middle of nowhere. That night we feasted on about 20 pounds of "Beef" and other Italian delicacies and drank a case of beer each (this massive consumption was necessary because I was not about to let him convince me to carry the cooler back still fully loaded).

Brucey
Bruce Alterman

Aug 5, 2002 Mercy Band
 
I am wearing my Mercy BAND with Lt. Charles Margiotta's name. I think of him and his bravery every day that I wear it. I think of his family and want you to know he is in my prayers. I read all the previous entries and it looks like there are 4 other people also wearing his band.

Sorry for your loss to all his family and friends. What a brave man he was. I am proud to wear his band.


Deborah Spaugh (Dallas, TX )
August 3, 2002

Aug 4, 2002 I Draw Strength from You

Dear Chuck,
Every now and then each of us who has survived feels down or sorry for ourselves in our own personal struggles of life. That is when I look to you for guidance and strength. I can still hear your voice, "Hey Spider, get up and move forward and lead by example!" You have done just that my brother. You have passed on the greated gift God could ever bestow on any of us...the gift of leading by example. In every one of us...there's a little bit of Chuck Margiotta. We ALL need to try and lead by example. Thank you Chuck for passing that gift on to me. I'll see you in heaven my brother.
-Spider

Peter Tarangelo

Jul 9, 2002 Unforgetable Voice

I hadn't talked to Charlie in over 15 years but his booming voice on our voice mail was unforgetable."Hey Ronnie this is Chalie Margiotta from Staten Island". Charlie had called me to make sure I was coming back to the Brown Football Reunion. He called in late August. I returned his call and spent the better part of an hour getting caught up on friends and teammates from Brown. I assured him I was coming back. We exchanged addresses and I sent some information for the re-union. I hadn't heard from him and decided to call Bruce Alterman to see if my information had arrived and insure that we were on track for the re-union. When Bruce told him what had happended to Charlie I was speechless.

Charlie was a true individual and a person that I spoke of often when describing Brown. He wasn't the typical Brown student. That's what made Charlie special and also Brown special. His sense of humor, work ethic and pure tenancity were traits I remember of him from my first day of freshman football.

He wouldn't admit it but under that "tough guy" exterior was a person who truly cared about others and ultimately demonstrated that in his efforts to rescue people from the twin towers.

His memory will live with me for the rest of my life and when Sept 11 comes up in conversations I can say with true honor and respect I knew a "Hero" who gave up his life to save others.

Ron Frantz

Jun 30, 2002 A Beautiful Garden

Mike,

I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you. Thank you for inviting me to the dedication(unveiling) of your brothers garden. It was beautiful, the decication as well as the garden. I am glad that you let me be a part of it. I must say once again I never knew you brother but I wish I had. I am in his website often, I read all the stories and feel as if I had known him all my life. Your brother was very much loved and just by the outcome yesterday at the dedication proves just that. Mike, please remember I am and always will be here for you. We are friends and I hope we remain friends for a very long time. You are one of the first people I started talking to when I signed on to AOL and to this day we are still chatting. You are a great person. Keep up the great work with your brothers website. Its beautiful. You and your family will remain in my heart and prayers for always. Love you !!!!! XOXOXOXOX

Your friend always,
Kim

9-11 Let us not forget all our heros and friends !!!!!

Jun 17, 2002 My Favorite Coach
 
 I've known Mr. Margiotta since I was in 1st grade, which is about 9 years. My dad voulnteered to coach the soccer team that I signed up for when I was 5. When my father found out that he would be coaching with Mr. Margiotta, neither of us knew what he was like or what to expect. On the day of our first practice, my team of four and five year old girls were shocked to hear that we had to run laps around the Alba House. I think all of us were scared of Mr. Margiotta that day.

As the season progressed, we all grew used to his usual chants of "WALL WALL WALL" and "SEMI CIRCLE SEMI CIRCLE" He drilled rules of the game into our heads, but also encouraged us to all to be good sports and never to be sore losers or give up.

Mr. Margiotta became my favorite coach. He made me the soccer player and person that I am today. He always encouraged me to do better. Even though I would always catch myself mumling under my breath, "Ohh shut upp" I knew that I loved Mr. Margiotta and that he and my father were the best coaches that I ever had. In basketball, he gave me a chance to play when nobody else would, and I had my most successful season ever while playing on his team.When Chuck and my father quit coaching, all the remaining team members were devastated to find out that we had to go to a different team.

I still remember Chuck and what he taught me and I miss him, especially when I play soccer.
 
Kerri Logan

Jun 16, 2002 ITS YOUR DAY TODAY CHUCK.

TODAY IS MY FIRST FATHERS DAY AND IM SHARING IT WITH YOU CHUCK. I WANT TO BE AS GOOD A DAD AS YOU WERE. I KNOW YOU WILL HELP ME DO THAT. IF I CAN COPY YOU AS A DAD MY DAUGHTER WILL BE VERY LUCKY. TODAY IS TRULY YOUR DAY.
 
 MIKE MAURO

Jun 13, 2002 Chuck - Nothing but Good Memories
 
I had the pleasure of knowing Chuck as a classmate of both St. Rita's and Monsignor Farrell. I was saddened to see his name on the list of missing at the WTC. Chuck is one of five people I know that gave their lives for the freedom of this country on that day. My cousin was an Engineer at the WTC and my sister-in-law was on the plane that hit the Pentagon.

Since September 11th, I have thought often about the good times we had riding the busy together to Farrell. From what I can see he has been very successful in life. He will never be forgotten.
 
Jim Push

Jun 13, 2002 A True Hero
 
Although I'm a fellow Farrell '75 grad, regrettably I didn't get to know Charlie very well other than to say hello to each other back then and later at our class reunions. In attending his memorial service, and in reading the tributes on the website from the people whose lives he touched, it's easy to realize that he was a true hero long before his heroic actions on that tragic day in September. The quality of his character epitomizes what every parent wishes that their son or daughter, or they themselves, would someday possess. The program from his memorial service will always hang in my family room as a lasting tribute to him. It is a privelege for me to have known a truly great man and a great hero.
 
Bob Panazzolo

Jun 12, 2002 A beautiful tribute

For all of you who have been touched by the loss of Chuckie and the thousands of others, please take a moment to look at this commemorative site dedicated to those who were lost. It is beautiful and worth the wait to download. //www.link4u.com/littledidsheknow.htm.

To the Margiotta Family, I hope things have gotten a little easier for all of you. I check out this site daily, and I am truly touched, and at times brought to tears, reading some of the posts. It truly is a tribute to know that Chuckie will never be forgotten. Joanne

Jun 10, 2002 Three's Never A Crowd With Chuck

 Having Chuck as a friend is one of the greatest things that has happened in my life
The bond that we developed as freshman at Farrell was genuine and strong. It was the basis of a
a relationship that would span some 30 years.
This said, having Chuck as a friend was also exasperating and at times just plain comical.
Here's a sample of the latter......
It was summer 1974. We were heading into senior year. Saturday night. Phone rings.
I answer. It's Chuck.
"Tonto, I got an idea. I will call Merendino, you call Duggan, Gags and the Big Mick.
Come over my house, we'll listen to BRUCE and drink some beers.
"Sounds great, but I have a date, " I say.
" With who??".
"I not telling you".
"Where are you going".
"I'm not telling you that either".
"You'd rather go out on a date than hang with your friends?"
"Yes!" " Now I gotta go".
"Tonto, don't hang up on me!"
"Chuck, I 'm hanging up!"
"TONTO you $%&**@#$%??...
CLICK. Later that evening....
While sitting in the movies my date complains that she's being pelted with popcorn.
I hear Chuck's distinctive giggle. Oh Jeez...(I found out later he called my Dad and explained that he was to meet me but forgot where.)
My date says "Do something about it".
"Okay". And with that I turn around and invite Chuck to join us.
"You invited him over", she shrieks.
" He's my friend, if I didn't he's be insulted. Besides wouldn't you rather eat popcorn than get hit with it"?
So we watched the movie; me, Chuck and my date sitting between us holding a super jumbo popcorn on her lap.

Tony Taranto

May 28, 2002 From the kid down the block
 
I think of you everyday, and my heart goes out to your family. And I pray if any one can keep us safe from evil it's you, just like you always did. Miss you.
 
Christine Grzejka

May 28, 2002 A Great Man
 
Chuck Margiotta was a great man.Him and my dad coached me and my sister's soccer team,him and my dad would always push us to play harder.Everytime there is a corner kick i remember him screaming "WALL! WALL! WALL!".He always was there when someone had a problem wheteher it was school,sports,or just something else.Last year I had to play catcher, I was not that good, he helped me a lot.I miss you and love you.
 
 Brian Logan

May 26, 2002 Never Forgotten
 
To Mike and his Family,
Time goes by so fast, I sit an remember all the great times we had at Demyens. When Mike and Chuck would come home on the weekends from college and everyone would meet at our usual spot. You were both the life of the party. Good times, good memories and friends are never forgotten!
Angela

Angela Largo (Staten Island, NY )
May 26, 2002
briteblue59@aol.com

May 17, 2002 Just some words...
 
Today is May 17,2002...in just a couple of weeks they will officially close "Ground Zero." What does that mean? We know we have no hopes of seeing Chuck or Paul again, but CLOSING Ground Zero! With a big old too-doo, ceremony, bagpipes, etc. Does Bloomberg think this will placate us? Does he think this is ALL it will take to apease us, ease our grief, bring some justice to the area? Is he so consumed with the re-building that he cannot sit still and let the clearing out and grieving process just happen? Where is his heart? There are men there still with hearts as big as the open plains in North America, men who are alive and hoping to gain more of their "brothers" and men who have left as heros, with families that long to have them finally put to rest. Maybe we'll never have the "closure" of finding those we love, but does it have to be rushed? Chuck wouldn't rush anything...he'd grab a fishing pole on a day like today, a hero, a drink, maybe an angel food cake and head to a secluded spot and sit for a while. I know Steven and him did this many a day, breaking into Pouch Camp at risk of Boy Scout Death!!! Chuck loved nothing more than to hang out with someone he loved, in the outdoors, telling stories, eating, fishing, whatever, enjoying the time together. I know I am hoping against hope that the city will just let those men do their job until every last stone has been turned. I feel that it is respect to honor these heros in such a manner...rushing, never.
Mike, I am so proud of you my dear friend, you also Patti. You guys always amaze me. I know this has been the worst, there cannot be anything that compares, yet you still manage a smile when we stop by. Those were some huge shoes to fill Mike, you had pretty good shoes yourself. You have managed to take on the role of father, godfather, uncle, etc..with a schedule that would choke a horse. But you and Patti do not complain...it is your way Mike, I know that. You way of honoring your brother and his family, your family. I am proud and honored to be your friend Mike, yours and Patti's also. Your kids are the best, your parents also. It all gets to me Mike, I so wish I could be Samantha and twitch my nose and have him back for you. I have him all around my house, he is a big presence here for me and my family, I will never let anyone forget him. Please know that even tho I may rant, (as above), Steven and I are behind you and yours for all the days of our lives..you are greatly loved, as was and is Chuck! I love you~Melissa
 
Melissa Cicio

May 15, 2002 A Realization

When this website was first developed for all of us, I thought to myself, "Wow, now I can share all of the crazy Chuck stories with everyone who knew him well; this is great." I logged on for the first time back in December and my emotional reaction was unexpected. It hurt too much to read these things and I couldn't make it through most of the stories without a feeling of painful emptiness. How could this be? I love Chuck like you do; I want to be part of his life celebration with you; I need to share some memories with you all. How could others, like Norma and her children, brother Mike and family, and friends like Bruce, who were a part of Chuck's daily life, muster the strength to frequent this site? In all honesty, I still can't tell you why. The one thing I have come to terms with, however, is the realization that the best way for me to share this loss is to be part of sharing Chuck's life.
I was asked to speak at Chuck's service as a representative for his cousins. Although,like all of you, I was deeply shaken at the time, it was an honor I will always cherish. I would, however, like to set the record straight about something I said that day. I told you that I was "embarassed and ashamed" because I hadn't spent time with Chuck for over two years, and here I was eulogizing him.
I have since come to terms with these feelings. It was not embarassment. It was not shame. It was not jealousy of those who were more involved in his life. It was not selfishness. I realize now that what I have been experiencing is the most heartfelt sense of remorse that I didn't make the effort to communicate with him for all that time. The cousin, the friend, whom I had this very special connection with, for more than forty years, was gone in an instant. This wasn't supposed to happen, not to Chuck. He was indestructible.
These days I am gaining a sense of gratitude. Gratitude to have known Chuck. Gratitude to be part of his family of friends. I will try to be grateful enough to celebrate his life and not mourn his death. I think about him everyday and miss him more than I understand. I tell you truely, that losing him has struck me deeper than I could ever have imagined. These same feelings, though, have also given me a deeper appreciation of life. In the near future I will be back to share some lighter stories about Chuckie. Thanks, Chuck. I love you and miss you.

With much love to you all,
Cousin Glenn
 
May 13, 2002 Always thinking of you chuck.

Not a day will ever go by when you dont pop into my thoughts.

Apr 16, 2002 My Chuck
 
Hi Everyone. I don't have a story right now but I just wanted to say that Chuck was the best friend a person could have and I miss him more than anything. He loved you all. It has been very painful for me to send in stories. It has been seven months and I still can't stop crying. But I will be strong as Chuck would want me to be and keep on returning to this site and read all your wonderful notes, and also, have the courage to send in some great stories about a great person and best friend.
 
Bruce Alterman

Apr 14, 2002 Mystique of a Great Family
 
I met the Margiottas when I was around 10 years old, and being around them for the last 7 years...well to me has just been awesome. I had only met Chuck once or twice, and we never really spoke, just a hello, however after coming to this website for the past 3 months or so almost every day, to check stories and memories, read Mr. Margiottas eulogy over and over, look at the same pictures over and over again, I wanted to add something. Without even knowing Chuck at all, I still understand the mystique he had, the instant respect he got when walking into a room, by seeing the pictures, reading these words, but most importantly you can tell how great of a man he was by his last name. They are all great, and I still, although I never met him, wish Chuck was here today, so I could hear these stories first hand. To put it mildly, this family has had a rough 7 months, but they still through all this put their best foot forward and dealt with it. That is merely a testament to what a great family they are. I hope everyone one day understands my little theory of the "Margiotta Mystique"


Loyal Statistician and Friend,
Andrew Senno
 
Apr 13, 2002 Mercy Band

I received my mercy band with Lt. Charles Margiotta's name today as a gift from someone I love very much who is also a Firefighter. My heart goes out to his entire family with grief, & please know that I will wear this bracelet with great pride & honor knowing that Lt. Margiotta put others before himself on Sept. 11, 2001. My thoughts & prayers will always be with Lt. Margiotta's family.

Beth Meske (Chicago, IL )
April 13, 2002
a10wife@yahoo.com

Apr 8, 2002 A Note from a Brother

Dear Family and Friends of Lt. Chuck Margiotta,

I would like to let you know that the life of Lt. Margiotta has touched me as I have learned so much about this remarkable man. I am 39 years old, married to a wonderful wife, blessed with two children and have been a brother of the service for 19 years. On 9-11-01, I did not know as I watched the live events unfold on national TV with my engine company that I would be at Ground Zero assisting in the rescue efforts 8 days later. As many prayed and hoped we would find many lives spared, God had a plan, one we do not understand. But I trust He will see us through and I pray that He will place his hand of comfort and peace on your hearts.

Since I have returned home, I have learned to appreciate each day I am allowed to spend with my family. Daily as I report to duty, I place on my wrist a memorial bracelet which honors a man of true heroism, Lt. Charles J. Margiotta. I have learned that Chuck was a cast member in one of our favorite movies, "Frequency." Additionally, I just so happen to have a replica of Rescue 5 collected for my 5 month old son. I will remember Lt. Margiotta and will pass on his life of true heroism to my son. Thank you for his web page. My wife, children and I will pray for you all often. Please accept our deepest condolences.

Respectfully,

Lt. Lynn J. Garrett, Jr.
Escambia County Fire Department
Pensacola, Florida
IAFF Local 4131

Apr 7, 2002 Thank You

My uncle Chuck was a great man... a man who we will never forget and will always miss... a man who's greatness can never be told in just one story, one day, or even one lifetime... I was reluctant to write about my uncle Chuck on this webpage because I knew that I could never capture the full magnitude and magic of my uncle. But then I thought... no single person can.

There was something about him. Actually, it was everything about him. He was warm, he was exiciting, he was hilarious, he was humble, he was unselfish, and he was brave. He loved to help others. That's why he loved his job. My uncle truly cared about people. You could see it in his work, his family, and everyday occurances that he was a part of. You could see it in his eyes and even hear it in his voice. He was the true definition of a hero thoughout his life and his heroism was epitomized in the tragedy on September 11th.

I just want to thank my father, Frank Somma, and everyone else who has helped with the construction and additions to this website, for their contributions to my uncle's rememberence. I don't think that there is a more perfect way of praying for and remembering a man with so many stories and so many people who cared about him, than with this webpage. It's amazing how many people he has touched, in so many different ways. I feel that, on this page, those who didn't have the priviledge of really getting to know him, and the rest of us, who never tire of learning more about him and remembering our times with him, can get a deeper look at the sheer amount of people he has touched and the stories of how he did. Through this webpage my uncle will continue to inspire people as he did throughout his life. There is truly something special here.

 Michael Margiotta (Chuck's Nephew)

Apr 1, 2002 The pain of being close

For Mike, Norma, Norma Jean, Charlie and all of Chuck's family & friends

With each event, Christmas eve, New year's eve, Chucks birthday, Easter, the birthdays of his family, the pain emerges fresh. It's real and it hurts as much as the first day. The solace I take from this and I hope you can share is this: How sad would it be not to have this pain? To be without it would mean that your life with Chuck was wasted. That you weren't close. You spent time together as a family. More than most and today that is truely a big accomplishment. So many families drift apart into their own seperate lives. That didn't happen with you. Imagine how many people who have left us are already fading from memory. The intense and long-lasting pain is a by product of the many, many great times you spent together and the love you shared. Chuck was a great man. His life had meaning and impact on those around him. It is because of that that we miss him so much. Would you have it any other way?

Frank

Frank Somma

Mar 31, 2002 Happy Easter

If there is a God it will make me feel good to know that you have risen today on this Easter Sunday and are sitting at the right hand of the Father. I hate this Chuck! I miss you so much. I love you.

We are going out to eat soon...I don't even want to go...but I know You would want me to. All my love.

Mike
Your Brother

Mar 29, 2009 Von Ryan's Express

VON RYAN'S EXPRESS...(Definition)...Jousting with a blue 1968 volkswagon on Linda Supino's block. Chuck would signal the beginning of the joust by screaming.."VON RYAN!!!!"..at the top of his lungs, referring to the old Frank Sinatra War film where he had to chase a train and jump on the back of it to make a Getaway. Chuck would subsequently put the pedal to the floor as he drove at top speed toward me and his brother Mike, who were standing in the middle of the street about 50 yards away like idiots.

It was our job to play "chicken" with the volkswagon driven by this crazed lunatic just before having to sidestep the car racing toward us like a charging bull!! Now, the only way "WE" could score points was to leap on the running boards of the volkswagon as Chuck drove passed us, (and he always would turn the wheel recklessly left and right just before our possible deaths!).

If you were successful in landing on the running board...usually hanging on for dear life...the driver (Chuck) was then allowed to take out a souvenier Yankee bat from under his seat, and crack your fingers so as to disengage you from the speeding vehicle, and potentially force you to roll under the rear wheels of the car. This was of course a "point" for the driver.

Once, while watching the younger, faster jousters (me and Mike), another friend and teammate, Mike Biaso, decided he wanted to play. All I remember was that he got hung up on the running board while running along side the car holding onto the side view mirror as Chuck bloodied his fingers with the bat! Chuck NEVER missed with the bat! Biaso's arm got caught behind Chuck's headrest and in the seatbelt strap. He simultaneously lost his footing while running 45 miles mph and got dragged to the end of the block.

Chuck stopped because Biaso's sneakers were smoking from being dragged at such a high speed. His sneakers were almost on fire! His arms were black and blue from his elbow to his armpit. Both knees were visibly bloodied on his Levi jeans and completely shreaded like he had been in an explosion! Biaso got up from the ashfault street...dusted himself off and said, "Dat was really cool Chuckie...can we do it again?" Needless to say, we NEVER played Von Ryans Express again.
 
Spider

Mar 29, 2002 Live on....
 
Chuck you will always live on.You've touched so many hearts.Just glad I got to know ya

Tom delPino (Staten Island, NY )
March 29, 2002
firebug085@aol.com

Mar 26, 2002 Chuck was Chuck

What can ya say about Chuck,this web site isn't big enough to say it all.Everytime I see his picture I always laugh.I keep going by living the memories of Chuck.He would always make me laugh.I'm so glad I had the time to know him.I just wish everyone could meet a friend like him.If you ever need a good laugh ask for a Chuck story.He always kept us laughing.Thanks for the memories Chuck. May god bless you
 
 Tom delPino

Mar 25, 2002 God Speaks Sept. 11 Memorial
 
To the Margiotta Family

May you find comfort and peace in knowing that you do not mourn Chuck's passing alone. This site is a beautiful, comforing one that you must see. http://www.wuzupgod.com/sept11/sept11_memorial_worldwide.html

A Friend

Mar 20, 2002 Stay Strong

Mike,
I just found this site and wanted to take the opportunity again to let you know that I am praying for you and your family. Having never met your brother, but knowing you as I do, I can only imagine the kind of man Chuck was. I keep him in my prayers. Take comfort in all the love and support people all over are showing. I miss you very much. Hope to see you and maybe even make you laugh again. Stay strong for your family. I love you.
Your friend, Karen

Karen Durnin (New York City, NY )
March 19, 2002
mstopaz711@cs.com

Mar 17, 2002 Old Friends

To the Margiotta Family:

I'll always remember him as Charlie. When I was in the second grade at P.S. 30 he was just about my best friend. I think of him often, and oddly enough, was thinking about him in the days prior to September 11. Charlie came by my restaurant and told me about all the film work he was doing. I told him that Mike D.J.'d my wedding. I had seen his name in the closing credits of the DeNiro cop film late last Summer and was telling people about my old friend, the fireman-stunt man. My thoughts are with you all. If I can be of help, if you need fund-raising gift certificates, don't hesitate to ask.

Ken Tirado



Ken Tirado (Staten Island, NY )
March 17, 2002
adobeblues@msn.com

Mar 13, 2002 MIKE...CHUCK WOULD BE PROUD OF YOU!
 
MIKE, I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW PROUD I AM OF YOU. YOU HAVE STOOD TALL WHEN YOU HAD TO, YOU HAVE CRIED WHEN YOU NEED TO, AND YOU STILL MANAGE TO COMFORT OTHERS WHILE YOU ACHE MORE THAN ANYONE. IT DOESNT GO UNNOTICED AND CHUCKIE IS SO PROUD OF HOW YOU HAVE HANDLED THIS TRAGEDY. YOU AND CHUCKIE ALWAYS TREATED ME LIKE A BROTHER, AND I LOVE YOU BOTH FOR THAT, AND DONT EVER FORGET IM ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY. I COULD NEVER EVER BE ONE TENTH OF A BROTHER CHUCK WAS, BUT WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT A BROTHER IS NEEDED IM HERE. CHUCKIE IS A HERO WE ALL KNOW THAT, BUT YOURE NOT TO FAR BEHIND.
 
M. MAURO

Mar 13, 2002 Bracelet

To the family of Chuck Margiotta,
I am wearing a memorial bracelet with Chuck's name on it in his memory. I pray that you will be comforted in knowing that he is being honored in this manner. Please accept my condolences. Your family is on my mind every day as I put on the bracelet, and I often look at it while at the firehouse as a reminder of Chuck's bravery. May all of us live up to his example.

Firefighter Marc A. Scrivener
IAFF Local 1033
Willimantic, CT


Marc Scrivener (WILLIMANTIC , CT )
March 12, 2002
mascrivener@cfaith.com

Mar 11, 2002 Jack Dempsey
 
Mike, here's a story just for you:

Chuck takes me downstairs to show me his fish tank. We were 15 and 16. I think I was dating Karen at the time. Nobody was home, except your mother.
"You're pretty tough, right Spider?"...Chuck says with a weird smile on his face.
You probably remember the prizefighter "Jack Dempsey, right?" "Yeah," I say. "How'd you like to see him fight again?"
I had no clue what he was referring to...until we went downstairs into that back laundry room where the fish tank was. "Its feeding time...". Chuck says...
He drops something in the fish tank...dead spiders or some kind of rodent...I don't remember what it was...but I remember the ruckus of water...as he gleamed over the waves..."Spider, Meet Jack Dempsey!"
I just wanted to get out of that room before my arm ended up in that tank!!

"Chuckie..!! come upstairs, I made you and Pete a grilled cheese sandwich."
(Thank God Molly was home...my hand was definitely going in the tank...I was saved by a grilled cheese sandwich!)

Spider

Mar 11, 2002 Six Month Anniversary

To the Margiotta Family,

It seems only fitting to send this little note on to you today. Six months have now passed and we just wanted you to know that still, not a day goes by that we dont think about Chuckie. We read daily, the kind words of love and affection that are posted here, honoring Chuckie. Heartwarming and heartwrenching, each individual has shared their memories. It is truly a pleasure to see how Chuckie influenced so many peoples lives, and the inspiration he has bestowed upon so many of us. We pray that you will find peace and our hopes are still alive in the fact that your family will be able to have closure to this horrible life altering event.

Like millions of other Americans we watched the special documentary that aired on Channel 2 last night. As each frame flicked by we hoped to catch a glimpse of our hero, Chuckie. Im sure it was difficult for the family, as it was most difficult for us, but it has given us even more faith, confirmation, and meaning to the word hero. The world will never forget Chuckie or any of the other heros that lost their lives for our country on 911.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you on this Six Month Anniversary of Heroism. God Bless all of you today, tomorrow, and always. The Di Bella Family

Mar 6, 2002 Brother Fireman
 
To The Margiotta Family,

May you take comfort that Chuck touched many lives - including a few in New Jersey - our days of playing raquetball together will always be remembered - a great guy - and a brother fireman.

Mike Kaplan ( South Old Bridge Fire Department, Old Bridge, NJ )
March 6, 2002
fire1@comcast.net

Mar 5, 2002 Unforgettable Year

Hi, Mike.

My name is George Burkle. I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know
your brother, Charlie (Pumpy), during my college days at Brown University. I
was a member of the Delta Tau fraternity during 1979-81, and I lived on the
same floor with Pumpy and Brucie and an amazing cast of characters during
one unforgettable year of my life. Your brother knew me by my nickname at
the time - Doggie.

I have lived in California for some time now, and have been out of touch
with my old fraternity brothers for too long. I only learned about what
happened to Pumpy by the sheerest of coincidences on a recent (February)
business trip to the mid-west and East Coast, when I made contact with
another old Delt, Kevin Carrabine, who now lives near Philadelphia.

Needless to say, Charlie was one tough son-of-a-bitch, but he had a heart of
gold. Having grown up in New Jersey (Hudson County), I related to Pumpy's
view of the world and respected him a great deal. He was one of those guys
who you never wanted to f*** with, but if you were ever in a battle, he's
the first guy you'd pick to be on your side. When I try to picture Pumpy in
action on 9/11, I can only imagine him diving into the scene headfirst and
at 100 mph - that's how he did everything else...

I just wanted to drop you this brief note to let you know that there's yet
another person out there who shares in the loss of your brother. If there is
anything I can possibly do to help out Charlie's family, please let me know.

Sincerely,

George Burkle
Brown '81

Mar 4, 2002 At The Dance

We were again blessed to be with Alicia Somma on her night...the night we all gather to make a little difference and to let her know that we love her. It was an emotional night to say the least. In the Cooley's Anemia Journal with all the loving entries to this wonderful girl, smack dab in the middle was Chuck! A beautifully written tribute by Frank Somma and the next page heart wrenching words from Chuck's brother Mike...we all knew this night would be hard.

We had not been together since "IT" happened and there were many tears, but let me tell you...lots of Chuck stories were flying around. He was as alive as any of us that night. I could hear his name being uttered by many people, like Frank said, "even the walk" was being imitated. How high a compliment is this? To be one of the main things on peoples' minds that night? That sweet Alicia made my heart ache and break when she hugged me and told me how much she missed him, with all that she has to go through in her young life, her mind was on Chuck this night. I too wanted to cry, but as Mike has told me recently, "Chuck would not have wanted that."

So now I try to look at his pictures and think of him with more happiness. Not every day this is possible, that's for sure...but on the night of Our Dance, I thought of Chuck there, with his plate full and his smile radiant. I love you Chuck...Mike, keep on truckin my friend, we're always here for you. Much love~Melissa

Melissa Cicio

Mar 2, 2002 Hero
 
Dear God shine your light on this wonderful hero...Charles Joseph (Chuck) Margiotta and may his soul rest in peace with God and his angels...God bless his family and many friends...God bless America and New York...Stay close and never forget 9/11/01...May Jesus, St. Charles and St. Joseph greet you at the gates of heaven.

Amen

February 28, 2002
 
anonymous

Feb 27, 2002 Chuckie the Truckie Lab40
 
Chuck's presence as a fellow firefighter will always be remembered as a unique one. In 1982 Chuck became a fireman in Engine 76, 1983 he transferred to the heart of Harlem Eng 37 / Lad 40. Chuck's life-long dream of becoming a professional firefighter in a busy ladder company came true while assigned to Ladder 40. Chuck's aggressive athleticism was a welcomed asset to the FDNY. A department with such an individual, exemplifies the commitment to our citizens. His humor, tolerance and opinons made Chuck a well-rounded New York City Fire-Fighter. To be continued....
Dan Volpe
Eng 37/FDNY H.Q.


Feb 25, 2002 You Are Always My Hero
 
As the months go by there has not been a day when I don`t miss you. I know we did not see each other often or share each others day to day life. I loved you so much from when I was a little girl. It was always our brothers, Michael and Steven, and you so independant and cool, and me not really fitting in, being a girl and all. You never once let me feel like I was the pest our brothers so often complained about.

The bond I have to you can never be broken. I will look up to you for ever, you are always my hero. I still look inside every fire truck and check out every Ford Bronco in hope of seeing you. Thank you for making a difference in my life and the lives of so many others.

Susan Cicio

Feb 22, 2002 Quite A Guy
 
Mike,

For the longest time I have wanted to let you know that you and your family have been on my mind almost daily, and in my prayers. I wanted to send my condolences for the loss of Chuck, I hear he was quite a guy.

Of course as time goes by, the feeling that it's too late to say anything becomes stronger and reasons not to say anything seem justified. But I am sure that your loss is still very new in your hearts and minds, so I want to say I'm sorry for that.

I am at the WTC regularly and there is not a time when I am looking at it that I don't cry, for the destruction of the city and for the lives it claimed. I pray every time for the families and for you that you should have closure and that this horrendous act be turned and used for good...such as the scholarship in Chuck's name...I just happened to catch a ten minute span of the Today show and there you were. What a great story, what a way to preserve his name.

I just wanted to let you know that you and your family are thought of often and Chuck is not forgotten, even by people who didn't know him.

Love and blessings,

Lisa

Feb 13, 2002 Charlie

I am happy to see that your memory is being honored and remembered with this beautiful site. It was nice to have worked with you during the years you were in Ladder 85. The more I got to know you, the more I liked you. When you left, I missed you. The firehouse lost a little something when you left. You were a leader, and organizer, and through your efforts to bring the guys together, the house got a little better.

What also stands out most in my mind, was your Sunday meal. You started out early in the morning, before we went out for multi unit drill. You had the sauce simmering, the meatballs, the pork, the sausage. You would cook that sauce for hours, we knew it would be a late meal, but it was always worth the wait. You always made plenty so that the crew coming in for the night tour could also enjoy the meal.

I also have to mention your garden. You took an unused patch of dirt on the side of the firehouse, and cultivated it into a bountiful produce garden. Sadly you left us too soon. Our loss is minimal compared to the loss that your family experienced.

God give them strength to cope and carry on. To you my friend, rest in peace, and find comfort in knowing that you were a positive influence in many peoples lives. That you gave love and received love in return. What a productive and rewarding life.

Joe Cool

Feb 13, 2002 The Italian Stallion
 
Chuck, We all knew you always wanted to be Irish, even though you gave us Micks a hard time!

You proved it each time we went out in High School. What a blast and lots of great memories.

Each night you get a prayer from me, and I know you hear them, so keep the place laughing up there and ask St. Peter to give your friends a special spot right next to you!!

Mr and Mrs M, Mike Norma and kids, always remember you will see Chuck again.
 
Billy Duggan

Feb 12, 2002 Best Soccer Coach
 
 When I was in first grade I received a notice about playing soccer through school. I didn't know what it was about or how to play, but I wanted to try it anyway. The week after I received the schedule, I had my first practice. I was nervous. There I met my teammates and my coach. Most of my teammates I knew from school and my coach was my best friend's father. He taught us some drills and we slowly did them. A week after my first practice I had my first game. I started as left forward. As the game went on my coach would yell out his favorite different plays and commands.

"WALL, WALL" he would exclaim , "CORNER KICK" he would scream, "Laura Fiorino" he would yell, If he used your first and last name you knew you did something wrong and you were in trouble. Also, since I danced it would interfere with soccer games. If I told him that I couldn't make a game because of dance he would get furious. "Why do you have to dance, you're not going to go anywhere with it?" he would continue. I would respond, "Because I've been dancing since I was 2 years old, I don't want to give it up." After I said this he would just cut his eyes at me while taking a deep breath.

Now I play rec soccer and travel soccer and love playing. Because of Mr Margiotta, my first coach, I am the good athlete I am today. Whenever I am playing I think of the memories of when I first started playing. Thank you Mr. Margiotta. Miss you and may you rest in peace.

Laura Fiorino

Feb 12, 2002 Chuck - The Man with the Big Heart
 
Chuck told me it doesn't matter how big you are in height, it matters how big your heart is, and he was right because he had to be by far the man with the biggest heart - because he cared about everybody, not himself.

He was a teacher and a great friend of my dad Tom delPino and me. I think Chuck is and always will be the greatest person ever.
 
Dan delPino

Feb 12, 2002 My Daily Prayer

Never a day goes by that I don't stop and gaze at your picture, and say this prayer:

"Dear God,
Inspire me to be like him...
I was blind to those around me...
But Now I can see...
I look forward to being with you again my brother..."

 -Spider

Feb 9, 2002 Always in Our Hearts
 
Heaven gained a "TRUE ANGEL" Mr.Margiotta is my hero. Ever since I was in the second grade I have always been scared of his voice because it was so deep. Even though it was deep, Mr.Margiotta was the most nicest, sweetest man I've ever known in my life. He was a coach to my brother and me in soccer when we played, and me in basketball. If it wasn't for Mr.Margiotta I wouldn't be the athletic person I am today.

I'll always remember going up to St.Rita's seeing Mr.Margiotta working and being serious. But when I saw him around in the store or anywhere he was a whole different person. I dont think there was ever a day I didn't see him SMILE (: If you were feeling down, all you had to do was either look at MR.Margiotta or talk to him and just thinking to yourself, whatever happened really is that bad anymore? I don't know what else to say besides that he was a WONDERFUL PERSON !

ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS

I don't think that there will ever be a day that you will ever be forgotten.

REST IN PEACE MR.MARGIOTTA I LOVE YOU
 
Weenie Sluder

Feb 9, 2002 From Heaven Above, To You
 
 I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the entire Margiotta Family at this time. I can only say that I know how lucky all of you are to have had a Father, Son, Brother and Friend, as special as Chuckie Margiotta. My husband Louie has been deeply saddened by the loss of his hunting buddy, Chuckie. Over the years he has told me many, many stories of their days together in the mountains and some of the crazy things that they did, but those are stories he'll have to share with you. I certainly wouldn't want to mix up any of the "finer" details.

We have known the Margiotta Family since the 80's when our son started playing Little League with little Mike Margiotta. A family of closeness like theirs has never been seen before. Whenever little Mike played a game, he had his own cheering section...need I say more. All the little details in between only add to the many happy memories of the Margiotta Family, and a friendship that has been made to last a lifetime. Distance divides us now, but needless to say you are always in our thought and we hurt for you. We have felt the loss of Chuckie, as have all of you. His pictures adorn a shelf in my kitchen and the night table alongside our bed. People come into my kitchen and ask, "hey, who's the fireman?" That's all it takes to start a daily eulogy about our hero, Chuckie. (his ears must be ringing!)

I would like to share a poem (author unknown) with you that was sent to me some time ago when my Mother passed. I look at it daily and it is a reminder that those that we love and have lost are realy still here with us on a daily basis, some of us just never realized it.

FROM HEAVEN ABOVE...TO YOU
When somebody dies, a cloud turns into an angel
and flies up to tell God to put another star in the sky.
A bird gives the message back to the world
and sings a silent prayer that makes the rain cry.
People disappear, but they never really go away.
The spirits up there put the sun to bed, wake up the grass,
and spin the Earth in dizzy circles.
Sometimes you can see them dancing in a cloud,
during the nighttime, when they're supposed to be sleeping.
They paint the rainbows and also the sunset
and amke waves splash and tug at the tide.
They toss shooting stars and listen to wishes.
And, when they sing wind-songs, they whisper to us,
"Don't miss me too much. The view is nice and I'm doing just fine".

Thinking of all of you.....
 
Joanne DiBella

Feb 2, 2002 Our Eulogy
 
 Hi, we are Caitlin and Kaitlin. It is a great honor for Norma to pick us to represent the children of Saint Rita's because we loved Mr. Margiotta so much. Mr. Margiotta was a firefighter. He coached basketball, soccer and softball. He played football. He was a stuntman in movies. He ran Saint Rita's basketball program, but best of all he was a father. Was there anything he didn't do?

I remember in first grade at girl scouts, Mr.Margiotta came to one of the meetings with his full uniform on and showed us what to do when there was a fire. He told us not to be afraid of the firemen because they would help us.

He was at everyone of our basketball games whether he was coaching or just came to watch. But don't worry, Mr.Margiotta, we'll always have a seat saved for you!!

Even though he had that deep voice, we were never really afraid of him, except the time he fell on me at practice and as he apoligized - he told me that it was my fault because I didn't have my shoelaces tied.

We also remember when we were in third grade, he told Caitlin, Norma Jean and me that we would be best friends forever! He was right. Till this day we remain best friends.

Even though it will be sad without you, you have left us lots of great memories to look back on. You will always be in our hearts. Mr.Margiotta. your'e a TRUE HERO !!

WE LOVE YOU MR.MARGIOTTA !!

Caitlin Foley & Kaitlin Myhre

Jan 30, 2002 God Bless You

Dear Norma, Norma Jean, Charlie and Family,

I believe you know in your heart that many of us think of Chuck everyday, but remember we also think of you all. Anytime you need something, never hesitate to call me. CYO will certainly miss Chuck, but his kindness will live on for eternity.

God Bless you all,
Tony (Staten Island, NY )

Anthony Navarino

Jan 29, 2002 The Eyes
 
Although my father and I are very close and we have the same sarcastic sense of humor, there were always many times when I looked to Uncle Chuck for the further humor that he'd add to the situation.

Anyone who knows my family knows that most of the things that we laugh at have to do with...how shall I say it...attacking a family member? With Uncle Chuck around, no one would get away with saying something stupid without getting "the eyes" from both of us.

Even if they didn't notice, it was enough for me to have a silent conversation with our eyes. We knew just what each other were thinking. Our eyes would talk by shifting or squinting. No one would know of these secret conversations unless a giggle errupted, but they'd never know exactly what we were laughing at.

There were many many times that we had engaged in such discreet conversations...and I don't think I have ever experienced anything more funny.

Sarah Margiotta

Jan 26, 2002 Streaking and Drinking in the Winter of 73

In the first two years of high school Chuck and I definitely established that we shared the same enthusiasms. So when streaking (the art of running through very public places with no clothes - for you youngsters out there) became the defacto 'thing' in the fall of 72' and the winter of 73', Chuck and I organized a fairly large, definitely enthusiastic group of Farrell boys to take our place among the streaking legends of Staten Island.

We were fairly surprised by the lack of conviction displayed by the various upper classmen at school - and so determined that the path was clear to own this very daring niche and be the ones who would become synonymous with such clothing optional frivolity.

We would practice and school by dashing across the top of the gym - the inside running ring (more or less) and we found after about three or four practice runs what we needed was a real jaunt in the real world.

Chuck took it upon himself to architect the plans - and we waited for him to come back down the mountain with a definitive, foolproof way to make total asses of ourselves.

One thing we all knew (there were about 12 - 14 of us), we would be streaking somewhere on Staten Island on that Friday night. It was late February, so it was cold - but we were young and stupid and never really considered weather an impediment.

On the Tuesday before that Friday, Chuck came to school with a plan:

We would meet at his house, change in his basement and he had targeted Bradley Avenue as the place we would put ourselves on display.

Other than that, Chuck gave no more details and we were on a 'need to know' basis because he kept saying he had something special planned.

That Friday the dozen or so of us made our way by bus and train (train to the ferry, bus to his house) and Chuck and Mike greeted us at the side door and let us down the basement. The Margiottas (Chuck's parents) were out and so no explanations were necessary.

One detail I should mention: while streaking entails running through the street in your birthday suit, we still creative unique personas through the headgear, masks, scarves and shoes we wore. So when we arrived, everyone had backpacks filled with these accoutrements. We had some great personalities among us: one guy was Mark Twain (straw hat and cob corn pipe), another was a sheik, another was a police officer - anyway - we predated the Village People by years - and we were convinced that somehow one of those guys stole there costume ideas from us.

When we were stripped down and ready to go, Chuck gave us the final instructions:

We would take off down his block, turn onto Bradley Ave. and run into the 7-11. We would wait for his signal and then we would make our way to the back - to the beer cooler.

We stood there in his basement saying: 'Chuck, what the hell are you talking about?', and he answered, 'Don't worry, I think I know the cashier who works Fridays - and I think I know how she will react.' None of us like the 'I think' part because it opened us up to uncertainty, but, the good sports we were, we went for it.

Well, wouldn't you know, we jump out onto Bradley Ave. jump into the 7-11 - the dozen naked wackos, screaming and yelling, and the girl takes one look at us and she bolts from the cash register in the front and barrels out the door in the back - which left no one in the store.

We grabbed about 4 cases of beer and ran back to Chuck's to drink and tell our versions of the escapade. Chuck was cool under fire, loving every minute - and we all went back and reveled in the absolute boldness of being 15 - 16 years old and stupid!

Charlie Tarzian

Jan 26, 2002 I First Met Chuck in the Summer of 62

The first house we lived in was on Leslie Ave. in Grasmere. Chuck's cousin, Jackie Salvo, lived a door down and until we moved when I was nine, Jackie and I were pretty much attached at the hip. Jackie's Dad, Sepi, was the kind of guy all kids look up to - never in a bad mood, gregarious - he taught us how to make slingshots and on Saturday mornings starting at 7AM, I would go over and watch cartoons with Sepi and Jackie - and Sepi laughed the loudest!

Anyway, one early afternoon, I think it was late June, Jackie shows up with these two guys. When you met Chuck and mike for the first time you couldn't help notice how absolutely different they were. Given my world view spanned all of two or three blocks, it was the first time I ever met kids that were: built like rocks and completely and unusually kinetic. They could not stand still - not in a bad way - but they wanted to do things.

So, we did things: we took our slingshots to the old foundation in the woods behind our houses shot at bottles, we threw rocks (always a popular pastime - and rock fights were pretty common - and I have the scars to prove it), we went back and had some soda and watched Sepi in the garden.

By this time we were pretty revved up - and with the sugar rush from Pepsi it was only a matter of time before the Margiotta boys initiated Jackie and I into the nuances and subtleties of pile on - which I think is a freestyle form of juvenile mayhem. Chuck choreographed us so that we were doing Three Stooges routines, we had four way gang tackles, we flung ourselves on top of the pile, we did whatever Chuck and therefore, Mike, led us into.

Jackie and I were no more than tackling dummies - Chuck and Mike were rock solid then and had weight and height advantages (later on in life I would become a midget in a traveling circus...kidding). But you get the picture.

It was the most fun I had ever had to that point in my life. It was as if I was discovering some secret society, some fabulously special way to commit oneself to life at that moment - utterly and completely - and all in that physical way boys can and should be.

I remember being on the bottom of the pile, looking up at the sky, being completely deflated and gasping for air and I remember thinking alternatively: I am going to die, I am having the most fun I have ever had in my life!

Years later, as an adult (if you can believe any of us ever grow up), I heard about Chuck through Frank Somma - and I made sure I always got earfuls of Chuck stories - they were as funny and profound as anything. And, in this one instance he told me that Chuck had become a stuntman.

And then, it all came back to me - I remembered that day, in early summer of 1962 when Chuck was, among other things, practicing for the day he became a stuntman.

Charlie Tarzian

Jan 25, 2002 Fundraiser
 
Our Cub Scout Pack sells popcorn each year as a way to earn funds for our pack activities. This year, in light of the events of September 11th, we made acommitment to donate 10% of our profits to victims of this terrible event.

It is with great honor we present a check in the amount of $208.00 to the Trust and hope it will provide some assistance to the Margiotta Family who lost a noble and heroic father and husband.

As scouts we feel it is our duty to support members of our country and we are fortunate to be able to contribute.

Yours in Scouting,
Pack 603

Jan 25, 2002 I Am
 
I am a rescue worker who died while saving troubled people
I wonder what would happen to my fellow firefighters who died on the job
I hear a roaring lion in the buildings that are on fire
I see people dying so I put my life on the line
I would like to die on the job, saving people's lives
I am a rescue worker who died while saving troubled people

I pretend that there is no fire when I go into a burning building
I feel great when I stop a fire and save people
I touch and grasp a crying, troubled child in a fire
I worry about nothing because I am a brave firefighter
I never cry because I am always comforting others
I am a rescue worker who died while saving troubled people

I understand that one day I could come out of a fire dead
I say that I can save anyone who is in danger because that is my job
I dream that I will always come out of a fire alive
I try to protect all New Yorkers
I hope that none of my fellow firefighters will die
I am a rescue worker who died while saving troubled people

This is a tribute to Lt. Chuck Margiotta. He was my basketball coach.

Nicholas Hart - 7th Grade

Jan 24, 2002 For My Friend
 
I attended your brother's memorial. Chuck subbed for my class for 6 weeks. I met him while he subbed at a Brooklyn school for one of my colleaques. I remember thinking, "Geeze, that guy is loud." I walked over to the room where he was and I saw all of the students attentively listening to him. He was talking to them about life, school, and the importance of having a skill to fall back on. None of the students had their head down, or looked bored(as they sometimes do) Everyone was so interested in what he had to say. I remember him saying to the kids that the Board of Ed are the last people that are going to care about them. No other agency will help them as much as the Board of Ed. (I still use those words today to encourage kids to respect what we are trying to do for them) I was thoroughly impressed by him.
When I needed a long term sub I called Chuck and my supervisor to arrange for him to stay with my class. Chuck was happy to be in the island and I was happy to have him stay with my class. I knew he would make a very good impression on my students, and of course, I was right.

I spoke to you and told you that I had written a poem for Chuck. It was published in our school's newsletter. I have never written a poem in my life. However, for some reason, your brother moved me to write this. I quess it's because I am so hurt about all that has happened. Also, I have a tremendous amount of respect for anyone who is as brave as your brother was that day. The poem was written within the 13 stripes of the American flag. Anyway, here is the poem. Thank you and God Bless†



To an unspeakable devastation you ran
Your life and others you knew were in your hands
A chance to save a life is what you took
Then you felt the building as it shook
I am sure you thought, "Oh God, all of these lives"
Not once did you think, "I must save mine"
Your last breath you may have spent
No one yet knows where you went
In a void somewhere helping others
I am sure, and I hope
May God give you the strength if this is so
But if I don't see you again my friend
I must tell you now, "You make me so proud to be an American."

God Bless America
by Evelyn Cuevas
Teacher @ Covenant House-Staten Island

Jan 24, 2002 I'm There

In this time of pain
your family will come together
people will send their condolences
and tell you to remember

Remember the great times you had
all the times you spent together
remember that person
and treasure him forever

I'm so very sorry for your pain
I will pray for you
and your family today

Time will come
and your pain will ease
just hold on and be strong
in your time of need

I say this because I care
even though you don't know me well
if you ever need somebody
I'm there
 
Mercades Campbell - student McKee High School

Jan 24, 2002 In Honor and Pride

 God bless America
The stars and stripes of us all
We will all stand proud
And never us do fall

Today and everyday, we will sing and dance
To the anthem that rings true
For we will fight for honor and glory
And not look back to what made us blue

"United we stand, divided we fall"
Is our motto from the heart
For this will not be the end
And forever make us smart!

Our pride is strong
And our message is clear
We will get what we're after
Red, white and blue...never will sear

The symbol of freedom will wave forever!!!
In honor and pride

 Maura Alias, McKee High School

Jan 23, 2002 Mr. Margiotta

I've known Mr.Margiotta for 9 years and he was my first soccer coach. What can I say about him when he coaches. When i was little i used to do cartwheels on the soccer field and he would always yell at me and then he would laugh about it. He would never be on the sidelines during a game he would actually be on the field yelling at every girl on the team by their first and last name. He would never just call them by their first name.

I was always scared of his loud voice and I was so afraid he would yell at me..But everytime I saw him with his family, especially Norma Jean I would always think of him as a different person..Me and a couple of other girls always used to think of him as a big Teddy Bear!! He was so strong and everytime we got hurt whether it was on the soccer field or not, he would be there in an instant even if he didnt know who got hurt..We could always depend on him to be there when we were in the need for help..I will always remember Mr.Margiotta as a great coach, funny man, but mostly a UNIQUE AND Brave HERO!! I will always love Mr.Margiotta and I'll NEVER FORGET HIM!!
 
Rosie Picarello

Jan 21, 2002 What a Face!
 
 It's now 5:00 a.m. and I cannot sleep. My own son went back to college in California twelve hours ago..he's coming back but I miss him already.

How are you all doing it? I am with you 24/7 but I am not you, I am not your family, just a dear friend who keeps you all locked deep inside my heart and prays for all your sanity moment to moment.

I watched "Pearl Harbor" the other nite and right next to my t.v. was the 8x10 Patti dropped off to me of Chuck. Well, I could not stop looking at that beautiful face all during that movie. It seems that time has changed nothing when it comes to heros. I was totally engrossed in what happened that fateful day at Pearl Harbor and how it so resemebled the horror of 9/11...I could picture Chuck, the hero that he is, rushing in, finding anyone he could to help, never worrying about that face of his.

I keep his face everywhere. Some people think I'm insane, but I have to be reminded. Always freshly reminded of what life means now. There is NO taking a thing for granted. No forgetting to hug someone we love, no rushing through our days without stopping to smell those roses. It's "That face" that keeps me grounded and going and not diving from a bridge somewhere.

Recently, Chuck helped me and my family in a big way. I called Mike to tell him and he was very choked up, he told me, "today is Chuck's 45th birthday!" I asked him to help me and he did, that it was his birthday only made it more bittersweet.

Norma, I think of you constantly and hope you are coping...I think of your beautiful children and hope they are ok, I think of Molly and Charlie always and Patti and the whole family. But Mike, it's you that gets me every time.

There is no replacing some people, and that face, what a face, it is irreplaceable!

Love~Melissa
Melissa Cicio

Jan 20, 2002 Handsome Angel

Mike,

I wish there was something I could say or do to ease the pain you and your family are feeling. Although I only know you from speaking with you online, I feel as if I have known you a lifetime. You are a wonderful person. I am glad that you are my friend.

You were there for me (online) when my grandmother passed away (3 years ago), and I want you to know that I am here for you whenever you need me, day or night, if even just to vent. I never met your brother but from reading all the stories on his website, I wish that I had. Its evident that he was an all around great guy.

May God bless him and keep him by his side. Heaven has a very handsome angel now who looks down upon us and keeps us safe everyday. My condolences again to you, your family and of course Chucks wife Norma and his children.

God Bless you Chuck, you are sadly missed !!!!!!

Kim Polumbo (Staten Island, NY )
January 19, 2002
Kizzy048@aol.com

Jan 19, 2002 Letter to The Margiotta's

My name is Tom Billett and I am writing this letter to express my great sorrow and send my deepest condolences for the loss of Charlie. I am a former Brown University student, football player, and Delta Tau fraternity brother. Only recently did I learn the news reading the Monthly Alumni.

Hearing about Charlies' heroic actions came as no surprise to me. He often acted like a big brother to me. Being at an Ivy League school was very unsettling to a working class, blue collar kid. Charlie spent many a night on the "Delt" porch with me, having his smoke and dispensing good advice. His pep talks kept me hanging in there. It really meant alot to me because I know, he knew exactly what I was going through. There was no pretense about Charlie. He was one of the most stand-up guys I've ever known. He really was an inspiration to me!

Unforunately, I haven't spoken to Charlie in a long time, but I can guarantee you I haven't stopped speaking about him in as long a time. He was often the subject of many of my "glory days" stories. I'd never forgotten his angel and devil tatoos, or his cool walk...(on his "helium heels" as he called them.)

I truly enjoyed being his football teammate, (we played next to each other), his fraternity brother, and especially his friend. I'll miss Charlie very much and will always treasure his memory.

I cannot imagine how hard this time must be for you, but just know that because of the Sept. 11 attack, Charlie got to show the "WHOLE WORLD" what a hero he was!

Sincerely,
Tom Billett
A.K.A. "Cuzzy"

Jan 18, 2002 Junior Ring Day

Never a dull moment with Chuck... It was Junior Ring day for St. Joseph Hill Academy, and what started out as a pajama party for 10 girls, ended up as an open party for the Farrell football team. Chuck lived down the street and of course stopped in. Several hours later we found Chuck unconscious in the street. Everyone thought he had gotten in a fight and was hurt. He was brought to the hospital where the doctors told us Chuck wasn't hurt... he just had too many beers.

You should all know that Chuck was the only guy I know that could wear a "purple crushed velvet" tux and wear it with style.

It is a very, very deep sorrow I feel for wife and children. My love to you Molly, Mr. Marg, Mike.
 
Carol (Masefield) Pearsall

Jan 17, 2002 My Introduction to Brown University
 
 I was just a pup when I first met Charlie. A freshman football player at Monsignor Farrell HS, it was pretty awe inspiring to watch the upperclassmen go to work. That is when I first met Charlie, the senior. (And of course, his brother Mike. And the rest of the Margiotta family. Everybody at Farrell ultimately became family.) Always helpful and friendly, he helped ease this freshman's entrance into HS. Charlie was long gone by the time I graduated Farrell. But it would not be the last time Charlie made an impact on my life.

I was being recruited by Brown football. I traveled for my visit my senior year of HS. When I arrived, who was there to greet me but Charlie. In front of the DELT boys, and whoever else was near, he said, "This is my friend from S.I.. Take care of him, and don't mess with him, or you have two of us to beat..." These were the first words he said after hello.

Again, Charlie was there to ease me into my college years. As Keith Jackson says, 'A young freshman' (me) was about to embark into a strange new world, and Charlie eased my entrance. While I haven't seen Charlie much over the years, I think almost daily of his (and his family's) sacrifice, and wish I got to tell him how comfortable and special he made me feel. I'll miss you.

Leonard DiCostanzo

Jan 16, 2002 Big Brother
 
When I was a kid Chuckie lived down the block from me. Chuckie was about 5 years older than me but always took the time to say hi and spend a few minutes with me. I remember waiting for him to come down the block after school (springs in his feet) just to say hi to him. I looked up to him as a kid. He always called me Georgie even as I got older.

Having 3 older sisters he was like an older brother to me as was his brother Mike. I remember both of them teaching me how to fight in their basement after I got my butt kicked.

As a kid I remember going to the Farrell football Games and watching him play (#24 if my memory serves me right). He was probably one of the reasons I went there. I remember the time he took my sister to the prom in my fathers car and he smashed it up....there are so many stories to tell the memories just keep coming. Chuck had a biiiiig heart and came from a nice family.

I'll remember him always. To Mr&Mrs 'M' Chuck's family and Mike too I send my love and condolences.
 
George Masefield

Jan 15, 2002 Farrell Classmate
 
As a subscriber to the NY Times online I received a link today to the Portraits of Grief website. In browsing I came across Chuck's name and recognized it as a Msgr Farrell classmate. I remember him being popular and I was anything but. I'd be lying if I said we were friends, I left Farrell after two years, but after looking through this tribute to a wonderful man, I wish I could be counted among the many people who knew him well and loved him. How ironic that I should come here today on Chuck's brithday.

I wish his family peace and comfort in the years ahead.

Best,
Joe

joelanz@aol.com

Jan 14, 2002 Didn't Exactly Hit It Off.....

I was a member of Engine 69 when Chuckie was in L-40. Him being Italian and me being Black we didn't exactly hit it off. But eventually I began to like that graveled voice and agressive nature. I saw Chuckie in the Medical Office. He talked of retirement and we hugged each other.

I miss him. He was a good man.

Arthur Banks (Hillcrest, NY )
January 14, 2002
banksar@msn.com

Jan 14, 2002 Happy Birthday Chuck 1-15-2002
 
Happy Birthday Dearest Friend and Weightlifting Partner,

When we were teenagers you dreamed of making a hollywood movie about yourself. You described how all of the events would unfold...even how you would tragically die in the last scene, in some outrageous act of heroism, in which the odds were heavily against you. Yet you would live on in spirit and be remembered as "a hero."

Do you recall the title Chuck?... I do...your movie was to be titled "Only the Dead Survive."
 
Spider

Jan 12, 2002 Aspirations of Movie Stunt Stardom
 
Anyone who grew up with Chuckie in the late 60's , probably saw a lot of movies with him. One of the movies was Clint Eastwood's Hang 'em High. After seeing this film, we (the guys) wanted to scare the girls. Chuckie volunteered to be hung from a tree in front of my house.

We got a rope and put in under his arm pits and rigged a fake noose, put a jacket on him so it looked like he was hanging from the noose and lifted him up to hang from the tree. We got the girls to to come an see that we hung Chuckie from the tree. They started to scream and pleaded us to cut him down, and Chuckie tried hard not to laugh as we let him down from the tree.

And that was Chuckie's first movie stunt stardom.
 
Charlie & Susan Mangione

Jan 12, 2002 Chuck Private Eye

Chuck was a Private Investigator / Agent with many unique and superior skills. Our Chucky was an Agent with Infonet Investigations, Inc., my private investigation firm, for over twenty years. Chuck investigated cases on a professional basis with results that were always good. He was known in the company as Agent X because he would handle the cases that no one else could even come close to touching with a ten-foot pole. These special cases required great physical and mental stamina that only Chuck could muster.

There can be no filling of Chuck’s shoes when it comes to these special cases and he will be sorely missed. Of course we were best friends first, before we ever undertook private investigation as a profession, but Chuck’s makeup was one of action and adventure and he loved the danger and intrigue.

I will send in pictures and stories regarding the cases that Chuck handled.

Tune into this site often because “Agent X” handled a lot of outrageous cases over twenty years. Many of these cases must forever remain secret, however, on the cases that I can tell you about the names and places have been changed. Here are some of the Case Titles:

1) Mudanza (Chuck performs surveillance on a Mexican/German international crime syndicate)
2) Dog Sense (Chuck stays in the woods for 48 hours and completes long range surveillance)
3) Counter Blast (Chuck crawls into the walls and uncovers sophisticated hidden microphones and video cameras in an office)
4) Orange Juice (Chuck goes down to Boca Raton, Florida, on the trail of a $500,000 scam)
5) Fast Gun Charlie (Chuck whips out his pistol before the bad guy can)
6) Nightclub Nightmares (Chuck performs undercover and security for a big Manhattan nightclub)

The cases listed above are just some of the many sensitive and dangerous situations that Chuck would successfully manage.

I look forward to relating them to you in detail; they are exciting and uncompromising, just like my best friend Chuck.

Bruce Alterman

Jan 10, 2002 Mercy Band

I have a mercy band with Chuck's name on it, and wear it every day. Whenever I look at it, I pray for his family. I was glad to know about him and his family and friends. Now my prayers for all his loved ones can be more personal.

Thank you for sharing him and his life with us. What an awesome legacy he has, he enjoyed life so much, what an inspiration. I pray God's love and mercy will strengthen you. He is one of my heroes!

Sincerely,

L.C. loucarpy@mindspring.com
Louise Carpenter

Jan 10, 2002 Letter to Chuck's Dad
 
 Dear Charlie,

I learned of your son’s heroic death through my correspondence with my friend, John. I must say I hadn’t spoken of Chuck or heard of him for many years; since I was a child in fact. But I never forgot his name or his face.

You see…I was the little redheaded girl that he used to wait for at the bridge as it went over the Staten Island Expressway. When I got to that bridge each day he would say hello and carry my books to school – St. Rita’s. I was really young. I think I was in the sixth grade. I thought he was very kind, very smart and of course very handsome.

I jokingly told John that I regarded Chuck as my first “boyfriend” although this little relationship probably only lasted a few months. I also told John that Chuck had probably been the one to start me on my lifelong pursuit of romance with Italian men. Although we never kissed or touched – I never forgot him and had to hold back tears when I heard of the news.

I know that it is an incredibly difficult time for you and all your family and the loved ones he left behind – but please take comfort in knowing that his memory will live on in the minds of all the lives he has touched.

With deepest compassion, sorrow and respect,

Flora Briechle
(Formerly Flora Leanza from Wheeler Ave.)

Jan 9, 2002 Angel Wings

To The Margiotta Family,

I am so sorry for the loss you have had to bear with the passing of your beloved Chuck.

The world discovered how many heroes there were on earth that September 11, and sadly your hero never returned home. I am so sorry for your loss, even though I never met you.

My thoughts and prayers will forever be with you all.
God Bless you, Chuck and all the loved ones, friends, and fellow comrades you left behind.

Rest In peace along with the fellow firefighters who made the journey to Heaven with you.

Enjoy your Angel Wings.

Judy C (NH ) jcherbonneau@mediaone.net

Judy Cherbonneau

Jan 6, 2002 Brown University Hall of Fame

 Charlie thought that Brown University was the best University in the world. When Chuck Margiotta graduated from Brown he went to work as an executive for the General Motors Corporation. This job placed him in a powerful position and Chuck was now a high-powered executive his first year out of college. I knew that General Motors liked Chuck; the tough, smart and personable way Chuck had. Chucks persona is what vaulted Chuck to the executive branch of General motors as a twenty-two year old.

However, Chuck was not happy with the ‘desk job’ of General Motors and decided to become what had been a childhood dream of Chucks, to become a New York City Fireman. Chuck had become a fire department lieutenant and had been with the fire department for 20 years. He loved being a fireman and wouldn’t have wanted to be anything else.

In the fall of 1975 at Brown University, there emerged a phenomenon in sports. A Brown University Freshman football team had won five consecutive games in the last sixty seconds of the last quarter. The press had gotten a hold of this information and dubbed the Brown Freshman Team the ‘Cardiac Kids’. The Brown Freshman Football Team was made up of a concoction of characters from all over the Nation. Superior athletes, all of them. They put together great varsity teams over the years, but there was something about this freshman team that was special. These ‘Cardiac Kids’ were of a special mind set. A mindset of camaraderie. It was really incredible to see the tightness that was present between all the members of the team. We were more than just teammates, we were classmates, lunch mates, dinner mates, party mates, and you know, just great friends all of us. We went into a frat house called Delta Tau. The Cardiac Kids Freshman Football Team was a great team.

A major part of our camaraderie was magnetized and cheered on by one of the team’s great players. Charles J. Margiotta hailing from Staten Island, NY. Chuck loved sports and he loved his new freshman teammates even more.

Chuck was always the one to say in a loud voice to come to lunch or to go to a party or he would cajole us in to a few drinks and laughs. This led to the extreme brotherhood of the Cardiac Kids. Chuck was a team and a social leader. Of Course, Chuck was a great offensive guard and could hold the largest player at bay.

After a great season as a Freshman Chuck started lifting weights with great intensity and became a huge muscular hulk. After a fresh session of intense lifting, Chuck’s muscles would appear to be inflated or ‘pumped up’. A humorous anecdote is one where Chuck walked around in the Refectory, our dining hall, with what can best be described as helium heels on his shoes. Chuck would walk on his toes in a fashion that looked like he was on a planet with a lighter gravity. Chuck had just finished intense weight lifting and his arms and thighs were gigantic (Chuck used to like to wear circa 70’s spandex coaches shorts). The other students eating lunch, in particular, those of the football team, decided to twist the name Margiotta and dub this new brash football player; ‘Pumpiotta”. The name Pumpiotta or Pumpi for short would stay with Charlie throughout his Brown Career. Chuck kept lifting and got bigger and bigger.

By the time Chuck was a sophomore at Brown he was extremely strong from all the weight lifting and strength exercises. Chuck’s great self-preparation helped the 1976 Brown University Football Team obtain an Ivy League Championship.

Chuck would never forget the 1976 Team because it was a special team in that every member was very close. There was hardly a time that went by, over the past 25 years, that Chuck wouldn’t talk about how great the 76 Team was and how he wished that players didn’t have to graduate because he wished the team could have stayed together.

We will all miss Chuck. We will miss his smile, his slap on our backs, his loud booming voice and especially, his late night phone calls with vivid stories of our Brown University Hall of Fame 1976 Ivy League Championship Football Team.

Please join me in a great toast to a great man, Chuck Margiotta, we will never forget you, may we always remember your sportsmanship, and your friendship.

Bruce Alterman

Jan 6, 2002 Best Friend's Eulogy
 
For twenty-six years my best friend, Chuck, was always at my side, always advising me, we often called each other ten times in one day. I was certainly blessed by God to have Chuck Margiotta as my best friend. I would like to tell you all about Chuck, because he was a True American Hero. He was a true American Patriot. Chuck loved the United States of America.

With his incredible intelligence, self-fortitude and tenacious abilities, he possessed a phenomenal strength that enabled him to help others. Chuck would always help anyone at any time. For all those who ever needed help, if they crossed Charlie’s path, help was always there. Chuck was a total Fire Fighter and True Hero. He will be sorely missed by all of us.

I would like to tell you about the good times that Charlie and I had. Through these stories you will hear about Charlie’s special intellectual gifts and physical prowess. If you knew Charlie at all you then knew that he was a very special person. Chuck and I we were roommates at Brown University, played on the Football team together, we were hunting partners for 26 years and we were, in a very unique and traditional way; best friends. Charlie and I shared so many special interests and experiences that I now continually thank God for the opportunity He had given me in having Charlie as my best friend.

It was 1975 when I first arrived at Brown University in Providence Rhode Island. Chucked popped out of his dorm room and grabbed my bicep and with a booming gravely voice, and his face only six inches from mine, he asked if I played football. From that second on we were best friends. Chuck was also gifted with great intelligence and he would often be able to handle his studies at Brown University with ease. He was a great football player at Brown and later played for the New York City Fire Dept. Football Team.

Chuck and I would often travel on hunting expeditions into the Adirondack wilderness of New York State. It was during these trips that I would appreciate Charlie’s keen ‘woods sense’ and his affection for the great outdoors. It was these trips that would bring us closer, where we would share all of our thoughts, hopes and aspirations. Our nightly campfires were filled with enough laughter to make our sides burst. These are the moments that I will cherish and will never forget.

My best friend Chuck had the biggest heart anyone could have. One late night we were driving and we saw a pack of dogs, all with collars, running back and forth on the highway, running dangerously between cars and large trucks. Chuck pulled over on the side of the highway and started running after the dogs and trying to keep them away from the highway. A police car pulled up and a highway patrolman got out of his car. Just as we were explaining to the highway patrolman what was happening, the pack of dogs went running past us. One of the dogs, a beautiful golden retriever, was hit by a car and then tossed again and again between the tires of an 18-wheeler. Chuck started crying when he saw that the Golden Retriever had died. The dogs were just too fast for us and we could not grab them. The highway patrolman then closed down the entire highway until the dogs ran from the area. As we drove away Chuck said that he was embarrassed because the highway patrolman saw him crying. . I told Chuck there was no reason to be embarrassed. I told him, and I truly realized, that Chuck showed incredible strength by showing his true feelings. Chuck was always the Hero; it was in his heart and soul.

When we were at Brown University, just barely 19 years old, Chuck joined the Brown University Outreach Program. Chuck insisted that I also enroll in this program because there was a group of under privileged children who needed big brothers. Chuck would often participate in these programs by taking many hours of his time and devoting himself to the happiness of these children by teaching them and playing sports with them and being their friend. He was always a prominent participant in these programs.

During the blizzard of 1978 most Brown students were warm in their dormitories waiting for the snowplows to make the streets passable again. Not Chuck however. He didn’t have fun while the rest of us watched TV and sat around. Instead he used his four-wheel jeep to ferry nurses to and from the hospital so those in dire need could get important medical care that day.

When a horse broke loose at a horse show and was running around with a fence post still dangerously swinging from its halter Chuck ran from the stands and jumped on the horse while simultaneously cutting the rope and alleviating another dangerous situation. Chuck was an authentic Hero, not just someone who wanted to be a hero.

Chuck was the most capable private investigation and surveillance agent I had ever seen, often thinking nothing of teetering on a building ledge twenty floors up while taking pictures. Chuck’s skills at executive security and crowd control were another asset, his superior strength and friendly way with people brought complete safety to the area.

On September 11, Chuck had called me at 8:50 am and told me to turn on my TV because a plane hit one of the towers of the World Trade Center. I turned on my TV and saw the awful sight of the north tower on fire. Chuck said that he was on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and could see Manhattan. Chuck said that he was amazed at the amount of smoke coming from the tower and that he was ‘going in’. I knew that something very strange was going on and I was afraid for my best friend and I told him that he was off duty and that he should go home. His reply to me was “Buddy, are you kidding me, I’m not staying away while something like this is going on, I’m going in, I’m going to call division now, I’ll call you later.” That was the last time I spoke with my best friend.

I will selfishly feel most empty when I walk in the woods. Chuck and I shared a special bond while hiking and hunting. I would always be amazed at Chuck’s outdoor skills, and again, I would always feel safe, even if we were a thousand feet up, dangling from a rocky ledge.

What I think of most when I think of Chuck is his big heart. He loved everyone and wanted to help everyone. He was a real people person and everyone loved him. He wore his heart on his sleeve and always spoke honestly on how he felt. Anyone who ever met Chuck would always remember him.

Those of us who knew Chuck just loved him so much. He will always be with us, in our hearts, in our souls and in our minds. Many of us who knew Chuck will ask ourselves, ‘what would Chuck do in this situation?’ He will always be guiding us, and his help will never end. Those of us who were fortunate to love Chuck may take his name and write it on the permanent roles in our hearts as one of God’s great children. He was someone many of us looked up to. He gave all of himself for the sake of others. We will not forget you Chuck; you will live in our hearts forever.

Bruce Alterman

Jan 6, 2002 Where the Action Was

Chuck was always the one to be where the action was, so he was probably one of the first ones to race up the stairs of the burning Tower.

He lived life to the fullest, and did everything with a lot of enthusiasm. My prayers are with his wife and kids (whom I have never met) that he left behind. SuziRider@aol.com

Susan (Brown '81) Springsteen Jamieson

Jan 6, 2002 Someone Truly Wonderful!
 
Dear Norma, NormaJean & Charlie,
Though I never had the priviledge of meeting the man who seemed larger than life in all respects, by all that I've heard about him I feel that I have been cheated out of knowing someone truly wonderful. But, you see, I would have guessed that part, because by just knowing the 3 of you, you reflected his being all the time. Norma,of course if there is anything that we can ever do for you, you need only ask. We are just a phone call away. For all of the years that you gave me peace of mind with your care and love for Rachel, always know that it works both ways.

Sharon (Staten Island, NY )
December 9, 2001
drmom32@aol.com

Jan 6, 2002 Memories
 
The pictures of "Uncle Chucky" still grace the photo albums from my childhood. Though it's been nearly fifteen years since I last saw him, I am left with some wonderful memories - the cable commercial I made with him when he played a genie, he and my dad playing pranks on everyone on Halloween - that will live in my heart forever.

WE'LL MISS YOU. HunnyB171@excite.com

Lisa Ronneburger

Jan 6, 2002 Thank You

We thank Chuck for devoting his life to help others by being a firefighter. Such devotion comes with a brave, warm and caring heart full of love for his fellow man. May his courage, life and love continue living through those who love him and in those who were helped by him. May you always feel the warmth of his love radiate into your hearts. We are very sorry for your loss of Chuck. Our hearts cry with you.

America Cries

We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you.

Teresa Jahn

Jan 6, 2002 New Year's Eve Thought

It's now nearly the new year and my heart and eyes still cannot believe that Chuck is not part of this world.

I went to "Ground Zero" this week and let me tell you all I wished was to see him swagger out of that mess and grumble that he was tired, hungry and cold, but glad to be going home.

How we miss you Chuck! How your family misses you. Everytime I see Michael my heart hurts. I was with Norma and your Mom the other day and I couldn't stop thinking how much you are needed here with them. You kids need you, the whole world misses you! You are someone that is irreplacable, to say the least.

When I would see you I would inadvertendly smile, it was like the Cheshire cat, my lips would suddenly curl and I would feel a sudden sweep of happiness, just being with you. You always made me feel better, asking about Steve, really wanting to know. We were proud of all your accomplishments, seeing you on the silver screen, knowing you were here Chuck to keep us safe.

Now, there is a void which we are unable to fill. I want to keep Norma, Michael, Patti and your parents going, keep them uplifted. I have your picture in my home and you remind me always that life is not a given. Your spirit is uncrushable though, there isn't a building big enough to cause that to disappear. As long as your are spoken of you will never leave us.

Believe me Chuck, you will be spoken about until there are no people to speak anymore.

You are so loved. 
 
Melissa Cicio

Jan 6, 2002 A Remembrance From a Childhood Friend

Dear Michael and Patti Margiotta,

Hi, my name is Anne. I had the priviledge of meeting both of you during your neighbors' (Michele and Richie's) Christmas party last year. I am a childhood friend of Michele. I remember how wonderful it was to meet you both. I am truly sorry for the loss of your beloved brother, Chuck.

I am sorry that I never had the priviledge to meet him. From all that I have read about him, I can see what a beautiful, loving, charismatic and brave person he was. I am not surprised that he belonged to the same family as yours. He is truly a hero.

Please remember that our loved ones never leave us. They stay close within our hearts forever.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the Margiotta family.
 
Anne-Michele Hall