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Lawrence Joseph Virgilio
Lawrence Joseph Virgilio
Obituary
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Lawrence Virgilio Obituary
Given his two bachelor's degrees, Lawrence Joseph Virgilio did not have to be a firefighter. He had a physical therapy degree from New York University, and found great satisfaction in rehabilitating cardiac and pulmonary patients. And as part of his minor in dance at Queens College, he had trained in classical ballet and performed in community theater. But he loved responding to crises as an advanced rescue specialist at Squad 18 in Manhattan, and he loved the firehouse camaraderie.
After 13 years as a firefighter, he had just been given the honor of training to become a member of the elite Fire Department team that travels to other cities in times of disaster. And so, when Mr. Virgilio, 38, called his girlfriend of six years, Abigail Francis, from his firetruck on the morning of the attack, "he knew the situation was dire, because he had always been worried about a terrorist attack in the city," she said.
All seven men on his truck are believed to have perished; so far, four, including Mr. Virgilio, have been recovered. "He told me he loved me," Ms. Francis said. "That message was a great gift."
65 Entries
Tom H
September 8, 2023
Lawrence ... Thank you. To your family and friends ... my you live your life the same way Lawrence lived his. You will never be forgotten Lawrence.
Jessica Peterson
May 7, 2023
It's National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, 2023. Remembering Larry today and always.
Tom Curiano
September 13, 2020
Thinking of you today Larry.
Tim Moore
September 13, 2020
Never Forgotten!
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Jessica Peterson
September 12, 2020
Thinking of you and the remarkable life you lived. You made the world better for many people.
Rusty Gipson
September 13, 2016
I was honored to participate and climb the memorial stair climb held in Florence, AL on 9-11-2016.
I walked in memory of Lawrence and several other brave firefighters. I thank you for the sacrifice you gave.
May GOD continue to bless your family and the men and women of the FDNY.
Rusty Gipson
Asst. Fire Marshal
Huntsville Fire - Rescue
Huntsville, Al
Alice Reyes
September 9, 2016
Larry,
I never met you, but I think of you every anniversary as you were the brother-in-law of my friend Anne Virgilio, and I was a teacher to your niece and nephews. Anne and I communicated through that fall and into spring as she lost you on that horrible day and I lost my beloved sister the following April. I am sure that like my sister, you are terribly missed and that every family event is a painful reminder of your absence, but you both are very much alive n our thoughts and in our memories.
Sincerely,
Alice Reyes
May 9, 2015
You are an inspiration, and I am very grateful that we have men like you in the world. I have never met you and I've heard about you today, when I adopted you from the Fallen Soldiers at a Boots on the Ground event as a tribute to our fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for others. You are an amazing man and I will take very good care of your fallen soldier photograph, I promise. Thank you for serving America, we love you for all you have done.
alicia tromberg
September 12, 2014
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Carlo Virgilio
September 11, 2014
I have wanted to write for years to express my condolences to Lawrence's family and friends. From our Virgilio Family to yours.
September 11, 2014
I remember you well Larry. You were a sweet guy. R.I.P.
GINA DICICCIO
September 11, 2014
Rip
Tim Moore
September 12, 2013
Never Forgotten
Sean
November 20, 2011
As a kid no older then 12, I was lucky enough to have met you in the firehouse that both you and my uncle had worked. Engine 40 Ladder 35. You truly left a lasting impression as being a great person. I think about you often.
alicia tromberg
May 14, 2010
i wish i had been at home in d.c. all those years ago when you came to see me. i had left Queens College but you came to find me. who knows how just a few moments might have been changed our futures. you were an exceptionally beautiful man and the world has lost suffered a great loss. your memory is treasured and i feel so lucky to have known you. 'til we meet again...
Tim Moore
September 11, 2009
Thinking of you , your family and your friends today and everyday ! Hard to believe 8 years has past since that day. Thank you for everthing you did.
George Byrnes
September 11, 2009
Larry and family,
You are remembered fondly and often. You will always live in our memories. I remember you as a student, coming to class at St Sebastian's every day in a perfectly ironed shirt. A very nice young man. I salute you and we thank you for your sacrifice.
September 11, 2009
All those who knew you, Larry miss you.
Dyego
October 6, 2008
Thank you Lawrence for every thing you you did to save the people at the World Trade Center you will be missed by everybody.
Judy Veen
September 12, 2008
We will never forget you!
saul
April 14, 2008
lawrence virgilio
you were a good guy and we will allways remember you for what you tide in september 11
saul magana
Tim Moore
September 10, 2007
There are special people who touch our lives in a certain way, and for having know them , we will never ever be the same !
Thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends often, but especially today !
P Tabbernor
April 12, 2007
In remembrance....
brittany van osdol
February 15, 2007
happy valentines day
xoxo
Rodolfo Garza
September 28, 2006
Thanks for saving all those lives
Bob Bagley
September 13, 2006
Larry,
Five years later and I still wear your name on my wrist every day. I wear it in your honor and also to remind people never to forget what happened that day. Even though I hadn't spoken to you since high school, reading about what a great man you became made me feel proud to have gone to Power Memorial Academy with you and to have known you for a short time.
We will never forget.
Bob
claire
September 2, 2006
Five years on and we still remember
brittany van osdol
June 3, 2006
iv always been thinking about being a firefighter but never actually went to a firestation to try but after i read about u i was encouraged even more thank u.im only 15 so im looking forward to my career
Debbie FAUST
July 12, 2005
My sons got to meet Larry on a visit to NY. Their Uncle is Gene Szatkowski. He made their visit one to remember by young boys. He will always be remembered in our lives. God bless
Tim Moore
September 11, 2004
It is hard to beleive that 3 years have passed since that fateful day in September. The courage and faith you displayed that day (as well as every day you worked as a firefighter) so others could be saved. You gave the ultimate sacrifce.... yourself.. so that others could live. Thinking of you and your family often. You will never be forgotten. I am proud to call you my friend and also a hero
Tracy Foster
September 11, 2003
To the Virgilio family: Tom, Ann Marie, Loraine, Nick, Mike, Rose and Lawrence:
I cannot express my sadness to you for losing your beloved brother, uncle, brother-in-law, but I have no doubt he was a great guy. I hope he is in heaven smiling down on all of you, perhaps taking cre of Bridgette, and that one day you will all be together without pain, without tears in heaven. Love, Tracy
Thomas Virgilio
August 20, 2003
Lawrence, Not a day goes by without someone in the family recalling an "Uncle Larry" story. In heaven, please pray for us. We've been through some difficult times during the last two years but it looks like brighter days are ahead. Mom is doing fine.
Love always, your brother,
Thomas Virgilio
Larry with our dog Jackson (aka, "The best dog in the world") at Rockaway Beach, New York, September 2000
Abigail Francis
April 29, 2003
It has been only recently that I’ve been able to look back on that horrific time, and I do so tentatively, with much trepidation and great sorrow. Last night, while finally facing the papers accumulated in the months following Larry’s death, I came across the following poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson. It brought tears to my eyes, even as it made me smile. For me, it is Larry’s fingerprint.
To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
Warm thanks to all of you who have said such kind words about Larry and offered your sympathies to me, to Larry’s friends, and to his family.
Remember him.
Cindi Metz
March 30, 2003
I have just received a 911 memorial bracelet with Lawrence's name on it. While I do not know him personally, I know that he must have been a brave and dedicated firefighter. I will hold him and his family in my heart and keep them in my prayers always.
Lawrence Vasquez
September 12, 2002
I was at the California ceremony and walked down each aisle of the empty 401 chairs in front of the stage. I read each one of the heroes names. I couldn't help but have Lawrence's name stand out to me. I personally didn't know anyone that gained their life in Heaven that day, but I decided to adopt Lawrence as my New York Angel. Be proud and understand that you have his Heavenly strength praying for you every second of every day!
JESSICA Lydon
September 12, 2002
"Larry will always be in my heart, and I love him very much"
Michelle
September 11, 2002
Today at school we received wristbands with the name of a victim of the September 11 attacks. Lawrence's name was on my wristband. Immediately I wanted to find out more about this person, who he was, what he did, etc. After reading the short summary of his life, I felt like I knew him. He was a brave, self-less, young man with the desire to help others. His giving of himself made him a hero.
I want his family and friends to know that he is forever in my prayers. God Bless You!
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his fellow man..
Bill Storti
September 11, 2002
To the Virgilio Family;
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Larry personally but I do know his brother Thomas who is a fellow co-worker of mine whom also I have never met but have talked to on the phone numerous times over the years. When I heard that Thomas lost his brother I cried. I felt I had to do something to express my sorrow to Tom and his family. So I put together this memorial photo of Larry and sent it to him. I would like to share it with you. May Larry rest in peace and that he knows he will not be forgotten by his family nor his fellow citizens.
Shorty
September 11, 2002
The family and friends of Larry, my deepest and heartfelt condolences. I played and coached football with Larry on the Woodside Warriors in our younger days. I remember him as a solid stand-up guy. His heroic actions on September 11 are further testament to his character and unparalleled bravery. Although we lost touch, I will never forget you. Those who perpetrated this heinous act of war will never succeed because of heroes like you. May God bless and keep you and all of those who died September 11, 2001.
CRAIG R. ALEMI
August 20, 2002
I HAVE BEEN A VOLONTER FIREFIGHTER FOR ALMOST FOURTEEN YEARS NOW MY FIRE CO. HEARTS@PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF THE FAMILES OF THIS TRADGEY......MIDDLEBOROUGH VOL.FIRE CO. BALTIMORE COUNTY MD. STA-23
Kathy Arp
August 4, 2002
I would just like to say that even though I never had the priviledge of meeting Larry, he sounds like a super guy. He came to Iowa in July of 1999 with a group of firefighters and friends to ride in what is known as the "Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa" along with quite a few others from FDNY among others. They were known as "Team Escape New York". This year, because of the love for his brother, Mike Moran had special t-shirts printed for this, the 30th annual bike ride across Iowa. On the back of the t-shirt are 3 flags, beneath each flag, a name, rank, and the years they rode. John Moran was the first since he had been coming here for 12 years to spend a week riding a bike through our hilly but hopefully very friendly and accommodating state. The other 2 riders on the back of the shirt are Jay Ogren of Ladder 3, and of course Larry Virgilio of Squad 18. It is with great pride that I wear this t-shirt in memorium to these fine men and the others who lost their lives on 9-11. My family's utmost condolences go out to all of the families and friends who have lost someone from that horrifying attack. It is nearing a year, and the pain is as real now as it was then. God Bless You Larry, you truly are a hero to the entire nation.
Angie Campbell
May 31, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Andrew Bianco
May 28, 2002
With a heavy heart I just found out about losing Larry. He was a good friend of mine in St. Sebastian's School and also a good friend around the neighborhood. My thoughts and prayers go out to Larry and his family. God Bless.
Michael Iezzi
May 22, 2002
Father we entrust our brother Lawrence to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May 20, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO..LAWRENCE JOSEPH VIRGILIO AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY...HIS GIRLFRIEND..AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS ..ST.LAWRENCE AND ST.JOSEPH GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Janet Stevens
May 3, 2002
I did not personally know Lawrence. I did, however, go to the fundraiser at Sunnyside Park last fall. I also stopped by his tribute picture everyday and said a prayer for him and his family. His image is a constant reminder of the bravery that lives with the New York City Firefighters. God Bless You all.
Carol Murphy
March 29, 2002
I have just recieved my 9.11 bracelet with Larry's name on it. I will wear it in memory of his life and sacrifices he made for the good of others. When I go into a fire, I hope that he will protect me and help me accomplish my task.
Rest in Peace.
Michelle DeHart
March 23, 2002
Larry, I am so grateful to have learned recently that you had someone to share your life with. My family and I send her our sincere condolensces. I would have liked to have met her and I would have liked to have told you good bye. I do so every day now looking over the desert skies. And I thank God the world had you, even if it was for so short a time. Michelle
Anonymous
March 19, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS HERO LAWRENCE JOSEPH VIRGILIO AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Bob Bagley
February 4, 2002
To the family and friends of Lawrence, my deepest condolences and sympathies. I went to Power Memorial Academy with Larry and although I haven't spoken to him since then, I feel his loss. May God hold him in His hands, and help Abigail through this difficult time.
one of your neighbors...
Elizabeth Nicklas
January 15, 2002
Larry,
I will always remember you. Every day when I walk my dogs by your house and by the memorial at the park I think of you. I remember you walking Jason, riding the bike, or walking with Abby. I remember riding with you on the subway from work one day last summer and you talking about your job. I remember how concerned you were when Jason collapsed and how you wanted to get him the best vet care there was. Although I see Ground Zero every day when I go to work, it all still seems so unreal. I feel so sorry for Abby. I can't even imagine how she is able to handle such a loss. I wish she did not have to move out of the house just because you were not married and she no longer can afford living there just by herself. Isn't losing you enough?
Maybe one day she will be happy again. Maybe one day our hearts will heal.
God bless you. You did not perish in vain:
D rivera
January 3, 2002
Joseph and family,
Your friends at Fordham Law love you and we prayed at your firehouse (our firehouse). People there included your neighbors from Queens and friends of your comrades (esp. Steve Mercado and Capt. Callahan) who passed with you. Remember, we miss you and thank you.
From: New York City,
To: "Our" Engine Co. 40
Teresa Jahn
December 7, 2001
We are so very greatful for what Lawrence did for others every single time he answered a call. His work on the elite force shows how dedicated he was in heping others. We are extremely sorry for your loss. 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
Dixon, IL
Bobbie Plymail
September 25, 2001
My sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Lawrence Virgilio. May you rest peace Mr. Virgilio.
McKenna Cole
September 19, 2001
Much of America did not know you personally, but we have become so undeniably aware of your selflessness and sacrifice. No greater love exists than the one that leads a man to lay down his life for others...a love of which you have been willing to prove on a daily basis. America is a better place because of you. May you rest in peace. And may all those who know and love you find comfort in the rich memories of you they hold in their hearts.
Veronica Ayres
September 19, 2001
My heart goes out to the family and frinds. May you know his passing was not in vain, but acting unselfishly, to save others. For this reason he will always be remembered as a Hero to this great country we live in. God Bless!!!
marylou holmes
September 18, 2001
god speed and welcome you into his heart as you have given yourself for the safety of all of us. Your heroic deeds shall never be forgot. we are richer because you were there. sincerely, mary lou holmes
claire booth
September 18, 2001
The whole of the world is so proud of the of the New Yorks uniformed officers who risked and gave their lives to help others in the face of this teribble event, I myself will remember the pictures of people coming down the staircases of the wtc and the fire officers going up, may god protect each and every one of them that gave their life. Heros.
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