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Charles Kasper Obituary
Last year at Christmastime, Deputy Chief Charles L. Kasper of the Fire Department's Special Operations Command went out and bought a set of trains.
They were not for his 425-person division, which races to the scene whenever there is a major catastrophe and already owns a huge collection of red-painted fire trucks, fireboats and other exciting toys for grown-ups. No, they were for his grandson, but when the chief linked the track pieces into a circle and sent the locomotive huffing and whistling around it, Dylan, then only 7 months old, was too young to appreciate the spectacle.
Never mind, thought Chief Kasper. There's always next year.
On Sept. 11, the 54-year-old veteran of dozens of rescues was having a day off when he heard about the World Trade Center attacks. He scrambled into a spare fire engine parked near his home in Staten Island and sped to the towers. He had a motto: "Drive it like it's stolen," recalled Jim Ellson, a retired captain.
Recently Chief Kasper's wife, Laureen, and their children unpacked the trains, set them up the same way he had and watched while Dylan reacted with delight. "We say that he's playing with Granddaddy," who was "always on duty for his family," Mrs. Kasper said. "And we know that Charlie's circle will always encircle us."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 9, 2001.
KASPER-Charles L. Deputy Chief, F.D.N.Y. Beloved husband of Laureen. Devoted father of Melissa and Mark Friedman, Kara Kasper and Michael. Adoring ''Granddaddy'' to Dylan Friedman. A 28 year veteran of the F.D.N.Y. Recently promoted to Deputy Chief. He reported in from his home the morning of the World Trade Center disaster. Chief Kasper arrived at the Command Post prior to the collapse. He was last seen directing Fire Operations in the North Tower. There will be a memorial service in his honor on Friday September 28, 2001 at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 1000 Richmond Terrace at Snug Harbor on Staten Island.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Emma Mushrush
September 11, 2024
We had the honor of attending the San Diego 9/11 stair climb this year and my husband wore Charles's name. I immediately looked him up and felt truly grateful that we were able to know his story. I knew that he was a hero. Not just for his sacrifice but for the way he lived his life from start to end. I came here and discovered that he was a teacher before he became a fireman and having my own mother who is a teacher, I know the heart he had for serving others. Then to continue to serve by becoming a fireman and eventual deputy chief, I know he was able to serve at such a high level because there were those who wanted to follow him. They saw someone relatable but inspiring and hard working and loved his family. If I can humbly call him Charlie, Charlie you are my hero man. In a world of self involvement, I look back on an example of a human with 100% regard and love for others. I’ll try my best to live my life a little more like yours. Love to your family, love to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing you.
With the deepest gratitude,
Emma
Herb Hanrahan
February 2, 2020
Sera Laureen,
It has been many years since Charlies untimely passing but I remember him a lot. Ours days growing up on 10th Street were the best memories I have of him, playing stickball, basketball and two hand touch. He was one of the so-called big guys to us a little younger then him, I remember hanging out out with him and Johnny Manepeze on his stoop right across the street from my parents house at 486-10 St. He was a mentor and a wise guy who taught me a lot especially about sports.
Even after almost 20 years it is so hard to believe he is no longer with us, it may sound weird but when things get rough for me, I pray even though I am not really religious but he is included in my prayers along with my parents and a few others who were close to me. I still remember you place on 6th Ave. between 9th and 10th Streets when you were 1st married.
Anyway it was a Super Bowl Commercial with the horses bowing Down to honor 911 and to honor the loss of the towers and all who perished that brought all these memories of Charlie Back to me. I hope I did not upset you but I just wanted to let you know that Charlie and you are in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Herb Hanrahan
[email protected]
Sharon Duda
September 11, 2018
Mrs. Kasper and family: My husband and I visited the 9/11 Memorial in 2012. We chose to do a rubbing, and we chose Charlie. I made a collage with the rubbing and information I found about Charlie. It hangs in our home. I look at it every day. Every day I think of Charlie, of his dedication and sacrifice and of all the other first responders who served so valiantly that day, as well as all the others we lost. Bless you and your family
Bill Fera
September 11, 2018
Played on the freshman basketball team with Charlie at Brooklyn Prep Class of '64 He was a hell of a player Wicked jump shot Really smart kid RIP
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October 25, 2016
My name is Lisa budd from England,I visited the memorial 24-10-2016 , with my family , we were all very touch . I wanted to choose a name that stood out to me (all names were important) your life was taken to early , I will never forget your name . God bless you
Our "Teacher" - Mr. Kasper (1971)
Stephen Vitale
April 30, 2015
I knew him as "Mister Kasper". My seventh and eighth grade history and science teacher. He wrote in my graduation book, "...always endeavor to fulfill your potential." I remember him well. And though it's been 44 years I can still see him walking the rows in our classroom in his brown boots and green corduroy, flared jeans. Sharing Santana's Samba Pa Ti during one of our Music Appreciation classes. Turning science class into sci-fi class discussing "The Night Of The Living Dead". Chalkboard graphics and all. The more I dwell. The more I recall. I also vividly remember his sense of humor, his intelligence, his kindness and his encouragement. I am sure all of his students remember too. None of his students could ever forget him. Thanks Mister Kasper.
I Hope You Like This Photo....
Simon Laffoley - From UK
November 28, 2014
Bob Skarecki
September 5, 2013
Mrs. Kasper, Charlie's children & grandchildren.....Just found out about Charlie, his heroics and his family......my prayes and best wishes to you and your family....I am confident that Charlie is watching over you each day.
I was Charlie's room mate at Spring Hill College....he was a great basketball player, a great guy and a great friend.
Bob Skarecki
Boca Raton, FL
Joseph Hogan
September 11, 2012
Charles Kasper was one of our teachers at St. Mary's Elementary School in 1969-70. He was barely 10 years older than we were.This was a time when the counterculture was in full swing and the universal feeling was that nobody, with the exception of Mr. Kasper, understood us. I'll always remember the time He, his wife Laureen, and a friend George Clay took several of us to the Fillmore East for a concert and light show. The feeling of being a part of some joyous thing, greater than ourselves, the youth and adult worlds effortlessly bridged, at least for that moment. Mr. Kasper left an indelible impression on those he met, but anyone reading this knew that ages ago. Please add my name to the many whose lives he graced.
Josh Kleekamp
September 11, 2012
You well forever be in everyone's hearts. You were and still are a true American hero.
Michael LaBella
June 24, 2012
Today talking with my wife about our school years I decided to go back into time and look up the most influential and best teacher I ever had. Sadly I found Charles Kasper who taught my 7th grade class at Saint Mary's in Williamsburg Brooklyn in 1969, perished in our Nation's tragic event of September 11th. His bravery and heroism on that day was of no surprise to me for he was also a hero to many of us before then as well. My thoughts and prayers to Mrs. Kasper and children.
Julie De Vine
September 12, 2011
On the 10th Anniversary of this horrible event, I still continue to pray for you and you family. I will be in NY next week and will be able to pay my respects to Mr. Kasper and to all that left this world too soon.
Julie De Vine
A former student from St.Mary's
Alice zissel
September 11, 2011
To the family of Mr. Charles Kasper, My deepest sympathies for your loss. I remember Mr. Kasper from teaching at St. Mary's. He was a great person with a great passion for teaching. I heard his name this morning and it brought great sorrow to me of his lost. He was a great person.
Rebecca Walters
August 29, 2011
I have started a facebook memorial page called Remember Me. Each member who joins, receives the name of someone who died on 9/11. Please know that your loved one is prayed for and not forgotten. I have just given a member, Charles' name.
Joann K.
July 21, 2011
To the family of Charles Kasper,
I was one of his students back at St Mary's where he taught 7th grade in 1969. He was a great teacher. Not only was he passionate about teaching back then, but he came to our small parish and taught us about physical education, which was not on the curriculum for such a small, innner city school. I remember that he also coached basketball at Trinity High School and got a few of us to start a cheerleading team. It kept a lot of us, back then, from getting into trouble. He taught us about possibilities and following dreams. He was an inspirational teacher. It goes hand in hand that he chose two professions that were about helping others and I offer my deepest sympathies for your loss. Know that he touched many lives in a positive way. He was full of life and lived it to the fullest. There are certain teachers that make a difference in a kid's life and he did that for me. I will always remember him.
Tony D'Amico
September 19, 2010
WOW!!! What a great teacher. St. Mary's, Brooklyn, NY 7th grade,1969. Sympathy to the family.
Marie Surdi
October 29, 2007
I was a student in the very first class Mr. Kasper taught at St. Mary's School in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and it was a new experience for us having been instructed by nuns or females since first grade. We all began the year tentatively, but by June we were sad to move on and leave the warmth, humor and affection he both gave and inspired. He was fun and he was fearless. St. Mary's is closed now and the church had its final mass yesterday, October 28th,2007...I hold his memory in my heart as do all his former students and we remember him with love, always.
Doug Abraham
October 28, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
Julie De Vine
September 12, 2007
Mr. Kasper was my first male teacher at St. Mary's in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. All the girls had a "crush" on him. We would all wait anxiously in the school yard to hear his baby blue VW pull in. We knew it would be another fun day at school when he got there. My prayers and thoughts are with his family on the anniversary of this horrible event.
P Tabbernor
November 21, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 7, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Ellen Schmidt
September 12, 2006
I proudly wear a bracelet with Mr. Kaper's name on it. It is a bracelet that I have had for about four years now. These bracelets came out after 9/11. When my bracelet arrived it was engraved with the name Charles Kasper, F.D. N. Y. I am honored to wear it and I wear it proudly. On 9/11/06 I heard Mr. Kasper's name read and it made me feel proud that I had his bracelet. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Kasper's family.
Bill Fera
September 11, 2006
I was a classmate of Charlie at Brooklyn Prep(1964) We played intramural Basketball and I played with Charlie on the freshman team He had a mean jump shot A really nice guy and loved the game God bless you Charlie
Anonymous
December 17, 2003
Although I never really knew Charles Kasper, I knew the people who adored him. I wish that I could've known him, and regret to say that I don't. My condolences go out to his family and friends. And, Michael...if you ever read this, I am truly sorry, and will always be there for you.
P.S. I still have your hat
Paul Kasper
October 26, 2003
Charles,
We only share a last name
- Well Done . . . PK:)
Linda Andrew-Marshall
September 13, 2002
Dear Family of Charles Kasper - I was honored to wear the name of Charles L. Kasper while singing the Mozart Requiem on Sept. 11 as part of the worldwide Rolling Requiem. Our performance was at 7:30 p.m. to accommodate more people in our community. We had 91 beautiful voices lifting to heaven singing that glorious music, with orchestra and organ, at St. David's Catholic Church in Richond, CA. I was so full of emotion that night. I tried to get info about Mr. Kasper's name yesterday but the website was overloaded with requests. I was grateful to find his name and story today. I remember reading somewhere about him being off duty and still coming from Staten Island to help. My father was a volunteer fireman in a small town, Evans City, PA, also a train town (B&O). And I have lived in a train town for 32 years. Richmond is the terminus of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (formerly Atchison Topeka Santa Fe) line. I'm glad he loved trains and that you shared the story about him setting up the trains for his 7 mo. old grandson last Christmas. I'm sure he'll enjoy them more and more each year. My husband, Hal, and our 13-year old twin boys, Aaron and Michael, will keep you in our prayers always. May God be with you.
peter and joann croffey
September 11, 2002
dear loreen and family, you may not remember us but we were teenagers with charle on 10th street in brooklyn. our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. we will remember him always. peter and joann croffey
Jim Romeo
September 11, 2002
I have fond and wonderful memories of Charlie and the great deal of basketball we played together. We played in a good number of gyms in NYC. And were pretty damn good at it. Charlie was an exceptional player, who was special to play with. I enjoyed him very much. My codolences to Laureen and his family. Jim Romeo
Jeffrey Lynch
September 9, 2002
Charlie Kasper and I were classmates at Brooklyn Prep (class of '64). When I heard the news of Charlie's death, I literally wept. My father, Bill Lynch, was a 20-year veteran of the NYC Fire Department and to see the loss of so many of his brothers was almost more than I could bear. But to see Charlie's name among the fallen was the ultimate blow. I'll always remember Charlie on September 11 and remember him not so much as a hero but as a guy who lived the fireman's unwritten code of duty and brotherhood no matter the odds, no matter the situation. God bless you, Charlie, and God bless your family. I'll never forget you.
Jeffrey Lynch
Associate Dean
College of Arts & Humanities
Eastern Illinois University
Jessica Favors
September 9, 2002
To any member of Mr. Kasper's family who reads this, I would like you to know that I am spending the next two weeks honoring the memory of this fallen hero. I will be raising money at my high school to donate in his name to the Twin Towers Fund which helps the families of lost firefighters such as Mr. Kasper. God Bless you all and God Bless America
Nancy Olson Jimenez
August 27, 2002
Dear Cousin:How proud you made us, by giving your life for all of us.You will be always remembered in our prayers. Your love, kindness, joy,understanding and devotion will carry on in our family longer than our lives will last. Our hearts go out to your family who you are watching over. Till we meet again. Love, Nancy, Marty and Kids
Lynne Barnett
August 9, 2002
I am so honored to wear my bracelet with Chief Kasper's name on it. I just lost a loved one who was also a fireman. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Your husband gave more than the shirt off his back for human lifes. It has helped this Country to pull together. (Of course we do have some "humdingers" of our own, but on the whole we are good Americans.) I can hold my head up and I am very proud to be an American and your husband and all the other agency's that were there to help, gave me the right to continue to live and be safe in this Country. I am so sorry you had to suffer the loss of your husband, father, grandpa, friend. I have not forgotten September 11 and I still light a candle on the 11th of each month and say a prayer for all the people who suffered the loss of a loved one. I also thank God for my family. I do say a special prayer for your husband every day as I look at my bracelet.
Eva Milauskas
July 16, 2002
Dear Charlie,
I will always remember us as teens...very uncomfortable at a family wake.
I loved chatting with you... a complete world history genius. We
talked of our Lithuanian background each time at another family wake.
My heart goes out to your dad, Charles, your pretty wife Laureen, and all of your children.
I just wish we had time to play eighteen holes and talk family history again!
Much love to you in heaven, Cousin Eva
Angie Campbell
May 2, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
jim ricket
March 13, 2002
on thanksgiving day our high school band was the honor band at the macys day parade..each band member wor a badge of a fallen firefighter or police office, my youngest daughter wore your husbands..she was and still is so proud of that moment..they also wrote letters to the families..i hope you recieved hers...for christmas they gave me a hero bracelet of your husbands to wear...i wear it everyday and tell the story of the brave men and women who lost their lives.. being in the midwest has not removed us from this tragedy..every week i pray for you and your family and that God may comfort you..you live in all of our hearts and we are so proud of all the police and fireman..YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.
jim ricket father of a proud marching tiger....we LOVE NEW YORK1
Stephen Cathey
March 4, 2002
Dearest Laureen, Melissa, Mark, Kara, and Michael,
I am so sorry for the loss you and your family and friends have suffered. I continue to pray for your family. I am a firefighter in Roswell, New Mexico and proudly wear Charles L Kasper's name on my mercy band bracelet. I think of Charles and your family daily, and what you to know that his name will never be forgotten. I am so proud of my fallen brothers and feel so privledged to experience the brotherhood and camaraderie that is shared in the fire service. I would like to learn more about Charles if anyone has more information about him. May God bless all the families that terrorism has taken its toll on in the world.
Donna Owens
February 28, 2002
It's been over 5 months now since September 11, 2001 - I am reading the tributes written to so many people lost in the tragedy of that day - Personally I know not a one of the individuals who perished. My heart is heavy for those gone and those left behind. Peace be with you all.
Anonymous
February 11, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL HERO CHARLES L.KASPER AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND GRANDSON...AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01.MAY GOD AND ST.CHARLES GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN.AMEN
Billie Sherrell
January 29, 2002
Dear Charles, I want you to know how much we appreciate your bravery.I am sure it took great courage and bravery to place others before yourself. I will forever be greatful to you. You will always be remembered and greatly missed. God put in my heart to write a poem on Sept. 11 th 2001 for you and all the other firemen, police, rescue workers, & all who went with you that day and those who are left behind. It is with great honor that I thank you from the bottom of my heart for you giving your all. You will be forever missed. Sincerley, Billie Sherrell
"Lady Liberty"
Today I watched in disbelief as Lady Liberty held her head down to cry.
She could not believe what had happened in our skies.
The anger was hard for her to control, But she is an American true and proud.
She held her torch high to let us know,
We are United and we will regain control.
From this day forward (Sept.11th 2001);
We will not be undersold.
Our Nation stands tall with this symbol so bold.
God's hands opened up to comfort us and agreed.
Protection we shall find in him;
In him be ever blessed.
Today Lady Liberty said,"Fear not children, for as I stand so tall,
So shall our greatness as we make these cowards learn and fall."
"I will keep my watch and greet the world with my smile."
"I will stand as I have always stood, Mighty and true."
"For, I am the symbol that we can Unite ever brother, sister, and friend."
"I will light the stairways to Heaven for our HERO'S way."
"I am the gateway to America and freedom."
"I will not sleep."
"I will always keep a watchful eye."
"You are my Ambassadors to our world."
Then she finished her speech with a silent prayer.
I heard her whisper,"God bless America," and "Keep us in your care."
She raised her head up and her crown how it glimmered and shined.
Once again I am reminded we are from Jesus, and with his love we are only here by the grace of the Devine!
by Billie Taylor Sherrell
Carl A. Palminteri
January 29, 2002
I was a year ahead of Charlie at Brooklyn Prep, but he became good friends with my late "best friend" Dennis Turner. I had not seen Charlie since June of 1963, but I honestly remembered him fondly---he was one of those guys who made you smile! To his family: you do not grieve alone
AMDG
Carl Palminteri
Brooklyn Prep '63
Rosalie Brown
January 13, 2002
To the family of Deputy Chief Kasper, I am so proud to be a citizen of the same country that can produce a man like Deputy Chief Kasper, your beloved family member, who laid down his life willingly in the service of others whom he never knew or saw. Greater love hath no man. I hope that God may comfort you with His blessing during this time of your sorrow and loss. Please remember, so many of us ordinary citizens, will never forget Mr. Kasper, nor his heroism on our behalf.
Andrew Scal
January 10, 2002
Charles L. Kasper was yet another fire/police/rescue person who went in on their day off and made the ultimate sacrifice. Proof, however sad, that the sum total of evil never overcomes the good that rises against it.
What a terrible terrible shame that so many good people died.
Robert Kasper
January 5, 2002
My sincere condolences. My dad, Frank, was also a (volunteer) firefighter in Schenectady, NY during the 1940s. His father, Charles W. Kasper, may also have been a volunteer. We share your grief. God bless.
Lulu Harris
December 29, 2001
It is my joy to receive the name of Battalion Cmdr. Charles L. Kasper on my MERCY B.A.N.D that arrived today. I requested the name of a fireman because I have always held Firemen in the HIGHEST respect. Particularly so now as I was involved in what should have been a fatal vehicle roll-over accident August 2000. Thanks to the Arcadia Fire Department, I am alive today.
Dear Family of Cmdr. Kasper: Please know that I count it an honor to hold your family in prayer daily, that you ALL now have a place in my heart. Your dad, granddaddy, and husband IS a hero - Jesus said,"No greater gift is given but to lay down your life for another.
God bless each one of you, and thank you for allowing me the honor to pray for you all - to
B- bear
A- another's
N- name
D- daily
Most Sincerely,
Lulu
Teresa Jahn
December 28, 2001
We thank Charles for dedicating his life to rescuing, helping and caring for others as a firefighter. Such dedication comes with a warm and caring heart. We thank you for sharing Charles's story with us. Dylan's train will be extremely meaningful to him as he grows up. May Charles's courage, warmth, life and love live on in those who love him and in those who have been helped by him. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Charles. 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
Paul T. Devine
November 10, 2001
God bless you Charles and may God shower you with love and mercy.I am the grandson of a deceased Boston firefighter who I am very proud to call my grandfather.
Dianne Purdy
November 4, 2001
My Prayers continue for your family and loved ones. It has now been almost 2 months since the tragedy but my heart still aches for your great loss. If only I had the words to comfort you.
Clara Evans
October 5, 2001
To the family of Charles L. Kasper -
People in New York are living because of Charles Kasper's bravery. I am grateful to him and for him. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and the other fire fighters.
We have lost so much and so many. I pray for strength for all of us.
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