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Frank A. DeMartini
Frank A. DeMartini
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Frank DeMartini Obituary
Frank De Martini had a passion for old cars, motorcycles, sailing and everything Italian. He also loved restoring Brooklyn brownstones, and was fascinated with the World Trade Center. Mr. De Martini, an architect, started working at the twin towers when he was hired to assess the damage from the 1993 bombing. He stayed on, becoming the construction manager, the man to see when you wanted to move a wall or rearrange the plumbing. Mr. De Martini's wife, Nicole, also worked in the towers, and their children, Sabrina, 10, and Dominic, 8, could often be seen splashing around in the pool at the complex's Marriott Hotel.
Compact and athletic, Mr. De Martini, 49, once used a baseball bat to chase away an intruder who had picked the wrong brownstone. "He was really very fearless," said Michael Prager, a longtime friend. When the north tower was struck, Nicole De Martini was just leaving her husband's office on the 88th floor. Finding a stairway that was still intact, he ushered her to safety. But he refused to follow just then because others needed help. "He saw himself very much as a protector," Mr. Prager said.
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 1, 2001.
DeMARTINI-Frank A. Of Brooklyn, NY. Missing since September 11 in the World Trade Center attack. Beloved husband of Nicole (Fasnacht). Devoted father of Sabrina and Dominic. Beloved son of Alfred and Alberta De Martini of Haddon Heights, NJ and Philadelphia, PA. Engaging brother to Alfred, Nina, Rosemary, Paul and their spouses. Terrific uncle to their children. For the Port Authority, Frank was Construction Manager of the World Trade Center, a building that he passionately admired. Raised in Haddon Heights, NJ, he earned a degree in architecture at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn where he practiced his profession and developed real estate after graduating in 1974. He was hired by the structural engineering firm Leslie E. Robertson Associates to help with the repairs of the 1993 terrorist bombing at the World Trade Center. He will be remembered for his courage, his passion, his love for his family, and his joy in being a parent. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, October 5 at 3PM at the Lafayette Presbyterian Church, 85 South Oxford Street, Brooklyn NY with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowerrs, donations can be made to the Daughters of Wisdom, Bethany House, 1342 Lincoln Place, Brooklyn, New York 11213.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jaime Ray
September 16, 2021
Forever a hero! The best of mankind. Thank you, Frank.
Robert Wilkoff
September 15, 2021
Robert Wilkoff
September 15, 2021
Robert Wilkoff
September 15, 2021
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Robert Wilkoff
September 15, 2021
Can't believe it's been 20 years! Miss you my dear friend!!!
Kellie Richardson
September 12, 2021
Thinking about you and your heroism not just yesterday, but always. I told my husband about you last week and how throughout the years I sign this guestbook. He asked if I knew you, I said no, but years ago I found out about you and how you were so brave with the others to sacrifice yourselves to help others get out. I hope your family and friends read these and know you aren’t forgotten. Much love, Kellie
Doug Koesel
September 11, 2021
I heard Frank's story on a PBS series years ago. Every year I remember him and thank him for the lives he saved and I say a prayeer for his family and firends.
Cindy Roe
September 6, 2021
Remembering Frank on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
nicole sotelo
May 2, 2021
A true hero, inspiring man for the future generations. Heard your story and my heart melt but you inspired me. Your history and legacy is not going to be forgotten.
Charlie Obliteez
January 23, 2021
He saved 70 people. My god what a man.
Bryan Pham
September 16, 2019
A loving and true hero. Thank you for all you've done for the people on that tragic day.
Kathy
September 11, 2019
A true hero along side Pablo Ortiz staying behind and making sure everyone else got out!! Your courage and passion to help others cost you your life, you sir are the definition of a true hero!! RIP!
Vallery Winter
September 10, 2019
I meant you once when you came to Greenville,SC to visit your family here. You were big and strong in personality as well as honor. I have cried ever year for you and your family. Susan is with you and you two are raising some hell in heaven watching out for your family. Bless you for your courage and strength. Never Forget.
Respect ALWAYS!!!!
Vallery Winter
A.L.
August 24, 2019
RIP to a courageous first responder.
Gui Vino
July 14, 2019
Un abbraccio alla famiglia e a Frank. Un vero eroe.
Michael Hardiman
June 29, 2018
I too was a graduate of the architecture school at Pratt. Don't remember the dates exactly or how I met Frank but I do remember that he and I used to go around Brooklyn on his motorcycle renovating brownstones, and doing small repairs. Frank was in front, I was next and the tool box was on the back! Don't know how it all quite fit. I remember Frank as a lively and encouraging guy, who was a lot of fun to be around. Thank you Frank for all your encouragement and good will. The world needs more like you.
Mike Hardiman (pratt class of '83)
Jaime Ray
Jaime Ray
February 8, 2018
Gripped by the gifts you have given, Frank. You inspired me this evening and your achievements are pushing me forward. Thank you Frank.
kellie Richardson
September 12, 2017
I thought about you a lot yesterday but had no power thanks to Irma. I hope you are resting in peace. You are not definitely not forgotten.
Anthony Tucker
September 11, 2017
Truly an amazing man. Rest in peace.
Doug Koesel
September 11, 2017
Thank you again Frank for your self-sacrifice.
John Yarbrough
September 10, 2017
Frank, you will always be a hero. Your bravery inspires me every day to be the best person I can be. Thank you.
September 9, 2017
God bless you Frank. God bless you and thank you for being a shining example of a good and decent person.
kellie R.
July 9, 2017
Frank,
I went to the memorial. It is so beautiful. I looked for your name, there is a chart so people know where everyone is located. I tried to hold back tears and failed. I wasn't the only one. People from all over the world were there and crying. I have left you messages before, the first time in 2011 after watching the documentary that mentioned you and Pablo. I just wanted to say thank you again. The world is going crazy and my sincerest hope is that there are men such as you still among us.
Kik
Kevin Clark
July 8, 2017
I have seen many shows about Mr Martini and he is no doubt a hero of 911 saving hundreds of people by showing and telling them to get out becasue a lot of people were going to stay and wait for fireman to lead them out and that would of been to late so Mr Martini lead these people out like a true American hero the family should be very proud of their legendary father and husband
Sara Lo
May 22, 2017
Thank you mr. Martinez. Although I do not know you, your heroism struck me so much that I just have to google you. I just want to thank you for all the ppl you have saved on 911. You are an angel who was sent from up above to help. It makes me teary to watch you from a documentary video about you and Pablo, the other hero whom you were with. I pray to God for you and Pablo to be watching and protecting us from up and above. May God give peace, love and rest to your compassionate, heroic souls. Thank you Mr. Martinez.
Shantelle Eversley
March 24, 2017
I was reading about this man and I became inspired. Then I read he grew up right near me in South NJ!! He is a HERO! RIP
Mike
March 1, 2017
May his bravery somehow help his Friends and Family find Peace in his passing.
This is the truest form of a Hero.
He saved lives and paid with it in his own.
There is no greater sacrifice.
Rest In Peace Frank.
-Anon
Ravi Mistry
February 7, 2017
Rest in peace.
Recently I saw some documentaries of 9/11 on youtube.
Respect for Mr Demartini.
I would pay my respect to him, Mr Pablo and others when I visit the memorial someday.
Chad
February 3, 2017
Mr. DeMartini was a hero in every sense of the word, and from reading about him and his life, he seemed to be a great family man as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you and youre family Mr. DeMartini. You should be so proud of yourself for being so selfless during a selfish time. May god bless you in the fullest.
C
September 23, 2016
God Bless
September 19, 2016
May you rest in the sweetest peace. You are a hero and will never be forgotten. Thank you for your heroism and sacrifice. You are an inspiration to all.
Robert Wilkoff
September 12, 2016
Hard to believe it's been 15 years.
On that day America lost so much and I lost a dear friend. Frank was one of those rare individuals who immediately touched your life from the moment you met him. I was fortunate enough to have spent most of our college experience together, and to call him a dear friend!!!
Miss you, Frank!
Mary Lagosz
September 11, 2016
Continued prayers for all the victims, survivors , families . God Bless us all.
Suzan Carsley
September 8, 2016
Fearless and caring person, a true hero. I feel blessed to have crossed your path.
Larry K
September 7, 2016
Amazing human being Thank you and Pablo Ortiz for your heroism. God bless you and your families!
Susan Johnson Hopkins
July 24, 2016
God bless you for your bravery and heroism. May God be with your family. RIP.
SGM P.J. Gore, US Army, Retired
Perry Gore
July 5, 2016
Rest in peace, Frank. I don't know you, but I know of you, and I know a true hero when I see or hear about one. I salute you!
Mitchell Lane
May 28, 2016
He was a hero. He put his life on the line to save the others trapped in the tower. Unfortunately, he had to sacrifice himself in order to help the others, but his sacrifice was not in vain. He will be forever remembered by the families of those he helped.
Clark Bartholomew
March 11, 2016
You're a true hero Frank. RIP!!!
Gayle and Joe Wocoski
January 1, 2016
RIP our hero......
Gayle Wocoski
January 1, 2016
The world lost one of its most compassionate angels on September 11, 2001. No one sacrificed their life quite like Mr. DiMartini, continuing his search for trapped survivors, instead of continuing downward towards safety. I just finished watching a documentary on www.youtube.com about this tragic day in our country's history and saw his compassion and strength in the face of the worst adversity possible.
Rest in peace kind sir; you are a hero in my eyes.....and heartfelt thoughts and prayers to your loving family. I'm sure you are missed greatly.
Mary Rentscher
October 13, 2015
Rest in peace. May your heroism be an inspiration to all the world. Wishing peace to your family. God bless you.
Matt Montieth
September 14, 2015
Thank you, Frank, for your very brave actions on this day. From reading about you, you were a very brave and caring man in my eyes. My condolences to your family. Again thank you, You are a hero.
Vanessa Garcia
September 12, 2015
You were a TRUE HEROE in every sense of the word, an angel who gave his life to save others. Rest in peace in heaven!
Amelia Santoyo
September 11, 2015
Currently watching a documentary on the 9/11 attack . And Im surprised on how many people talked about you and how much of a hero you were . My condolences goes out to your family . xoxo rest in peace frank
Herbert Dwyer
September 11, 2015
Thank. You for the ultimate sacrifice
Kenny Toong
August 15, 2015
Malaysians are proud of you.
If there are more people like you the world would be a better place
RIP
July 18, 2015
A true hero, a most inspiring and selfless man
brad millar
June 21, 2015
to frank de martini
brad millar is sorry about frank de martini
rest in peace frank
Dian Demartini
May 3, 2015
I pretty sure he was a relative of mine. God bless you and your family
Zoe McGhee
December 16, 2014
I'm all the way in the UK and yet this man still touched my heart.
Hero.
Doug Koesel
September 12, 2014
I learned of Frank's heroism a few years ago. Every 9/11 I pray for him and his family. last night the History Channel and a moving documentary of 9/11. I thought of Frank, Pablo and the many other heroes of that day, many of who we shown alive for the last time as they entered the buildings. How blessed I feel to have heard of Frank's sacrifice. He did not die in vain. My prayers continue to go out to his family. I hope you find com,fort in that.
September 12, 2014
I learned of Frank's heroism a few years ago and every Sept 11 I pray for him and his family. last night the History channel had a wonderful documentary of 9/11 and as I watched it (it was terrific) I thought of Frank, Pablo and the other heroes the whole time. What a gift he was.
Sarah Angel
September 11, 2014
Thinking of your family today
Jo Ciccaglione
September 11, 2014
Remembering Frank on this day~ lifting his family & friends up in prayer. What a hero!
D. Shaffer
August 19, 2014
Your the type of hero I hope I never have to be, but I hope I will become if the circumstances demand it. Rest in peace.
August 8, 2014
I am in awe of Mr. DeMartini's courage. I will never forget, and will always be inspired by him. Love and respect to all of the DeMartini family.
M. N.
March 20, 2014
What an amazing angel on Earth. I am so inspired by Frank Demartini and Pablo Ortiz. What an incredible soul. A man that up to the last moments of his life thought so selflessly to save the lives of those around him. I know he was guided by the hands of God as his helper, a man that was good enough to be used by God, what a miracle he is to those that he saved and for the world to see his example from. A king amongst men. God Rest his soul and God Bless his family.
malinda manley
November 8, 2013
I just learned of this amazing man on tv and am moved to tears by his courageous act. I hope his family is in even a small way comforted by the knowledge that he entered heaven as a hero.
October 7, 2013
thank you
Nelson Ortiz
September 11, 2013
Hi my name is. Nelson Ortiz Pablo brother,l hear a lot about mr.demartini a very brave men who work with my brother..year and year of how to ask to meet with someone.who was right then at the end.and can tell me about Pablo at the of he life I no you saw him at the office that day.. My heart go out to you and your family. God bless you. I never text about that day to right now , thank you
From my daughter Lydia age
Tracie Turner
September 11, 2013
From my 7 year old Daughter
Tracie Turner
September 11, 2013
September 10, 2013
RIP Hero xx
Sarah Mckessy
September 10, 2013
I have just read about this incredible man, 12 years later and I am overwhelmed and amazed at the bravery of him, I will never forget, with tears in my eyes I send you all love xxx
September 10, 2013
Thinking of you Mr. Demartini....
Joyce Bradley Gorman
September 10, 2013
I knew you as a school friend at Glenview Elementary,in Haddon Heights. You always were a leader. I think God prepared you to be someone special. You are a true "Hero". May God Bless your soul and may He still give comfort to Nicole and your children.
Frank & Ralph, Pratt Drom, 1971
Robert Wilkoff
September 9, 2013
Think about you often, my old friend!
S Spence
September 8, 2013
I just now (12 years after the tragedy) learned of Mr. DeMartini's heroics that terrible day. May he rest in peace forever.
September 7, 2013
To be half the man Mr. Frank A. Demartini was, I wish I were. A hero, a saint, one of a very few men in my history, with no peers. Words can not translate into heroism. God bless Nicole.
Angela Quinones
September 7, 2013
He will never be forgotten ! REST IN PEACE !
Steven Maffioli
September 7, 2013
You'll be forever remembered Frank.
Dan Smeenk
May 21, 2013
I never knew this guy, but his efforts saving people's lives in the North Tower were truly spectacular. His efforts should never be forgotten. RIP.
Richard Kurtti
September 13, 2012
Thank God for such wonderful people who are a part of our country. I'm proud to be a member of his country. See you soon Frank!!
Erin
September 11, 2012
I watched the Heroes of the 88th Floor documentary last night and was so moved by the bravery and selflessness exhibited by Frank and Pablo during 9/11. These amazing men saved hundreds of lives on that fateful day and I am so happy the survivors are able to pass on their story of heroism. Rest in peace.
Brett Kuhn
September 11, 2012
My prayers and best wishes go out to the families. He is a true American hero.
Gary Perko
September 11, 2012
Thank you. A hero in every sense if the word
Kevin Hull
September 11, 2012
I was watching the special last night " Heroes of the 88th Floor." I was so amazed by what these 2 men did. It is such a sign of compasion and conern for others. I don't believe I could be as brave as these 2 men. They are heroes- no question about it.
God Bless these 2 brave souls
Arlene Gaffney
September 11, 2012
On Saturday night, 9/8/12, I watched the different documentaries on the World Trade Center. I could not believe the courage and selflessness of Mr. DeMartini and Pablo. My prayers will always be with them and their families.
Carol and David Quoos
September 11, 2012
My husband and I just saw his story of saving people, on 9/11. What a brave and honorable man, God Bless Frank. To the family and Nicole, we are so sorry for your loss. But you must be so proud as well. It has been 11 years, but just like yesterday. God Bless you Nicole and your children.
Robert Wilkoff
September 11, 2012
Miss you old friend!
JR Cortez
September 11, 2012
May God Bless both Frank and Pablo. You truly are Guardian Angels. You will always be remembered. May God Bess your families.
The Forster Family
September 11, 2012
Your old next door neighbors on South Elliott Place in Brooklyn miss you. We often talk about you, the great work you did in your brownstone, your friendship, and your dedicated love for those around you. Your selflessness and bravery remind us all that it is our obligation to live each day in greatness and love. Frank-you have not been and never will be forgotten.
Angelina Fernando
September 10, 2012
I pray for your family and Pablo's family during this time. You are a true hero and human being. One day you will be with your family once again who must love you and miss you so much. The pain of 2001 must have gotten a little better but empty part of their heart where you belong needs to be filled and only you can do that by being with them again. May God comfort your family and Pablo's family until God brings justice to the world and brings families together again.
Cindy Herrmann
September 10, 2012
What loving, giving men, both Frank & Pablo. The sacrifices they made that day will live on in all the lives they saved. May God bless & keep your families......
September 10, 2012
Frank, thinking of you on this 11th anniversary. Hope you are looking down and watching over us, being the protector you obviously were.
Kiki
Kelly Sheppard
September 10, 2012
I recently learned of Frank DeMartini's bravery and compassion by watching the documentary Heroes of the 88th Floor. I was so greatly moved by the actions of Mr. DeMartini and Mr. Ortiz. It was one of the 9-11 stories that I had not heard of previously. Their selfless actions are truly inspiring and I know their reward in heaven was immense.
Brenda Snell
September 8, 2012
Thank you Frank for Your brave heart and amazing ability to put others first. You were truly a gift from God. A true servant to mankind. There are no words of gratitude that could express how amazing and selfish your acts of kindness have meant to those lives you have touched. God bless and prayers continue in my heart and upon my lips now and always for those family and friends you have left behind. Peace be on them.
patricia augustson
September 8, 2012
Watching 9/11: Heroes of the 88th Floor: People Helping People... Thank you for helping so many people. This 9/11 I would be leaving flowers for you and Pablo Ortiz.
megan morrison
August 8, 2012
so sorry..
April King
July 3, 2012
I don't know Mr. DeMartini or anyone who was lost on that tragic day of 9/11/2001. But these people are not far from my thoughts I wish that 9/11 would have never happened
I just wanted to give my condolences to the family. I know this man was a hero
Kati Perrine
June 30, 2012
I just read the book "102 Minutes" and I had to google your name to add a face to your heroics. You are a hero. Bless your family and RIP.
April 3, 2012
One of the bravest men I have ever heard about.
February 26, 2012
Frank, you are an inspiration, sir. Thank you for your deeds and the example you set for those behind you.
Lisa and Paul
January 11, 2012
A true hero, always remembered and never forgotten
alexander orman
November 15, 2011
You are truly a brave man, may you rest in peace Frank.
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