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Thomas Sabella Obituary
Thomas Sabella, a firefighter with Ladder Company 13, was no stranger to heroism. In 1998, he ran up six flights of stairs in a burning Upper East Side tenement and rescued a man who was leaning out of a fifth-floor window. The city honored him for his bravery the following year.
His wife, Diana, who met her husband at Susan Wagner High School in Staten Island when she was just 16, accepted his choice of a high-risk occupation. "I never really worried," she said. "I always knew that he knew what he was doing, and that he would do his best."
Mr. Sabella, 44, had many hobbies. He went skiing and snowboarding with his daughter Nicole, 10. He grew tomatoes and cucumbers in his Staten Island garden, and he made his own red wine, giving away bottles as holiday gifts.
Their son James, 6, used to have an ambition shared by many little boys. These days, his mother said, "he says, 'I was going to be a fireman, but I don't know, now.' "
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Steph
March 12, 2023
Thank you for all you did for your fellow brother and sisters. We will never forget you ever.
Casey Sabella
September 12, 2020
While watching the memorial yesterday, I spotted Thomas’s name scroll across the bottom. As the name is not common, I wondered if he might be a second or third cousin. My grandfather Charles Sabella grew up in NYC, his father having come over from Sicily to work on the railroad. Charles and his brother Michael were the only children who married. I see something of a family resemblance and wonder how his surviving family did after 9/11.
Jennifer Rosas
December 6, 2018
This was my first year participating in the 9/11 stair climb. It was with honors to be climbing for all! Here are the brave men that I climbed for this year Joseph J. Ogren, Patrick J. Lyons, Thomas E. Sabella, Danna Rey Hannon and Peter J. Carroll. These and ALL the men and women from 9/11 will NEVER BE FOGOTTEN!!
Bettina Halvorsen
September 11, 2017
Thomas Sabella was the name and photo of a 9-11 victim I received at a 1 year anniversary memorial I attended in San Diego, CA in 2002. The photo and inscription is attached to a small American flag. I have kept it all these years and think of and pray for his family. Especially today, Sept. 11, 2017, I want his family and colleagues to know that Thomas and his sacrifice are not forgotten.
Bettina Halvorsen
San Diego, CA
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Never forget.
September 14, 2016
On Sunday, September 11, 2016, I participated in the Tri-Cities 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb. I was so honored to carry the picture of Firefighter Thomas E. Sabella with me as I climbed. I will always remember the lives of Mr. Sabella and all other first responders who gave the greatest sacrifice to serve others. Rest in peace, faithful servant.
Donna Hardy
Kingsport, TN
September 22, 2015
My name is Annette & I am a nurse in Sioux Falls, SD. I participated in the "Step Up heroes remembrance climb" this past weekend & Thomas was the name of the fireman I was climbing in honor of.
I wanted to know a little more about him, so I googled his name.
I will continue to pray for him & his family.
I live right across from a fire station, so they (firemen) are always on my mind.
I love to bake for them & thank them for their service..
God Bless.
Mary Kayhart
September 13, 2015
when the good Mary and I go to S.Josephs in Sterling, we visit the monument and say a prayer
God Bless,
PA Mary
Memorial climb April 2014
Linda Gates Striby
April 12, 2014
Linda Gates-Striby
April 11, 2014
Thank you for your dedication - and your act of bravery is not forgotten. My son Brandon Gates is participating in the 9-11 stair climb in Indianapolis today and is climbing in his memory. He is wearing full gear, and replicating the climb he made that day by going up all the stairs in the Lucas Oil Stadium in each section making 3 laps around the stadium. He is climbing with Thomas's photo and arm band with his name. Your family remains in our thoughts and prayers, and we honor you with each step taken today.
Grace Valentia-Orpheus
September 11, 2011
Your kindness when we were kids will never be forgotten. Keep an eye watching your family and say Hi to your Mom,Dad, my Mom, and all the other family members up there with you.
Linda Best
September 9, 2011
You are a true hero.
Michael Groll
October 30, 2010
To the family of Thomas Sabella,
I am currently serving in Iraq, getting ready for the end of the tour. Several of us have faithfully participated in as many promotional runs as possible that were offered here on our base. The most recent one, and one of my last, was the Tunnels to Towers 5K. As we walked into the stadium for the start line, workers passed out lanyards with laminated cards for the Stephen G. Siller Memorial Run. On the reverse of each card is a picture and description of one of the many fire fighters lost in towers' collapses on 9/11. I received Tom's card and wore it proudly in memory for those who lost him. At first, I thought to seek out a family member to tell them of our dedications, but I thought the gesture may be a bit creepy. Instead, I sought to find some info on Tom, and perhaps an address to write to. This site is the next best thing. My condolences and gratitude to the family and friends of Thomas E. Sabella.
Corey Davidson
September 15, 2008
Every year the Denver Area Firefighters do a Memorial Stairclimb in remembrance of those made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11. This year 343 of us climbed 110 flights of stairs, each of us carrying a photo of a fallen brother. I had the honor of carrying the photo of Thomas Sabella. I hope this reaches his family so it is known that he is not forgotten.
Cin Sabella
February 1, 2008
I am a Sabella not by blood but by marriage. I'm proud of the name . My prayers for the family of this Angel...
kristine
May 4, 2007
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.
carol catania
March 7, 2007
to the sabella family and viglione family, for loretta; once a long time ago we were friends it is only now that i found out that your brother tommy was a victim of 9/11. i can't express my sympathy for you and your family. my prayers are with you.
P Tabbernor
February 27, 2007
In memory....
John Foulks
April 21, 2004
You are a brave person, may God bless you.
Steve
January 14, 2003
Tommy,
We had lots of fun together as kids. Playing hockey and riding around in your GTO. Nothing but great memories. I think about you alot and I'm proud to call you my friend. You did good that day "BROTHER". God bless your wife and children.
Steve
ann billera russoli
January 11, 2003
dear tommy's family, i was told that tommy was my aunt laura's gr son. my father's name was anthony billera. i went to ground zero for this special reason. and along with praying for all the others i stood in front of your picture and said a prayer for you and the part of a family i never knew. i guess it will always be hard for every american to not cry when remembering that day. but i will especially remember you and your family in my prayers and if it is true that we were somehow related then i am so sorry i never knew you.
Don Arias
September 29, 2002
Although I only met Tom once or twice, I know he was a good man, a brave man, a family man. I've known Diana since I was a teenager, so I know he MUST have been a good man. I am a former NYC firefighter, so I KNOW he was an incredibly brave man. I lost my younger brother Adam in tower two - so I know his family's sorry. I recently met his son James and I was overcome with emotion. What a fine legacy for such a good man. Equally inspiring is wife Diana. Her strength and dignity should serve as an example for all of us. God bless the Sabella family.
- Don
Mike Hodges
September 23, 2002
As a tribute to those firefighters who lost their lives on 9-11-01, My fire department decided to have FDNY hats made up with the name of a missing firefighter on the back. My hat has Tommy's name on it. I am so sorry for his families loss but I can say God has one heck of a Fire Dept now. My prayers are with his and all the victims families.
Mike Hodges
Firefighter
September 19, 2002
DEAR TOMMY,
I SAW YOUR FAMILY THIS PAST WEEKEND AT THE NEW SPRINGVILLE LITTLE LEAGUE PICNIC.
DIANA IS SO STRONG AND SHE LOOKS LIKE SHE'S DOING OK.
NICOLE LOOKS GREAT. AND LITTLE JAMES IS GETTING SO BIG!!
YOU WOULD BE SO PROUD OF THEM!
Tracy Romano
September 11, 2002
Thomas Sabella I did not know you, but as an American I lost a brother. Thank you for your heroism and may you rest in peace. To Diana, Nicole, James and the rest of the Sabella family my prayers are with you. God Bless you all!
Grace Valentia-Orpheus
September 4, 2002
Although through our adult years we were not close (something I deeply regret for many reasons), my cousin Tommy will always be remebered by me as thoughtful, loving and kind. Even as a kid when we would visit, he would take time from playing with his friends to show me around his neighborhood and knowing I loved animals, made certain to show me the kennel that was close to his house. Although not certain what to say or do, I remeber him being especially concerned and caring when my mother passed away. I know he has a special place in heaven and is watching over his wife, children, sister, brother and parents. He will always hold a special place in my heart. I send my love to Diana, their children, Loretta and Charles. Love your cousin Grace.
Lorraine Sabella
May 26, 2002
To the Sabella Family,
My family and I are deeply saddened by your loss and the loss of so many special people that died on September 11, 2001. This tragedy has changed our lives forever. WE carry the same last name and may be family members. The Sabella family is very large. Although we never met we still grieve your loss because it is our loss too. We have lost a special HERO. I pray GOD keeps you safe and watches over our troubled land. With heartfelt sympathy. I also pray that GOD helps you and your family through this horrorible tragedy.
Sincerely,
Lorraine Sabella
Michael Iezzi
May 21, 2002
Father we entrust our brother Thomas 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.
Angie Campbell
May 14, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
April 19, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO...THOMAS SABELLA AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND FAMILY..AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YHORK...STAY CLOSE..PRAY..AND AMERICA SHOULD NEVER FORGET 9/11/01...MAY JESUS AND ST.THOMAS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Brenda Rosenberg
March 26, 2002
Dear Sabella family,
I am sorry for the loss of your beloved husband,father,brother...son. My prayers are with you and all the hero's of 911.
Sam Sabella
March 25, 2002
To the Sabella Family:
I did not know Tom, but after reading about him, I am so proud to share the last name. I wish I would have been lucky enough to meet him.
jilll friedfertig
March 17, 2002
to the sabella family,
I did not know your husband but am so saddened by your tremendous loss. I saw the documentary of 9/11 on CBS and it really opened my eyes to the reality of the terror that day and the terror the fire fighters face on a daily basis. your husband is a true hero in my eyes and you should be so proud of his efforts to save others on that fateful day.
Your husband is a true inspiration to all of us.
jill friedfertig
Jim Catlin
March 11, 2002
To Diana Sabella,
Last night I watched the CBS special regarding the events of 9/11 and was reminded of the immediate connection I felt with you and your family through your relationship with your uncle John Wiley. John and I work together and I'll always remember the look on his face when he told me that his nephew was missing. I have ask him how you and the children are doing throughout your personal ordeal. John kept me in mind on a recent visit to NY and brought me back a T-shirt from Tom's firehouse. I will forever treasure it and wear it with pride. I could never convey to you the respect and admiration I feel for men like your husband. I have learned much about them this last 6 months. I can promise you that I will never forget what happened that day and in honor of all the victims will hold a special place in my heart for Thomas and you and your children. God bless you all.
Jason Viglione
January 29, 2002
Uncle Tommy,
You're being honored for your bravery and courage, but you will be remembered for your smile. When assistance was needed, you were the first to extend a helping hand. You touched hearts and changed lives. Everyone calls men of the FDNY heroes. I've associated that word with you for years. My only regret is that I never told you. I love you and miss you. I will forever be proud of what you did and who you were.
Your Loving Nephew,
Jason
loretta viglione
January 29, 2002
It meant so much to have a brother like you.Your kind face and warm, broad smile and your contagious laugh made it easy to love you. You were so cheated and so were those who loved you. Every day I am tormented with visions of what happened to you. Not a single day passes without feeling the anguish of losing you. If tears could bring you back, you would come home to us. I hope that you are in a beautiful place looking down on us. Your death is permanently etched in my mind and in my heart. I miss you terribly but know that I will always miss you and love you.I am very proud of you. You have touched so many lives with your kindness. We will take care of your garden and think of you as it grows. Have fun in Heaven. Love,
Your sister forever
Loretta
Elana
January 28, 2002
January 24, 2002
Dear Sabella Family and Friends,
I am very sad that your friend or family, Mr. Thomas Sabella passed away. From what I have read about him he is one real true hero. At our school we are doing a Freedom Program. My grade is the fourth grade and we are doing a performance. We are not only doing it on slaves that had a leader that freed them, but on heroes just like Thomas Sabella. We are also making posters on the heroes that risked their lives to save others in the Twin Towers. The person that I am honoring is Thomas Sabella and I am proud of it! I am glad I had the opportunity to read about him. Please will you read my poem (below) in honor of Thomas Sabella?
Thomas Sabella, Fire Fighter
An honorable and miracle making man.
Generously giving.
As loyal as an angel.
I wish I was as brave as him!!!!
Sincerely,
Elana
PEGGY HYNES
January 23, 2002
TO THE SABELLA FAMILY, MY SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. MAY GOD GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH AND COURAGE YOU NEED AT THIS TIME. MY SON CPT WALTER ALSO DIED ON THAT HORRIBLE DAY. GOD BLESS YOU
Barry zelman
January 23, 2002
Dear Thomas,
I never had the pleasure of Knowing
you. But we share two things, I lost
my brother in tower one his name is Kenneth Zelman. Two,I have witnessed
the the deep love between you and your sister Loretta for I am in a group session with her trying to cope with our losses. I hope both of us will live in the honor of our brothers.
Barry Zelman
Carlo Casoria
January 16, 2002
DEAR Thomas,
I never had the pleasure to meet you and I missed your family at the firehouse Christmas party. I will look for them at the next family gathering. I have seen you in some of the pictures that my son Thomas Casoria brought home. I hope that you all are together enjoying each other now. God bless your family.
Carlo A. Casoria
Judy C
January 3, 2002
Dear Thomas and The Sabella Family,
I never met you, Thomas and that is my loss, but I wanted to convey my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
It takes a special man to become a firefighter and we know that more than ever, now. Heroes and Angels -one and all.
God Bless you and may your family look up at the stars at night and try to find your Angel star. I have no doubt it is one of the brightest in the sky.
Rest In Peace, Thomas.
God Bless you and your family. I am so sorry for their loss.
Teresa Jahn
December 14, 2001
We thank Thomas for his years of dedication in helping others. Such dedication comes with a warm and caring heart and we appreciate him sharing it with others. We are extremely sorry for your loss of Thomas. 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
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