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James W. Barbella
James W. Barbella
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James Barbella Obituary
James W. Barbella was a former United States marine, and that made certain of his habits ‹ the day-to-day decisions he'd be likely to make, the course he might be expected to take in a crisis ‹ quite predictable, said his widow, Monica.
It was not enough, for example, for Mr. Barbella, a 53-year-old property manager for the Port Authority, to simply climb 110 flights of stairs during his fitness routine, which he often fitted into his lunch hour. That would be wimpy. Instead, he would go down all the way to the subbasement of the World Trade Center and begin his climb there. And it was also not enough to simply climb to the top. He would descend by the stairs as well.
Mr. Barbella, who was responsible for floors 9 to 40 in the south tower, lived in Oceanside, N.Y., on Long Island, and had worked for the Port Authority for 28 years. He was last seen ushering three police officers up the stairs during the evacuation of the Trade Center just before its collapse.
"I knew, as soon as I heard, that that's exactly where he would be," Mrs. Barbella said. "He would never give up."
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Hailey
January 5, 2025
my grandma (your cousin margret) told me stories about you and how you died a hero. when i was about nine i believe, me and my little brother found your name at the 9/11 memorial and laid a piece of paper over it and colored on it so that it would leave the imprint of your name on the paper, that piece of paper is now framed in my grandma’s house. i never got to know you personally, but i feel like i do, the way our family talks about you, the way all the world talks about you, i feel as though i’ve known you all my life. you of course know our family is very big and it’s hard to keep track of everyone, and yet everyone knows who you are. it’s because you matter, you are a hero and i will never forget you. i only wish i could have had the chance to meet you but maybe someday we will be properly introduced. i love you jimmy, so much.
Laura
September 11, 2024
May his memory be a blessing
This picture of Jimmy and his good friend "Tee" was taken in 1966, in the school yard where we used to hang out in the old neighborhood. R.I.P. guys !
Vicky (Molinaro) Damato
October 15, 2021
One of the "coolest", cutest, and nicest guys in the neighborhood.
Cindy Roe
August 31, 2021
Remembering James on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
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Peace love and light
Donna Deluca Digiacomo
September 14, 2016
James Barbella was my good girlfriends dad. His daughter Jo-Ann a beautiful person waited day by day to hear news about her dad on the days following 911
She had huge hope as did the family and all friends that they would get another call from him.
I remember going to their home in Oceanside NY to see her and her family. We sat in the backyard trying to comprehend what had happened. I will never forget the pain in their faces and my friend Jo-Ann who felt and looked so lost. It's hard to know what to say or do. When I think back to those days I always think of her and the grief for this family. Time went by and everything would not really be the same. They had an awesome dad whom they loved so very much. I don't get to see or talk to my friend much anymore as I moved to Nevada and lost touch. I'm going to look her up and see how she is. May Mr Barbella rest in peace
It's a day and time I will never forget. Love to the Barbella family .
Del Newberry
October 26, 2015
Sounds like a wonderful man was lost that day. Today I lift up my prayers to all of Jimmy's friends and family and try to honor his memory by being kind and helpful to my fellow man. Love from Texas,
Maria Scarpinito-Quail
September 10, 2015
I had the pleasure of knowing and spending time with Jimmy and Monica for a short time in my life. A better man with a stronger character is hard to find. God bless and may you rest In peace, Jimmy
John F. O'Brien
September 11, 2013
I knew Jimmy Barbella from Flatbush Bklyn.11226 where we grew up Holy Cross School when I did go, I knew and liked/hungout with his brother Frankie also, I think they both went to nam not sure, he saved me more then once from being bullied/beatup by guys we knew and hung with he could hold himself/kickazz no one would wanna fight him, I was no angel out of them all either but I didn't like to fight, but jimmy had a way with words that said stop it without saying it, a confidence that made him and other men of heart, he could almost fall over himself being nice, any stories about him and being thoughtfull/giving to the poor/strangers/homeless would be true, and you felt nice to see him again when you haven't seen him for a while knowing I met a nice guy from the past instead of someone I didn't care to, It's not easy to walk in a hero's shoes but to walk a day in his shoes would be a good day of my life, when if I was lucky to see him at a Flatbush/HCS reunion he would go OOBBBB and smile, he was a good to know in your life person if you were lucky to know a nice guy like him, I have some fond memories of growing up in Flatbush and he's on the higher/good end of the list, early morning 5am fishing at Prospect Park lake in a mist by the Three Islands with fresh nities thats nite crawlers worms to the uninformed or friends at bay 14 Reis Park a cooler full of ice cold Reingold/Shaffer/Soda cans and a few heros from Ponzone's Pigtown Deli. or Horseback riding at Carol's Stables or Prospect Park Stables walking from one end to the other of Holy Cross Cemetery on a moonless night on a I dare you, hiching the back of the Church Ave Trolly or a bus or Garbage truck on a snowy night plowing the roads of Flatbush and some other crazy things and many nice people guys and gals like ''Botcha Galopa''Frank of Franks Shoe Repair Church Ave at Fairview Pl. or going to Fanny Farmer's for Easter at Church & Nostrand Ave's or Bock's Soda Fountian same corners or Flatbush Billards across from the Granada Moviehouse , I lived by Nostrand Ave on Martense St. 305, growing up in Flatbush was great, bad times never dwell on, Jimmy and Frankie lived down by Tilden Ave 37/38sts., I don't remember Michael maybe he was a little kid back then I think, I know Jimmy was in the thick of it that day his last for me to know him in this life, helping other brave men/woman, I don't know alot about brave woman of that morning in the bldgs. helping the wounded out of the mess but I know in my heart their was woman hero's that day, and I know in my heart Jimmy was helping other Hero's giving their last breath's of life holding and covering someone else's head and body in God's Name, their is nothing more you can ask of a man/woman then give it all their life to help someone else live to see their family that day when they got home, thats what Jimmy and other Hero's did/give the ultimate sacrifice their life's to save other's, if I was blessed but my family's loss to go to the edge the darkness the void the flames to save someone in the moment, I don't know if I got in me, is beyond courage beyond fail it is blessed, when I think of Jimmy Barbella he's on my start praying for a stranger and his name and face and other family/freinds that have come and gone some good some bad that passed like John MaGee how was mugged and thrown onto the third rail in the subway, all of a sudden they apppear so fast as you pray so fast and their gone till next time you pray for some poor soul and they do and you do and they do appear again, thats where Jimmy is from now on, and I know many other folks Americans say a prayer for someone and thats what happens here they come again the good from past and it is good I have memories of them, to have known a man/hero like Jimmy is what makes living life good compared to what happened that day and the poor souls that couldn't make it out, maybe one or more were held tight by Jimmy, the Catholic Church has their Saints, and I was blessed to know my own kind of Saints in my life, God Bless You Jimmy Barbella for being a true saint to your family, me, and stranger's, RIP IMP JFOB
Michele Black
September 6, 2013
I was very touched by this man and his life. His love for where he worked, and those he tried to save.Talk about being in the moment, and one pointed on something...' A true warrior. There should be more compassionate people like James W. Barbella in this world... My thoughts go out to him, and his family.
Barbara Boam
January 8, 2013
I walked a mile for you (mile #128) on 1/8/13 as a dedication to your life.
Joe Garvey
September 11, 2012
I knew Jim as a very helpful and considerate man. I worked for a Chinese company on the 22nd floor of #2 WTC. We had need of a reduction in area of the space we rented. I was the English speaking contact for this project and Jim was my contact. He made the job very easy. He was a very good and kind man who should be remembered forever. Joe Garvey Sinochem (USA) Inc.
Sierra H.
September 11, 2011
In school we each recognized two people who died in the 9/11 attack. I got to recognize you by putting your name on a slip of paper along with a nice little poem. This paper was put in the front of the school along with the other victims in the shape of the twin towers. Please know that you have changed my life forever, and I thank you for that. Also know that you will be remembered forever and always. God bless your family and friends.
Kymberli Colbourne
September 11, 2011
We hold you in our hearts.
Marc A. Barbella
September 11, 2011
God Bless You and your family.
Roy Springfield
September 11, 2009
I never had the pleasure to meet James however, I work with his brother in Houston and have known Mike for 8 years now. I can still remember the horrific day that changed all of our lives. I also remember that Mike and I were in a teleconference meeting when our supervisor retrieived him. I did not know Mike very well at that time and I had no clue that his brother worked at the WTC. My heart goes out to Mike everyday when I see him at work but I never seem to have the courage to express my feelings over his loss. The best I can hope for is that he and his family are dealing with this calmly and in god's way. I am so sorry for the loss.
September 11, 2009
Heading out to Hither Hills tonight and thinking of you.
Doug Abraham
March 4, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Kristine
October 13, 2006
As I 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 vane. We will always remember.
Jennifer Byers
September 11, 2006
I did not know James personally, but I worked with his sister in-law, Doreen Leone in Raleigh, NC in 2001. I will never forget watching the horrible events of that day unfold in front of our eyes on a small television that was in the office. I remember that she got a phone call from her sister saying that Jimmy was ok, then when they did not hear from him again, we all knew but did not want to believe. I think of her and Mr. Barbella's family often and even though it has been 5 years, it never leaves my mind how much that day changed us all. My heart and prayers are with the families always.
P Tabbernor
August 21, 2006
In memory....
Joe Bambara
April 25, 2006
I grew up with Jimmy Barbella and he was a great guy. I had lost track of him over the years but sadly I was at a barbecue with him that August. He was one of the biggest HEROES of that day.
Jennifer Wright McCarthy
September 15, 2005
I read Jim Barbella's name at the ceremony at Ground Zero on 9/11/2005. It was an honor to remember him. Peace and sympathy from our family to yours.
linda kist
September 11, 2003
remember him from younger days. spoke to him online in august, 2001. remember him and his family and all the victims and families every night in my prayers. God bless you all. rest in God's hands.
James Barbella
May 1, 2003
I feel a loss for someone I never knew. God bless.
Mike Malecki
April 26, 2003
At a recent meeting with Catholic Charities in NJ, we were given an opportunity to choose from some 9/11 "remebrance bracelets" that the meeting leader brought. I saw "PA" on Jim's and chose his. When I graduated from college,I started my career with the Port Authority...one of my jobs was working with the Police Officer hiring process. ....and had worked in 1 World Trade until I left the City in the 70's. I always felt that the PA was made up of special people and when I read that Jim was last seen assisting some PA police officers, that feeling was again confirmed. Jim is an example to all of dedication and courage. I am keeping Jim and his family in my prayers and will remember him every time I look at that bracelet.
God's peace and comfort be with all of Jim's family and friends...know that he rests in a special place with God.
Brian Wald
January 13, 2003
I have planted a blue spruce in my back yard in memory of Mr. Barbella. It has taken root and is growing beautifully.
Jenniffer
September 15, 2002
May the Lord be with Jim, he was a wonderful person and always helpful to those in need and illustrated that on September 11.
Rest In Peace.
Chris Fitzgerald
September 12, 2002
Yesterday was a day of reflection and quiet thoughts of Jim and his family. Always in my heart, your cousin Chris
Theresa Janssen
September 8, 2002
Mrs. Barbella and family,
I don't know if you quite know me by name, but I am the assistant to your dentist. I do know that we all remember him with the one of the biggest of hearts and the brightest of smiles. We, in the office remember him with heavy hearts and wish you all the most happiest of memories.
Jenniffer Gonzalez
August 21, 2002
Jim was a kind and genuine person. I would contact him at least once a week when it came to World Trade Center I.D.'s. He was always willing to go that extra mile.
Where ever you are, may God be with you. Take care my friend, you are in a better place.
Michael J. Barbella
June 19, 2002
I did not know James. But I know we are connected in some way. I will pray for his family. I know he was brave, because he was a Marine. He faced this horrible tragedy with courage. Our thoughts are with you. God Bless you!
Sylvia McEvoy
May 20, 2002
Dear Sara-
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Fondly,
Sylvia McEvoy
(formerly of Harmony Heights)
Theresa Barbella
April 24, 2002
Memories,memories too sad to face. Still they haunt you and come to the fore when least you expect them. A memory of a loved one almost visibly lost before your eyes has a right to the haunting because of the uniqueness of that memory. The memory of the day we lost you,Jim. is etched in our hearts forever. You have left a legacy of bravery for all the generations to come. We salute you ,and honor you. And now we know you are safe. Semper fidelis !
casie augustine
April 9, 2002
i know not who you are but i as youth of america hurt because lives like yours were taken im not sure what kind of person you were but im sure you were and alwayz will be loved im sending in a poem i wrote and i hope this sounds ok but if it doesnt its comming from inside the aching heart of a 15 little girl
semptember 11,2001
a terrible day for everyone
sadness and terror in our eyes
the useless death of so many great lives
childrens tears
americans fears
an act of hate leave many to wait
to see there loved ones at heavens gate
casie augustine 9-11-01 10:36am
Dorothy Ferraro
March 27, 2002
I have fond memories of Jim. We shared a few lunch hours down in the shop in the sub basement (with Carl Mirabile, Marilyn Crowley and Herman) prior to 1993. He was so friendly and warm. I work for the Port Authority Law Department. While I was outside the towers on 9/11 my heart sank, I knew Jim would be there as well as Eddie Strauss. God bless them and their families.
Joe Garvey
March 20, 2002
I had only a few dealings with Jim. My company was on the 22nd floor of No.2. He was first last and always, a Gentleman.
Maria & Carl Mirabile
March 15, 2002
Our hearts sank when we learned the buildings collapsed - because we knew that Jimmy would be in the building helping with the evacuation of tenants and co-workers - just as he did in 1993. I was with him then - and miss him now. We worked hand in hand for 10 years at the WTC. It is hard to believe each day that the nightmare is real. I remember the many days we went out to lunch together and the evenings that we worked late and traveled home together on the LIRR. Will miss a good buddy. Thoughts and prayers to Monica and children. Never a day goes by that we don't think of you all - and the many others who share this sorrow.
God bless you and give your family strength and courage through all the difficult times ahead. Love Maria & Carl
Dina & Christian Cacace
March 13, 2002
We hope Jim's family is still comforted in knowing that our prayers are with them everyday. We will never forget.
Jim Sanders
March 12, 2002
Most people will never know that he sometimes bought a lunch or dinner for an older homeless man near the towers. For this our family is very greatful for his kindness!
John PICONE
February 2, 2002
So many memories...Always gave good sound advice when I needed it. Was a true friend and co-worker. I will always remember his kindness and love for his family..Rest in Peace..
John Picone
Theresa Day Golat
January 12, 2002
I have such fond memories of Jimmy when we worked in the Operations Division together. I will always remember his warm hello (with such a thunderous voice). We were a happy family. Jimmy it was a pleasure to work with you on the B2 level for many years. Sleep with the angels, for you are a true angel now.
Teresa Jahn
January 9, 2002
What soft, warm and caring smile and heart penetrating eyes James has in the picture you have shared with us. They must be a reflection of a heart to match. We thank James for the time he served and protected our country as a marine. Such a devotion to America comes with a brave, warm and caring heart for others. May James's courage, warm heart, life and love live on in those who love him. May the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by warm memories of times together. May you always feel the warmth of his love surround you. We are deeply sorry for your loss of James. 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
Margaret Provanzana
December 11, 2001
A tribute to my cousin, Jimmy. He was a father, brother, friend, colleague, cousin, husband and hero. Loved by all who knew him. He will remain in out thoughts and prayers always.
IRENE STAPINSKI
December 5, 2001
GOD BLESS JAMES W.BARBELLA.MAY HE
REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY
AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Maria Cuaycong
November 19, 2001
mr. barbella was a great guy...he was our property manager...he was always there whenever we had some problems at the office...we're sorry that we lost a great guy like him...my heartfelt condolences to mr. barbella's family...
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