Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
David Arce Obituary
When Margaret Arce opened up her son's apartment in Stuyvesant Town, she found remnants of his generosity, letters to Santa Claus from poor children. David Arce, a firefighter, would answer them by delivering wished-for toys, year after year.
"He has always been like that, always bringing home stray cats, stray dogs, stray kids," she said. "Growing up, it was the same thing; he was always bringing someone home to me who needed a meal, or who needed a coat."
On Sept. 11, he jumped on the fire truck, Engine Company 33, on Great Jones Street, even though his shift had ended.
She described her son, 36, as a bit of a fatalist. "He always had this belief that destiny was waiting there," she said.
Firefighter Arce, whose nickname was Buddha, was an enthusiastic fan of Joseph Campbell and would have long discussions at the firehouse about the writer's research into myth and religion. "I think what resonated was the overall belief that in the bottom line, everybody's religion is the same," she said. "Everybody is the same. It just comes down to one being. No matter who you are and what you are, we're all underneath the same sky."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Wendy felletter
January 9, 2025
Wendy felletter
January 9, 2025
Cindy Roe
August 31, 2021
Remembering David on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
December 18, 2019
In memory of a courageous firefighter who lost his life on 9/11.
A.L.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Diane
May 30, 2019
Dear family and friends of David Arce,
David's presence has certainly been missed. May your family draw comfort knowing that you are resting peacefully. Looking forward to the day when you are reunited together in a peaceful new world.
Angelica Armendaris
October 8, 2018
Hi mr dave
I didn't know u i was only 1 year old when you passed away for wat I know u were a charming person who liked to rescue people and Animals on September 11 2001 ur shift was over but u stayed and went in while others came out u were brave and died as a hero u were on the 40th floor when the north tower collapsed........when ever I see a picture of you I can actually see you in my mind coming down the stairs for a while I thought I was the reincarnation of you " weired ' I am happy u are in my life and heart since 5-25-17 I love you my hero rip
Lisa Davin
September 12, 2017
Your family, especially your sister Tara, continue to miss and remember you everyday. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting you I have heard wonderful stories about you. Tara and her family are very special to me and that means you are too. May you rest in peace and continue to watch over your loved ones.
Lisa Davin
Louisa Howells
September 11, 2017
Forever in our thoughts xxxxxx
Caroline Hammond
September 10, 2017
Dear Buddha -
I miss you and Mike.
Love, Caroline
Louisa Howells
September 11, 2016
May you continue to rest in peace David - 15 years on. Thinking of your family and the rest of those whose suffered on that fateful day x
Caroline Hammond
September 11, 2015
Happy birthday dear Buddha - My little cat Buddha has been keeping company with you for the past three years. I hope you and Michael are having a great time.
With love and gratitude.
Louisa Howells
September 11, 2015
Thinking of each and every person who suffered on this day 14 years ago...especially you David x
September 12, 2014
thank u 4 fighting 4 our country
Lisa Davin
September 12, 2014
Hi David: I just want you to know that we are all still thinking about you. I talked to your sister yesterday and she was in NYC and your mom was in Brooklyn each was representing you and your fellow fire fighters. The view from the sky is full and bright once again with all eyes on you.
Rest well
Gary
September 8, 2014
David, my daughter and niece gave me your picture as part of a church project in 2001 to remember those who were murdered in the terrorist attacks. I am a Deputy Chief in my department and I put your picture on my sun visor. You are still answering calls with me and will after I leave. I like to think that you are still protecting me. Bless your family.
Doug Campbell
September 6, 2014
I am a firefighter in DeSoto, Tx a suburb of Dallas. Every year for the past 3 years I have participated in the Dallas 9/11 memorial stair climb. We climb 110 stories in full gear in honor of our fallen brothers. This year I had the honor of climbing for David. During the climb, I carried a lanyard around my neck with his picture & Engine 33 printed below his name. I also had an accountability tag with his name & engine number printed on it that was attached to my helmet. When I completed the climb on the top floor of the tower I was greatest by 2 FDNY ff who worked along side of David. Both ff had a lot to share about what an amazing ff & friend he was. As I researched more, David & I were both the same age also. I must say, of the 3 years I have participated in the climb, this was the most memorable. It was an honor to climb for David this year, & then to find out so much about him from his fellow brothers! God Speed brother
Louisa Howells
September 12, 2013
Thinking of you and your family on the anniversary of your untimely death....especially your mother who I met at ground zero a few years ago who told me all about you..my love and thoughts go out to each and every person who suffered in the atrocity that day...but shall always remain in our thoughts...x
Karen Reichard
September 11, 2013
My son turned 14 in June and became a Junior Firefighter with out local volunteer fire department. On Sunday he and his fellow firefighters participated in the 3rd Annual stair climb memorial in Lancaster, PA. Each participant was given a name and photo of a NYFD fire fighter who they climbed for. My son was fortunate to recieve your name and photo. He climbed 110 flights of stairs in your memory. He carries your card/photo with him daily in his school binder. RIP David Arce. May you now be an angel to watch over other firefighters.
Christine Demarco
September 11, 2013
David it has been 12 years since that awful day...I think of you every day since and wear your name proudly on my wrist. You will NEVER be forgotten, thank you for being a HERO!
Dennis Yebba
September 11, 2013
David, I attended your funeral that November day. A brother firefighter from Everett, Ma. We went to ground zero to help. We could do nothing but stand in tribute to you and other members of fdny. The sight of your mother haunts me to this day. Today I went to mass and lit a candle for you and the members of fdny who were lost that day. Your picture with the flag raising hangs in my kitchen and god help the one who wants to remove it. We adopted your as a family member. All of our activities are in the kitchen. You share our meals and parties with us. God be with you and your family on this day of remembrance.
Lisa davin
September 11, 2013
Always thinking of your family today and how much they miss you in their heart, their soul and their every day life. You will always be with them.
Laura
September 10, 2013
In remembrance of 9/11
Gerard Casey
February 28, 2013
My heart bleeds being there on 9/11 and to have survived All I can say is that every day the nightmare haunts me. I'm honored to have known Dave.
Lisa Davin
September 11, 2012
Another year has gone by and you and all your fellow firefighterrs remain in my thoughts. Your courage and belief in mankind makes you forever special.
Christine Demarco
September 10, 2012
Thinking of you and tomorrow is the anniversary of 9/11. I will never forget that day and all of you who perished on that day. I will again put your picture up and light the candles that surround it, and will be praying all day for you and the others.
Christine D
February 29, 2012
Hi David,
Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you today as I do everyday. My friend went to Ground Zero around Christmas and she did a rubbing of your name for me. She knows that I wear your name daily since Nov of 2001 on my wrist...I will be laminating it along with a picture of you in an 8x10 frame and putting it on a wall in my house, so that all who enter will see it and also say a prayer for you and your family. You are truly a HERO in my eyes and you will always be in my heart and on my mind!
Lisa Davin
February 29, 2012
I was fast asleep when my telephone rang and the person calling was your sister. She was just checking in to make sure I was ok. Something she does on a regular basis. You have a great family and I am so happy that I have become a part of it. Not a day goes by when the thought of you flutters through.
Barbara Boam
February 28, 2012
Barbara Boam & Kim Rogers walked a mile for you (mile #78) on 2/28/12 as a dedication to your life.
Bader Almulla
December 29, 2011
David, U Seemed Like A Nice And Down To Earth Guy, I'm Sorry That I Didn't Get The Chance To Know U, May U Rest In Peace
Jonathan Arce
September 29, 2011
HI my name is Jonathan Arce and I am his great 3/4 11 year old cousin of David Arce who was a firefighter and police officer who died on 9/11/. I would like to thank him for helping other people he cares about and for being a good citizen.I would also thank him for protecting the people and family he loves from danger and being a good citizen. We all miss you Uncle and I miss and love you too.
Lisa Davin
September 29, 2011
It is so amazing to me when I read the entries into this Legacy. People that don't know you yet feel the impulse to talk to you. Just like me. Yesterday was my mothers birthday, she past away 4 years ago. I light this special candle for her on her birthday, this year I added you to it.
Christine D
September 28, 2011
Thinking of you again and always David. So glad to hear that you had family that was able to go to ground zero on Sept. 11th. I wish that one day I will get there and be able to rub your name on a piece of paper and put it with your Mercy Band, and the Band for Brothers Band that I wear all the time, along with all the other things I have that are in memory of you...and can pass it on to my daughter, then her sons, so that you will NEVER be forgotten.
September 27, 2011
My name is Devin from Armuchee Middle school in Rome, Ga. we are going to be planting a flower in the memory of the men and women that died on 9/11. I will be planting one for David. We appreciate his service for our country.
Jeff Miller
September 16, 2011
As I memorialize one fallen firefighter per day on my FB page "343 Days of Remembrance" I wanted to say to the family of David Arce that today is his day. As I try and bring some true remembrance to each man, I hope we can focus through memorials on the man he was in life, not just through his sacrifice.
God Bless the Arce family - and a special prayer for Rita that she has found some solace and peace with the passing of time.
Kymberli Colbourne
September 11, 2011
We hold you in our hearts.
September 11, 2011
Buddha, you are still a shining example of a great person. I hope to grow up to be just as brave and lovely as you were. My thoughts are with you and your family today.
September 11, 2011
Thank you, from all americans, for your heroism.
Lisa Davin
September 11, 2011
Your sister Tara and your mother Marge along with your beautiful neice are with you at ground zero today. I wish I could be there to support my "sissy" but I devoted today to "pay it forward" by only doing good deeds in honor of your memory. Keep watching down on your family and friends. You will always be remembered
Robert Johnson
September 11, 2011
What a wonderful person. Bob from Chicago
Melissa Studds
September 10, 2011
On Sept 3, 2011 in San Diego, I had the privilege of carrying a memorial card for David up 110 flights of stairs, alongside firefighters and other first responders who were also climbing in memory of and to honor the fallen heroes of Sept 11, 2001. I pray the Arce family will find comfort and strength in knowing that David will never be forgotten.
LOUISA HOWELLS
September 10, 2011
I didnt know you, but I went to New York 2 years ago and went to ground zero and met your mother who told me about you. I got very emotional and was truly grateful for your mother to talk to me about you and tell me more about you and your life. I gave your mother my rosary beads that I always used to carry around with me and she gave me a memory card that had been given out at your funeral. I carry this around with me EVERYWHERE! Even when I go on holiday! I believe that this brings me good luck, because whenever I havent carried it with me, something bad happens. I didnt know you, but your memory lives on, in me and many many others.
My love to your family and friends on the anniversary of your tragic death and for ever other victim of September 11th 2001. xxxxxxx
Louis Cicardo
September 10, 2011
We remember you and Michael Boyle very well. We lived behind your home in Westbury and saw you both growing up. We will never forget your bravery and your sacrifices. At this time, we once again send our sincerest condolences to your family. Lou Cicardo and Vincent Montilli, Cary, North Carolina
Caroline Hammond
September 9, 2011
With Love & Gratitude from me and a little cat named Buddha in honor of you.
Christine D.
September 9, 2011
It has been 10 years since you died. I remember you always throughout my day.
I wish I could have met you, and gotten to know you thru other means then just having to know you thru what I have read about you. I feel so close to you in a lot of ways and feel that you truly were a wonderful, caring man.
You were off duty when that call came in on that fateful day, but you jumped on the firetruck to go help whoever needed it. Never realizing the terrible tragedy that was to follow for you and so many others and without regard for your own safety, you went into The South Tower to get the people that were in there out. Never knowing that the structure was going to crumble down around you and so many others.
David, I was watching the news at the time that the Tower you were in, just crumbled into a pile of rubble.
I can still remember the feeling just watching that happen, and I didn't know of you at that time, but, when I received the Mercy Band with your name on it, I searched for more information on you so that I could know who you really were. I wrote to Engine Company 33 and they told me that you were finally found in March of 2002. You were 1 of the 10, out of 14 firefighters in Engine Company 33 who died going out on that 911 call that day.
You are missed but NEVER forgotten. You are a true Hero David.
A. Alex Arce
September 9, 2011
I saw article today, and it brought me to tears. Having never met you, I am still so certain I will never forget learning about you and your bravery that day.
The ARCE'S in
September 1, 2011
To the Arce family...As the 10th anniversary of David's passing. It will be hard again for family and friends to relive the day. Prayer is our salvation from pain. So we should continue praying for each of ya'll.
Kristina Bailey
May 11, 2011
Thank you for your brave actions! You will be greatly missed. I am doing a research project for David and if anyone has information on him please send it to me.
Amber Hood
April 18, 2011
Dear Mr. Arce,
I've never met you, but I met your mom last 4th of July at the WTC tribute center. She was telling a story about you to the crowd. I wish I had known you. You stand for something so big. I see your photo everyday and you will never be forgotten.
Christine Demarco
April 14, 2011
Think of you always David. You are missed!!
April 12, 2011
sadly missed not fogotten r i p love
Lisa Davin
March 28, 2011
You will always be remembered and loved
Bobby McLoughlin
March 28, 2011
Dave, you led by example, whether you liked it or not, thanks. Marge, thanks for all of your strength since that day. Not hard to see where David got his devotion to lead by example.
sammy
February 15, 2011
r i p david you and your lovely brothers from your firehouse are never forgotten ever.
SummerWind
February 4, 2011
pints and memories to be shared in your and Mikey's honor tomorrow at Hurleys. Will keep a seat open.
JORDAN HUTCHINSON
November 23, 2010
DAVID
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE ON 9/11. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR BRAVERY ON THAT DAY. YOU AND THE OTHER 343 NYFD INSPIRE MY LIFE. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR HEROISM.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DONT PRAY FOR YOU AND THEM.THANK YOU AGAIN!
Christine D.
September 11, 2010
Well David it has been 9 years since you were taken from us on that terrible day in Sept. I still remember you 24/7, 365. I still have the mercy band with your name on it! This world lost a special person that day. You were loved by lots of people and continue to be thought of! You are missed by all who knew you...
Rest In Peace David!
Arce's of the South
January 1, 2010
David Rest in Peace "Dios te tenga en su Gloria". As I see David he resmbles several of my cousins and I am talking about Arces that live in Texas. I understand that there were 5 Arce brothers who came from Spain in the 1860's. I know of 4 settling in Texas, one left to Mexico. The story goes the fifth brother stayed in the East Coast.
We will never forget!
Susan Williams Weletok
September 12, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are always with you and your family.
Jeanne Arnold
September 11, 2009
I love that the kids refer to you as "Buddha, Uncle Michael's friend" and that they look for the two of you on the moon.
The O'Reillys
September 11, 2009
our thoughts are with you today buddha.
Mark Skeens
February 8, 2009
Nearly every sunday I wear a bracelet with David's name on it. We as a nation stated that we would never forget our brothers in the fire service. I have not forgoten. I will continue to pray for your family David.
Catherine Kapp
December 27, 2008
I just want to say that even those of us who never knew David personally still think of his kindness, his interest in Joseph Campbell and his courage. My prayers go out to his mother and his family and friends. I never met David but I know I would have liked him and we would have had a lot to talk about!
Mary Lynch
September 12, 2008
Thinking of you today and everyday.
V. Le
September 12, 2008
You were a good man and I thank you for what you have done
Susan Williams-Weletok
September 11, 2008
I have never forgotten, and I never will! RIP David and God Bless your family.Margaret, Peter, Michael and Tara Arce. You are forever in my heart and my prayers,
Love always,
Susan
Chris/Monica O'Reilly
September 11, 2008
in our thoughts today budds.
Doug Abraham
February 10, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Mary Lynch
December 19, 2007
Budda--Thank you for answering our prayers. Keep watching over everyone.
Love
Mary
Chris/Monica
September 11, 2007
In our thoughts and prayers this day
September 9, 2007
Thinking of you David.
God Bless you and your family.
Nancy Nee
sister of FF George Cain..ladder 7
Richard Roode
January 6, 2007
God Bless all the fireman and those who suffer from the tradgic event.Will never be forgotten!
Dawn Sproules
January 6, 2007
God Bless this family.May you find peace and happiness.
aj
November 20, 2006
god bless
Kristine
October 11, 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.
September 19, 2006
May your family remember the wonderfuly times you shared during your brief stay on Earth.
Evelyn B
September 12, 2006
I never had the pleasure of meeting you but from your profile it sounds like this world really lost a good one. God bless the surviving family and friends.
DeMon Russell
September 11, 2006
David Arce, a true Hero! Thank You for your service! My condolences to all loved ones!
Lori Russick
September 11, 2006
Because of your bravery and courage others live today!
God Bless You and Your Family...
Lori
Mary
September 11, 2006
Buddah--We will never forget you. We miss you and Michael so much. Our family gatherings are very quite and lonely without you guys here. We miss you guys so much. Keep watching over us.
Miss you
Mary
Christine DeMarco
September 11, 2006
Hi David,
I still wear the band with your name on it after 5 years.
I never knew you, but I think of you always, and wish that I could have known you before the tragic day happened.
We seemed to be the same, as I always brought stray animals home too.
I know that one day we will meet and be able to share things from our youth that made our moms wonder what they were going to do with all the animals we brought home.
Tyler Rea
September 11, 2006
Your the real hero...
Yvonne Gonzalez
September 11, 2006
Dear David,
Today is your 5th anniversay, and I know that you will you continue receiving in heaven all my good thoughts and prayers. All my best thoughts to the Arce Family,
Yvonne Gonzalez
Chris O'Reilly
September 11, 2006
Always in our hearts and memories, David (Buddha).
Chris & Monica
Corinne & Kaitlyn
Abel Arce
September 10, 2006
I am orig from NYC and didnt know David Arce. I am in Law Enforcement and felt for all my bro/sis lost that day. I saw the name David Arce and was surprised. Arce is not a common name. By the way my name is Abel Arce and I now live in Florida. God bless you all.
P Tabbernor
August 20, 2006
In memory....
christy marroquin
May 9, 2006
well i didnt now that well but i just wont to tell you god bless you with love and care
Old Friend
February 1, 2006
hope you have the 'cuda, Einbecker and Thorogood wid'ya!
Jim Johnson
September 11, 2005
God Bless You...
Catherine Kapp
August 13, 2005
David Arce,
The world is a smaller place than we know. I am old enough to be your mother and live at the other end of the continent but have felt a great connection to you ever since I read the profile in the New York Times. Your mother has a right to be very proud of her reader of Joseph Campbell and guardian of strays. You seem to have been an angel among us ---in the uniform of a NY fireman!
Linda DiCosmo
July 22, 2004
Dear David:
You were the funniest, wittiest person I ever met. I never stopped laughing whenver I talked to you. You had a dry kind of sense of humor. And everyone says you were so quiet- but you never shut up those times when I was around you!
Remember the time in the kitchen when the women were discussing women's stuff- like where to get the best bikini wax- and you
acted like you were recoiling from all the "girl talk", but you kept wandering back into the kitchen over and over again to hear more? You couldn't get enough of our girl talk.
Please keep Michael in line. I wish things were different.
John Foulks
April 21, 2004
You appear to be a very sincere person, may God bless you
Rebecca Bradley
February 15, 2004
In November of 2001, when my husband and I found out that we were going to have a baby, we knew that we wanted to choose a fireman's name from 9/11. After reading through hundreds of bios, we decided that David's touched us deeply. Our son, David, is now 20 months old. We think often the kind, generous, heroic man that we named our son after.
In loving thoughts,
Scott & Rebecca Bradley
David Arce
February 14, 2004
I just want to say hope he rests in peace. He was my uncle even though I never meet him. We will always remember you.
Del Newberry
November 18, 2003
David,
We will never forget you and we will strive to be the kind of person you were to honor your memory.
Love from Texas...
Shannon Mugrage
September 12, 2003
Even two years after the day that changed the way America thinks, I still feel the same pain I felt when I first seen any images from that fateful day. This time though I was lucky enough to be able to wear my United States Navy Dress Whites all day and remember the price we must pay for the freedoms we enjoy. 9/11 showed me that it was my turn to step up and do my part for my country. I have never been more proud of wearing my uniform and never felt more like an American than I did today. May God Bless America and the United States Armed Forces.
Susan Williams-Weletok
September 11, 2003
David,
Even though I had not seen you in a long time I never forgot you or your family. I loved you when we were kids and you will always be in my heart, thoughts and prayers.One day we will meet again.
Love always,
Susan
Angela & Anthony Clement
September 11, 2003
May God Bless you and the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/2001. (It seems like yesterday...) We will NEVER forget what you did for others. Rest in peace....
PO Tyrell Tyrell
September 11, 2003
God Bless u David and family! I knew David from Elementry School up to High School where we graduated together and hung out. He went to FDNY and I went NYPD. I did not know he was one the victims until late after 911. You were truly and gentelmen and friend. I will miss you David......
Monica Arce
January 23, 2003
My infant son's name is David Arce as well; named for my father. I, too, am honored to have my son share his name with such a brave and kind-hearted soul. May the world wherein he now dwells be much gentler than our own, and may his selfless life serve as an inspiration for peace.
Showing 1 - 100 of 138 results
Make a Donation
in David Arce's name
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Arce's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored