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Matthew Barnes Obituary
On a March afternoon two years ago, Matthew E. Barnes climbed to the top of a 100-foot aerial ladder to rescue 6-week- old twins from a furious blaze on the Upper West Side. The ladder swayed in the crisp breeze as Matthew Barnes took Isabella and Jacob Kalodner from the hands of their distraught mother, Linda.
Mr. Barnes, who was honored at City Hall for the rescue, said at the ceremony that he had tried to convince Mrs. Kalodner to wait for firefighters to reach them from inside the building. "She advised me she wasn't going to do that," he said. "I figured if she's willing to pass her baby out a 10th-story window, I should take it."
Mrs. Kalodner told him: "You treated our children like they were your own. There's nothing I can say but thanks."
The compassion was easy.
Mr. Barnes, 37, of Monroe, N.Y., loved children, said Sean O'Brien, a friend and fellow firefighter from Ladder Company 25. Mr. Barnes and his wife, Susan, had three boys of their own, Matthew Jr. 12, Jesse, 10, and Thomas, 8. He loved to take them fishing. "Sue always had a project for Matt to do around the house, but somehow Matt would manage to slip out and go fishing with the boys instead," Mr. O'Brien said. "But the projects around the house always got done. They were proud of their home."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gail Clark Bethel Ct FD
August 4, 2024
On June 23, 2024 I walked the T2T Bethel run in honor of Matt Barnes. He is gone but never forgotten RIP
Cindy Roe
August 31, 2021
Remembering Matthew on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Lisa Wilson
September 11, 2016
Today I climbed in the Colorado Stair climb in honor of Matthew Barnes. A friend of his, Steve who was at Ladder 25 stopped to introduce himself and tell me about who he was. I was honored to pay tribute to your son and brother. God Bless you all.
Kathy Knauer
December 1, 2015
Thinking of you on Jesse's 25th birthday! I'm sure you are watching over your boys and are so proud!
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Del Newberry
November 30, 2015
I pause as we enter this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas to say thanks to the many who lost their lives that horrible day, helping others. I lift up Matthew's friends, family and fellow firefighters as I honor his memory. I pray for each of you to be blessed in a special way, and that we will continue to honor Matthew's legacy by helping our fellow man.
Much love from Texas
Michael Rush
September 13, 2015
Today 9-13-2015 I did a stair climb in NH you were the man I was climbing for today thank you for your service we will not forget you and our other brothers
Brittney Davis
September 11, 2015
Firefighter Matthew Barnes, I am a flight nurse with Wings Air Rescue. Yesterday my crew members and I participated in a 9/11 Stair Climb Memorial event in which we climbed 110 stories in our turn out gear. I wore your photograph and name on a necklace around my neck during the event. You were honored at the closing ceremony with the ringing of a bell. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers are with your family today.
Barbara Boam
January 14, 2013
I walked a mile for you (mile #133) on 1/14/13 as a dedication to your life.
September 12, 2012
Matt, you are a true hero. We will never forget what you did for many people on 9/11 and even before 9/11 forever missed
September 11, 2012
Miss you, Matt. Can't believe it's been 11 yrs. since you left us. We all think about you and miss you very much.
Patricia Mazzucco
September 11, 2012
Mr. Barnes, it's hard to believe 11 years ago is the last time any of us saw you. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember waiting at the bus stop down the street, you passing on your way to work and waving with a smile on your face. You were such an amazing person. Always ready to lend a hand. You will forever be in our hearts. I know you are looking down over all of us. We miss you!
First one in, last one out...
Kirsten Fine
September 10, 2012
Hello again, dear friend.
As I greet you once more, I find I am pulled into my
memories
Fell through a hole in the Earth, drawn to its core.
I am stuck in the center, moments before being drawn
through
Floating, as if I dove into the sea and lost sense of the
way to the surface
Weightlessly suspended in time
The memories cascade through me as I close my eyes in
repose
I feel your presence today with every step I take during
this sun-less day
Although I can't see you with my eyes, I feel you glowing
beside me, as bright as can be
Oh how I miss you so, it took quite some time for me to
let myself grow
Remembering those somber few weeks way back when
I was merely ten years old, having my life shatter onto
my marbled floor
Wishing to collect the pieces to mend them together again
And even though I was able to put it back together for
the most part
There are still gaps and cracks that never existed before
the mess that was made,
that will never go away, no matter how many more bits I may uncover
And I still haven't been able to find that last, most
important piece
The warm-bodied, beautiful, essential, multi-colored
piece
The piece that completed my life and my being
And no matter how many things I come across that seem to
be able to fit
I will never be able to replace the empty place, that
void
For it will always be for you, my hero, my dear, dear
friend.
September 10, 2012
thank you
Alex 13 Jones
September 10, 2012
thank you
Susan Reilly
December 11, 2011
Merry Christmas in Heaven Matt !!
You are missed !!
Keep being an Angel for your family !!
Love Always,
Susan Reilly
November 4, 2011
AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT, ON THAT TERRIBLE DAY IN OUR LIVES YOU LOST SOMEONE WHO CAN NEVER BE REPLACED...MY SON ENTERED THE FIRE ACADEMY AND THE DAY YOUR LOVED ONE WAS FOUND, MY SON FINALLY PASSED HIS PHYSICAL AND BECAME A FIREFIGHTER...HIS NAME IS MATTHEW E. BARNES..
Jesse Barnes
September 11, 2011
Hey dad its me... I know, its been way to long sonce ive ever tried to talk to you but its been incredibly hard. Not just for me but for everyone. Though how tough its been, with you in our hearts me, Matt, Tommy, and Mom are doing pretty well some how(not really sure how). Matt just got excepted into SUNY New Paltz for his phenomical musical talent which in my eyes, i couldnt be prouder of him which im sure you would feel it 10x. Mom is in a commited relationship with a guy who i feel is good for her cuz i know all he thinks about is her (which is why i approve)and despite all of this she did an amazing job at filling your void as much as possible with her ability to tell us as much about you as we need and still amazes us with stories never told at how of an incredible father you were. And Tommy, well he was always a project for all of us but he became a better man for his suprising intellegence and optimism that he miraculously was able to provide us. Me? well im not really sure how to describe myself but almost every decision i mostly make in your point of view and for the most part, i feel im lacking because of my own personal demons but i will never let them overcome me because i know that with you here or not, you wouldnt let me lose sight on whats important in life since losing you. I can tell you straight up because if you were still here i could talk to you like this but im not in a good plae right now. Thats all im willing to say online but i promise i will pull through but not only for me, the friends and family, and who ever else has ever given me faith, but for you because i dont want to be my father, but follow in every same sized footsteps that he left me. Dad, I love you and im soooo sorry for not having my act together, but i swear, I'll make you proud...
Donna
September 11, 2011
I went to school with Matty.
He was a great person then and a hero now. Rest in peace friend
Andrew
September 11, 2011
Matt, You are a beacon of light and hope for mankind. You gave your all, so that others could have what was left of their all. You are an amazing person and an extremely courageous individual. Thank You!
September 11, 2011
To the Barnes Family. I used to play handball with matt and nick when i was a kid in maurice park. Though I am grown and far gone from those times, they were good times. My parents still live on the block you grew up in and am proud when I see they named that street after you. Rest in peace, may your soul be eternal.
Debbie Roccia
Westbury, New York
Kymberli Colbourne
September 11, 2011
We hold you in our hearts.
ANDREW LARUSSA
September 11, 2011
REMEMBERING YOU TODAY MATT
lisa amantea
May 5, 2011
I did have the pleasure of knowing matt, he was a kind and gentle person. may u rest in peace Matt. The navy seals did u and the rest of the people that lost their lives on 9/11 proud.
April 13, 2011
a hero that day.r i p sweetheart
cory day
January 13, 2010
Matt I never knew you but i just want to thank you so much for dieing for my freedom....You and my uncle Rusty will always be missed
k d
September 11, 2009
Matt I never knew you but today when I was listening to the radio I heard someone say your name while they were reading the names of those lost on 9/11. I am a father of two sons and I just wanted to say your bravery saved people you never knew, and just reading about you today has made me proud to be a American. Thank you Matthew, thank you
December 10, 2008
Happy Birthday Matt!!
Doug Abraham
December 10, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
maryann bluszcz
May 27, 2007
just thinkin of your family today..
December 11, 2006
Happy Birthday Matt.
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.
Evelyn B
September 13, 2006
Thank you Matthew for your selfless act of bravery. You risked your life to save others and you will be honored for that forever. To Matthew's family, just know that even though I may have never met or known about your Matthew before 09/11, I think of the victims of that day often, even now 5 years later and the surviving families are always in my prayers. God Bless!
Joe Rotter
September 12, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ken and Esther Barnes
September 11, 2006
We will never forget Matthew's courage and willingness to respond to those in need on 9/11/01. We feel his heroic response touched not only the immediate needs of those in need five years ago on this date, but also still touches the hearts of all Americans today and every day.
kelsey claxton
September 11, 2006
i may not know you but as an american were all one family thanks so much for choosing your career to help people. you will be missed. and you will always be an american
P Tabbernor
August 21, 2006
In memory....
Jennifer Wright McCarthy
September 20, 2005
I read Matt's name at the ceremony at Ground Zero on 9/11/05. It was an honor to remember him. Peace and sympathy from our family to yours.
Ken and Esther Barnes
September 11, 2005
Again today, we pause to remember Matthew, his courage and compassion. September 11, 2005
Pamela Long
September 11, 2004
You are an angel now. May you fly above the rest, and protect those you love. Thank-you so much for dedicating your life to help others. Three years has past but the memory of you and all who were lost will never leave. God bless you and your family.
Ken and Esther Barnes
September 11, 2004
To the family of Matthew E. Barnes,
We listened to Matthew's name read today at the September 11, 2004 memorial service. We want you to know that what we have read in Matthew's memorial has touched our hearts. Please know that Matthew's heroic efforts have not been forgotten.
Yvette Mell
February 27, 2004
Matthew,I miss you my youngest son.I have always been proud to be your mother.You were a wonderful husband,father,son,.brother,uncle,c ousin,friend. I miss your boyish giggle as you enjoyed your family and life. Love, Mom
Renee Michaud
January 24, 2004
I am another individual who is honored to be able to carry Matthew's name on a mercy band. I received my band shortly after Sept. 11, and I have worn it every day since....even now, more than two years later, it is as essential to me as my watch. Each morning, when I slip my band on, I am reminded of a selfless individual who, from all accounts I have read, loved serving his community as a firefighter. I am also reminded of his family, and their sacrifice...and my thoughts and prayers go out to them throughout the day as I - and others - notice the bracelet.
To Matthew's family....your husband and father will never be forgotten...he lives on in your memories and hearts. And from those of us who carry his name, he will always live in our prayers.
Vivian Velasquez
September 11, 2003
I remember Matt when we were just kids. He was always soft spoken. He didn't have a bad bone in him. My heart goes out to his wife & children. God bless, may eternal light shine on him.
Betty McMurrough
September 10, 2002
Dearest Susan and Children,
I want to thank your husband and father for his service to his country. In October of last year I also purchased a Mercy Band which also had Matthew Barnes name inscribed on it. Since then, I have prayed daily for your family and continue to pray for your loss. You and yours will not be forgotten and will remain in our prayers. With your permission I would like to send you a Mercy Band with your husbands name on it, please let me know if this is alright.
Christie Snolis-Brazil
September 9, 2002
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always. We lost a true hero.
Mike McClendon
September 7, 2002
This weekend on the 1 year anniversary of your heroism, my peewee baseball team, the Yankees, will wear NYFD & NYPD ballcaps. One of these ballcaps will have your name in it.
We will never forget you!
Kathy Trotter
April 24, 2002
Dear Susan and your 3 children,
Shortly after 9/ll our church took on a project of producing Mercy bands with each person that our country lost- their name on each sterling silver band. The name Mercy B.A.N.D., stands for Bearing Another's Name Daily. And, out of all of the people I received Matthews. I have been wearing it daily since Oct./200l., and I am wearing it in honor of your husband, and father. I pray for you all everyday, and I feel privileged to do so. I hope that hearing this gives you comfort, and may God bless you. I just wanted you to know. Matthew, truly sounds like an awesome person and to have the honor of wearing your loved ones name, is something I will never forget. Thankyou for letting me express myself. Kathy Trotter
Angie Campbell
April 22, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU***********
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
jim cunningham
April 4, 2002
I got to know Matt and his wife Susan when i lived in Welcome Lake Pa.and they came to visit Connie and Judy Barnes he was a great guy and a good son husband and father when i heard he was missing on 9-11 it tore at my heart as it did his father I just want the family to know that they are in my prayers
Judy, Connie Barnes
April 3, 2002
MATT WAS A SPECIAL PERSON, AND WE WILL MISS HIM TERRBLY, HE WAS A GREAT FATHER,HUSBAND, SON, BROTHER, AND FRIEND WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU,
IF YOU NEEDED HELP, HE WAS THERE, IF THEY'RE WAS A PROBLEM HE HELPED SOLVE IT,
WE WERE SO PROUD OF HIM ,WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU
DAD,& JUDY
Tom Fox
March 27, 2002
Matt and I grew up together. We were close friends though much of our childhood, playing stickball, football, etc.I am not sure what to write that sums up my feelings or is anything different then what I have read. He will be missed - but I especially feel for his children, because Matt and I still saw each other a couple of times a year and that was all we both talked about. They should know as they go through life the boys and Sue made his life complete and he was so happy.
My son comes home from school and gets in trouble for laughing during class and he blames another kid who always makes him laugh. When he says that, I think of Matt - he always made me laugh and that is a nice memory to leave behind.
TOM
R.C.
March 25, 2002
Im a friend of Jessie's &from my family&I,We just wanted to say how truly sorry we are &May God Bless you &your family... R.C.Monroe,N.Y.
Jerry McAuliffe
March 24, 2002
Although I live in Monroe, I never had the privelage to meet Matthew. My thoughts and prayers with his family and friends on this week he was finally laid to rest. I read these tributes and the stories of his heroism. Living in Pearl River and Monroe NY, I have met many fireman. Matthew's M.O. appears to be like many of the great ones-loved their family, love their job and completely selfless.
Rest in peace Matthew. God Bless your friends and families.
Lou Fine
March 23, 2002
The loss of Matt is not merely a loss to his family but a loss to us all. There are not many like him and it will be a long time before one like him comes along. I wish his family well.
NY Daily News Cover day after twins rescue
Dan FIne
March 22, 2002
Matt 3/2001
Daniel Fine
March 22, 2002
Only a Hemingway's words could provide the proper tribute to Matt Barnes, but these are my attempts. These are the 2 eulogies I gave him, the 1st at Matt's memorial service, the 2nd at his funeral, yesterday. His remains were found on March 17th, 2002.
I can’t believe we are here, doing this. These are very, very sad times, and this day is especially sad for us. Mathew Edward Barnes had his calling to help society as a firefighter. He answered that call with as much dedication as any other, and thrived on it. So much so that in the year 2000, the FDNY honored him with the “Honor Legion Medal” given once a year to the “bravest of the bravest”.
Anyone who knew Matt knows that he deserved this medal and as a man he was the humblest of the humble. When the press asked him for his comment after saving those twins, the heroic act for which he received this medal of honor, he gave credit to all the other firefighters on the scene but not himself. For me, a mere mortal civilian, that gesture put his greatness in perspective. It took me months to really appreciate the selflessness of it all, to understand that this is the call of every firefighter.
And now we come here today to honor Matt again. On 9/11/2001, when the unthinkable notion of planes crashing into towers became reality, Matt along with hundreds of others answered the call of duty. Selflessly, they all ran into the mouth of hell to help others, never to be seen again – making the ultimate sacrifice. They were all helping others to safety while they were facing death. It is so unfair that he lost his life this way, so young, with so much of the American dream left to fulfill, so many loved ones left here that need and miss him. If he had a choice, Matt would have wanted to die while serving the citizens of this city, a hero’s death. He is in heaven now, with Nicky and Mike and all the other fallen brothers. Matt is, and always will be missed here on earth. But even though he is not physically with us, he lives on. I see him in his each one of his boys. I see him in my wife and other family members. He is still with us.
I am in awe of him as a firefighter and I admire him as a husband and especially as a father. There is nothing we can do to bring Matt back, but we can continue to honor him by our undying love and devotion to Sue, Matt, Jesse and Tommy forever and ever.
We love you Matt, goodbye.
It’s been six months. It seems like an eternity and it seems like it was yesterday. A piece of our dreams and innocence has been stolen from us all. We have heroes being wounded and losing their lives overseas. There’s a quiet drumbeat attempting to justify the use of nuclear weapons.
The world is so different now. And our world is different without Matt. There have been too many stories of families ripped apart, just like ours has been. While daily life has resumed to normalcy and attention has waned for most, it is still with us everyday. When I have my daily thoughts about Matt and who he was and how heroically he served, I want to cry out and scream. It was so senseless and unfair. He was so precious to his family and the citizens of NY, whom he served with honor and distinction. Matt always seemed to do the right thing, whether it was his call to duty or his commitment to family and friends. Matt did not see himself as a hero; he was just doing his job. To quote Richie “to Matt a hero meant, ham and cheese with mayo”. That’s why he truly was a hero; he performed his duty without fanfare and gave 100%.
Then came the bittersweet news of finding him. He was the only found that day. Found on St. Patty’s day, ironically a day that he loved. I just found out that he marched in the parade every year since he was a probie, he was proud to serve our city. And this year he marched again, spiritually. At first I wasn’t sure how to feel about his being found. But I quickly grew to realize it was a good thing in the midst of so much sorrow.
So here we are paying respect as we say goodbye to Matt again, our emotions running high. So I want us all to remember how much he loved Sue, Matt, Jesse and Tommy. I want us all to forever do what we can to love and support them. We can never, ever replace the love lost, but we can all help in our own ways. Maybe, just maybe, that will ease the pain a little.
A FIREFIGHTER'S PRAYER
When I am called to duty, God
Whenever flames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age,
Help me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate
Enable me to be alert and
Hear the weakest shout
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out
I want to fill my calling and
To give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and
Protect his property
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
Please bless with your
protecting hand
My children and my wife.
Laurie Leat
March 22, 2002
To my cousin Matt, words cannot express how much you are missed. We will NEVER forget you.
Michele Chopin
March 22, 2002
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family during during difficult time.
A Dear friend
March 22, 2002
The last time I saw you was when you waited for an hour (at Christmas time) to find me in O'Neills, I cannot stress how much that meeting means to me now. MISS YOU SO MUCH. My mother worked in the WTC, so I am proud to say that you saved my MOM. THANK YOU AND LOVE YOU
Jill Criswell
March 20, 2002
May God Bless Matthew and his family.
Jennifer Holsten
March 12, 2002
Dear Lord, please watch over this HERO, he tried so hard to save everyone he could and I bet he saved hundreds of people for his own and he is a HERO and I hope his family is doing well you are all in my thoughts and prayers, may god be with you...Love Jennifer
mary ann bluszcz, finn,lopez
February 27, 2002
Dear Matt and his family in Monroe
and in Maspeth,
I hope that as you read this your days are getting a little easier, as I wrote Matt's letter from my
heart you know that Matt was a hero
way before his time. I will never
forget what a good friend your were
to my brother Joey. As I told you
on March 11,1999 the day the world
knew you were a hero by saving the
twins from that burning building,
that day was also Joey,s anniversary
a day that was always very hard and
depresssing to my family. It's a day
now that has or had a little bit of
change for myself and family since
you saved two lives the day Joey
died. What's more ironic and we
laughed about it was that I also had
twins who were going to be one on
April 4th that year. They are now
going to be 4 on April 4th and my
daughter Caitlin will be 6 on March
30th. We joked about me not only
getting married (remember my oath in
O'neills} but that I also had child-
ren something everyone in Maspeth
would be in shock to know. What was
even funnier that day was that here
we were living our lives a few blocks from each other in Maspeth
now we were both living a few minutes in Orange County who would
have known. You gave me your number
and always thinking I'll call one
day and we would get together with
our families, I'm sorry I never
called you. If Sue Barnes {Fine} or
Mrs. Y should read this please
E-mail my sister Ann Marie Finn as
I would like to talk to you. If Sue
Barns should get this please get in
contact with me also thru my sister
I have some pictures I would like to
send to you. I am going to send one
to Matt's firehouse,it's his picture
from graduation from St.Stans 1977.
So on a hard day they could look at
the picture and think of what a
ripping they would have been able to
give him. I along with my family will miss you and hope that your
family,friend's,neighbor's and your
fellow firefighter brothers will
take one day at a time. I know in my
heart that Matt and Joey are up
there having a beer or two or three
and knowing Joey he's most likely in
trouble and Mattt as he did in St.
Stan's is getting him out of it.
May God Bless your wife,children
your Mom,Dad,Russell,Danny,Sue and
their families. You will be missed
not only by the people that knew you
but by everone that never had the
chance to meet you with those perfect eyelashes.{the Barnes trade
mark.
Judy Cherbonneau
February 23, 2002
To The Barnes Family,
I never met you, but I wanted you to know you and your beloved Matthew are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for the loss of Matthew and I pray that a little bit of sunshine is beginning to filter in through the darkest of clouds. I know time will never ease your pain and sorrow, but I hope the words and thoughts of love that have been sent help you realize you and your Matthew will never be forgotten.
Rest In Peace, Matthew and may God hold your family, friends, and fellow firefighters in his warm and tender embrace.
Elaine & Heather Kinnel
February 21, 2002
Matt was a third cousin of mine who will never be forgotten, he was a hero among heroes. I know that Matt is now in heaven watching over his family and friends because that's the type of person Matt was, always putting everyone else before himself. Yvette, may god help you and your family through this terrible tragedy. Matt, you will never be forgotten. We love you and will miss you greatly.
LUCILLE SMITH
February 15, 2002
MATT, GOD will always be there for your family.With his help they will get through this terible tragedy.
You will never be forgotten.
Aunt Lou ... Cumberland R.I.
February 15 2002
Barb Underwood
February 15, 2002
"BE YE THEREFORE READY ALSO." LUKE 12:40 GRACE AND PEACE BE WITH YOU OUR BRAVE BRAVE BROTHER
Susan and Bob Departhy
February 13, 2002
Matt was a distant cousin of mine and we grew up together. Even though I was with his brothers more then with him, I still have some fun memories. My prayers are with Matt's family now and I pray this will all end soon. I have a son in the Air Force and I dread all the acts of terrorism. Aunty Yvette,I am praying for you to make it through this sadness. God Bless you.
Paul T. Devine
February 9, 2002
Matthew Barnes you are a hero in a sea of heroes. May the Eternal Father bless you and keep you and grant the necessary strength to your loved ones to overcome this terrible tragedy. John M. Devine was my grandfather and a Boston firefighter.
Rick Barnes
February 6, 2002
My prayers and sympathy to Matthew's family. Having the same last name, Matthew's name caught my eye during the SuperBowl halftime concert.
After reading about him on this site, I wish I had known him in life. He sounds like a true hero.
His family will always be able to be proud of him. I hope that the sad memories of today will one day be replaced by all the good memories they shared with him during his life.
Jane Burgess
January 17, 2002
My prayers and sympathy
Teresa Jahn
January 9, 2002
We are deeply sorry for America's loss of a hero. We thank Matthew with all our hearts for saving, protecting and caring for others as a firefighter. Such deep dedication to others can only come from a heart full of courage, warmth and love. May Matthew's enjoyment for fishing, his courage, life and love live on in all who love him and in those who have been touched by his life. May the deep sorrow of today be lightened by the warm memories of the yesterdays shared with Matthew. Our hearts cry with you in America's deep loss.
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
A friend
December 11, 2001
Happy Birthday in Heaven Matt
I'll have a Heineken for you!!
December 10
A friend
December 11, 2001
I "hung out" with Matt and his two brothers, Nicky and Mike, with whom he is with now. I cannot begin to tell you what a nice family these three come from. Even though I saw you once a year once we matured, I will miss those meetings very much. Love you Matt!!
IRENE STAPINSKI
December 5, 2001
GOD BLESS MATTHEW E.BARNES AND MAY
HE REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET
9/11/01
Laurie Engelhardt
December 2, 2001
I attend Calvary Chapel, Fort Lauderdale and I just purchased a mercy band with that bears the name Matthew Barnes FDNY. What a privilege and honor to be able to pray for his family. My heart goes out to his wife Sue and their three boys, Matthew, Jesse and Thomas. If there is a specific need, please email me. May God continue to bless and strengthen you.
cherylann O'Garro
November 21, 2001
I recall the story of Firefighter Barnes saving the twin babies from the apartment fire on the Westside of Manhattan. Then I recalled viewing Firefighter Barnes on TV with his family as he received a medal of honor at City Hall. What struck me about Firefighter Barnes during the ceremony at City Hall was his modesty concerning his extrodionary efforts to save the babies that were in immediate peril. I was truly upset to learn about his passing on Sept. 11, 2001.
Although, I did not know him and probably would of never met him I was truly touched by his bravery, and modesty. He was an example of a true and outstanding hero. May his wife and sons always be blessed
in the future.
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