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Richard Allen Pearlman
Richard Allen Pearlman
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Richard Pearlman Obituary
It was only supposed to be a way of keeping a teenage boy off the streets and out of trouble. But soon after Richard Pearlman's mother signed him up, the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps unlocked a life's passion. For four years, no matter the weather, he was always there, riding two buses from his home in Howard Beach to Forest Hills, determined to learn as much as he could.
On Sept. 11, he put that training into action, almost by accident. An 18-year-old office clerk for a Queens lawyer, Mr. Pearlman had been sent to run an errand at 1 Police Plaza. While there he learned of the World Trade Center attack and raced there alongside police officers.
"He dreamed of becoming an E.M.T.," said Dori Pearlman, who last saw her son in a photo in a newsmagazine surrounded by emergency workers at ground zero. He was scheduled to begin emergency medical technician classes in October.
"He used to always say, 'I'm going to be a famous person one day, Mom. I'm going to help save the world.
'You'll see.' "
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Elise Palazzo - Crapser
March 8, 2025
May your memory be a blessing
Gary Zollweg
June 24, 2022
Richard, you are a true hero and an inspiration.
Rest in peace.
Mary McG
September 12, 2019
Wow, what an amazing young man, not even thinking twice about responding to this call for help. May you feel your dear Richards presence in a special way, when you least expect it, or need it most. Thank you for raising a son, whose actions will continue to inspire and change lives for the better. God bless.
Dru Quarles
September 11, 2019
Thank you , mom, for raising a stellar young man . On this anniversary, I chose a random name and I chose Richard and read his story . I am a mom myself of a 17 year old son and 20 year old daughter . Im a stay at home mom but also a physician . Richard heard that someone needed him and he put the needs of that person above his own safety. I wish I could have known him, he sounds like one amazing kid . Much much love from Charlotte NC .
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Robert Makepeace
August 30, 2019
Richard may god bless you always and may god bless your family
Brady B
August 29, 2019
Hello i am a sophomore from Shanley Highschool located in Fargo , ND. Sorry to hear about Richard, i loved researching his story he is an inspiration to all. May God bless your family and may he never be forgotten.
Anonymous Person
August 23, 2017
We all try to find our passion and our own ability to help others. It is all the better when these goals align. You found your passion, and you found your way of helping people, and we all are thankful for your passion and conviction. As my band prepares for our 9/11 tribute halftime show, you are on my mind, encouraging me to make the world better for those around me.
Robert Makepeace
May 16, 2017
I never knew you but what I saw in your sister Lisa you must have been a very kind person god bless you always you and your family will always be in my prayers
S.J. Friscia III
May 15, 2017
In Memory with
Honor & Respect.
Michael Herstein
September 11, 2016
Richie,
On this day, being the 15th Anniversary of the tragic day in our family and in American history, I want it to be known that the entire family feels the pain of your early passing. Having been down at the WTC at the same time as you (though I didn't know it at the time), I know the horrors that you witnessed and the efforts that you made to save lives. Your sacrifice was an inspiration to our family. I am proud to have named one of my son's after you.
- Cousin Michael Herstein, EMT-P
Kyle Christian
March 8, 2015
Being 18 and a volunteer firefighter, I think of you specifically when I reach troubled times. Rest in Paradise.
Robert Makepeace
September 11, 2014
Another year has passed and you are never forgotten god bless you and your family
Jan Smith
September 12, 2013
I have not forgotten that you are a true hero. I still wear a bracelet with your name on it in your memory. God bless your family.
September 11, 2013
May God bless you and your family
T 183 TRC
robert makepeace
September 11, 2013
Richard I never knew you but you must have been just as loving as your sister Lisa and your family may god bless always
Deb Franklin
September 11, 2012
You will ever be forgotten. Ever. With loving thoughts from Iowa
Aaron Priester
September 11, 2012
Richards, you are an inspiration to all with your displays of courage and bravery in that moment. Your desires to work hard to serve the public and going above and beyond to do so should never ever be forgotten or overlooked. You are a true hero. May you rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for your dedication in protecting our country. God Bless You!
September 11, 2012
Richie - you gave your all so others might live. May God bless you and your family
Troop 183 T. Roosevelt Council
EMT Jan Smith
September 16, 2011
Richard, I wear a bracelet with your name on it to honor you and all who gave so much that day. I will wear it proudly. God Bless
Alex R
September 15, 2011
I wish I could have met you. You had done more for others in your 18 years than I have in my 30. You inspire me ad I really wish you're happy and peaceful wherever you are right now.
Ben Pearlman
September 11, 2011
I just heard the name Richard Allen Pearlman's name called . Though I never knew him I was moved by his Mom's story of how he ended up at WTC on that fateful day. Richard is a true partiot and you should be proud!
May he rest in peace! GOD BLESS!
Tom Mulry
September 11, 2011
Dori
I hope you are well and God has given you comfort and peace,
We visit Richie's memorial at Aquehonga every last July & we remembered you at our Troop meeting this week.
Richie's courage, selflessness and dedication to others are an inspiration to us all.
You and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom Mulry
Troop183 Theodore Roosevelt Council
Dave Solomon, Past Pres. FHVAC
September 9, 2011
Richie, it was always a pleasure being with you and as your trainer in first aid and CPR I am proud of what you did but miss you.
September 2, 2011
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COURAGE AND RIP
just another sad American
September 12, 2010
I never met you and I never will. But I will remember your selfless spirit.
September 11, 2009
We spent time at your memorial at Aquehonga last July & we talked about you at our Troop meeting last night. You are an inspiration to us all.
You and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers
T183 T Roosevelt Council
Conrad Dominguez-Urban
September 11, 2009
In his memory:
No greater love is there than to lay down one's life for another. Some high school freshmen in Baltimore now know of his name. Rest in peace, fellow scout.
Conrad J. Dominguez-Urban
Baltimore City College HS Science Dept.
Chaplain BSA Troop 794 and Camp E. Wallace Oest, BCMSR
September 11, 2009
I didn't know Richard, but I was 19 when this terrible tragedy happened, around the same age as Richard. Eight years have passed, but the pain is still real as if it had happened yesterday. God bless Richard and his family.
Rochelle Franzese
September 12, 2008
I work in the same building as Richard Allen Pearlman did, and he was an incredible young man. Always had a smile on his face, and always willing to lend a helping hand.
May God Bless his family, and may he rest in piece. He is truly a hero that will never be forgotten.
robert makepeace
September 11, 2008
may god bless you always for you must have been a very kind hearted man i can see it through your sister lisa. may god also bless the pearlman family at this trying time
Julia Watanabe
December 13, 2007
R.I.P Richard!
We`ll never forget this tragedy.
Larry Jortner
September 18, 2007
Dear Pearlman Family:
I just found this site. Looking at Richie's pictures reminded me of the birthday parties our families shared at the Herstein's when Richie and Lisa were just kids and we were all so much younger and blissfully ignorant of the sadness of 9/11/01. Richie's untimely loss still hurts. I pray that God's healing and comfort will ever be with your family. I know he certainly is taking care of Richie.
Santa Colon
September 11, 2007
you will always be remembered,,,R.I.P
Adrienne
April 22, 2007
WE WILL NEVER FORGET...
P Tabbernor
January 29, 2007
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 29, 2006
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.
Nancy Sahlberg
November 11, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
Allie Shaver
November 14, 2005
My son, Jackson, is almost 2 years old. I hope we raise him to be a great, young man like Richard.
Sheri Valera
September 11, 2005
I was 18 years old September 11, 2001 - the same age as Richard. We remember you.
Penny Glass
September 27, 2004
To the Pearlman Family,
We were neighbors many years ago. We knew Richie & will never forget him. Your son died a hero. We will miss him & never forget his selfless act. Our condolences go out to your family.
Linda Josten
September 12, 2004
My Daughter and I went to a memorial tonight in our town. They had a plant for everyone who gave their life that Sept. morning. My daughter Kelsey chose you Richard. Your sacrofice was so great, never to be forgotten. My husband is a Parametic, firefighter. I have a great appreciation for what you gave. God bless you as you rest in peace, also your family for sharing your story with us. It's amazing how connected we are, so many miles away. Your sister is right, you are an angel. Your family will stay in our prayers.
Linda Josten
JAYNE O'Donoghue
September 9, 2004
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY, TO LOOSE SUCH A SPECIAL YOUNG MAN IN THE PRIME OF HIS LIFE MUST HAVE BEEN TRULY UNBEARABLE, IM SURE HE IS HEAVEN LOOKING AFTER THE SICK AND NEEDY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
anonamous
August 28, 2004
i just read your story and i am sorry about your loss. may God have his hand on your family at this time.
March 21, 2004
You are still remembered, Richard.
Cate Bardin
February 22, 2004
Rich-
I was and am truly blessed to have known you. You are such a wonderful guy. I will never forget visiting you at AQ and you always making me laugh. You are such a beautiful person. You are and always will be in my heart. Thank you for all you have done and thanks for being a great friend.
All my love,
Cate
Shana
September 16, 2003
To the family of Richard Pearlman:
Hi, my name is Shana. I am 12 years old and in the 7th grade.My teacher gave us many stories of September 11th. I chose your son's story to write to. He probably really enjoyed being an EMT. Richard must have been really brave to go to the World Trade Center that day. I am truly sorry he died. I will remember him.
Sincerely,
Shana
Charlie T
September 11, 2003
You are a true hero who will never be forgotten.
May God bless you and your family.
Victoria
September 11, 2003
You are an inspiration to all!
Larry Shusterman
April 20, 2003
Is feels like it was just yesterday me and richie used to trade lunch in school. i still remember how we used ask one another to bring different kind of foods to school just so we can trade them. me and richard went to PS.272 and we were best friends until he moved and i never got a chance to say goodbye to him. now that he is really gone i wish i would of tryed to find him. my love go's out to his family. and of all people who know we were like brothers is his mother who always waited for him after school with my sister. so from me and my family, i'm sorry to the pearlman family.
Chris Gaulrapp
September 12, 2002
Richie,
I knew you for a long time, I know the type of person that you are and it really showed on Sept. 11, 2001. I was not surprised to hear that you were down there right in the middle of all the chaos and horror. That is the type of person that you are, and the type of person we should all strive to be. You did not think about yourself, you thought about others. You died a Hero, and you are among the very best that we had to offer that day.
Julio Mercado
September 12, 2002
Richie
Well it's been a whole year today and i still can't belive your not around. Working with you in the scouts was fun you helped me overcome my home sickness by keeping the staff and i in stitches. You are great friend. God bless you and your family . AQ 2000 was my best summer. Thanks hope to see you again someday you will always be alive in this heart...
Your friend Julio
caroleann marcink
September 11, 2002
im deeply sorry for not expressing my condolinces earier but i had just found out about your great son's Death . I was a volunteer at Ridgewood Volunteers and knew your son. He was a sweet and kind person. May god bless him and may god bles you.
If there is anyway i could help please feel free to email me
Dave Moretti
September 11, 2002
Richie,
You had the makings of someone very special. You did what we are trained to do, you responded to the scene of an emergency and made the ultimate sacrifice. It is with a heavy heart that I say I will miss you at Shea and at Forest Hills.
Rebecca Piscopo
September 10, 2002
Comming across your tribute page, I realize how precious life is, and how fast, sometimes for the wrong reasons, life can be taken from us. I am also young, I am 18 years old myself, and I can't explain how I sense a closeness to you. Maybe because we are both 18, maybe because we are both from Queens! Im really not sure what it is, But I feel like I know you. Somehow I know you're a Good person, kind and honest. Well, We know you're in Heaven now looking down on us all. God please you and your family! Lots of Love and Blessings. XoXoXoXo
Lorna Hakola
September 10, 2002
I did not know you, but somehow i feel that i can relate to you. I am a seventeen year old girl who has many dreams and wishes of this world. My father is a local EMT and i can tell by the way he works things that he is just like you, has a dream of being a hero. That he is, and that you definately are. You are a hero in my eyes and will always be remembered. I will always remember where i was that day, and what i was doing. May we one day meet and rest in peace together. You will be my hero forever. Thank you and may you rest in peace forever
Love,
Lorna
Sue Haldane-Laster
September 9, 2002
At age 18, most young men barely think of the Big Picture of their future. Your son did SO MUCH to realize his goals, in SO LITTLE time on Earth.
I would have liked to have known him!
Deidre Ippolito
September 8, 2002
To the Pearlman Family:
He is definitely a hero, that helped save the world. He smiles down on us. My heart goes out to you all. God Bless!!
lauren patton
August 30, 2002
God bless u!!!!!!!!!!!!!
barbara E.
June 1, 2002
To The Pearlman Family,
As a fellow EMT myself, I can understand Richards dream of helping people. Sept 11th, some gave all living their dream. This is why I so proudly wear his name on my memorial braclet. His dream will continue on with my service of helping others.
God Bless your Family and Everyone else in America!
Barbara Elarde
Angie Campbell
May 9, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Rebel Sauls
April 19, 2002
Although I will never really know this man, Richard Allen Pearlman, I know he will live on in my heart. For he has truely blessed me-even after his ealry depature-by giving me the will to help others as he did so selflessly that day.
Ray Lear
April 7, 2002
Sometimes when you extend a hand to help, and it has your heart in it, God will grasp it, and hold it to him.
God bless your son.
Joanne Bardin
April 6, 2002
Dear Mrs. Pearlman,
I met Rich at TMR. I remember his smile and enthusiasm and his love of life. I cry with you but know that Rich is a hero to me and my family. He was doing his dream and doing it well. He will be missed.
March 23, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN...HERO...RICHARD ALLEN PEARLMAN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS...GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01...RICHARD ALLEN PEARLMAN'S NAME WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY FOREVER...MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Denis Sackett
March 18, 2002
Richard's Scoutmaster told me of his courage and his zeal. God bless him and those like him. It is young men such as Richard that make this country great. We can never say thank you enough.
Michael Levine
March 10, 2002
Dear Dori and Family,
On September 11, I was shocked and couldnot believe what was happening. Then when I heard what happened to Richard, I was in total awe.
I remember the days at Seaview Jewish Center and used to see hom running around and wanting to always help in the shul.
He was a great person and will surely be missed.
Grant Kornelson
February 16, 2002
Dear Dori,
I am extremely sorry for the death of your son Richard, but know that he did not die in vain. It is not very often that there is a person with a heart like that of Richard's, willing to pay the ultimate price in order to help and save the lives of other people. My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow, I know what it feels like to lose the person you love the most. I hope that you find comfort in God's love. God bless you.
Kathleen Lovelady
January 16, 2002
I heard about Richard running into the WTC from the mother of a Scout in Richard's Boy Scout troop. As an adult member of a Troop myself, I started a prayer chain among the various units in my area and alerted my Council. May God grant him eternal rest and may his mother take some small measure of comfort in knowing that her son died a hero.
Susie V Kaufman
December 30, 2001
We ALL see!
He is a hero, for ever and ever.
Thank you, and a big healing hug to you.
Michael
December 17, 2001
Ms. Pearlman,
If you can find comfort in anything right now I hope it's in knowing that your son died a hero while helping save the world, just as he wished. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. His courage & sacrifice in the face of death will always be appreciated and never be forgotten!
Teresa Jahn
December 16, 2001
We thank Richard for his help at the world trade center. His desire to help shows he had a very caring and loving heart. We appreciate all he did for others. We are very sorry for your loss of Richard. 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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