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Vito DeLeo Obituary
Vito DeLeo was in court in March 1994 when four defendants were convicted in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.
A trade center mechanic who had grudgingly worn a hearing aid since the explosion, Mr. DeLeo had been fixated by the trial. He plastered his office with clippings about the case. When the verdict came, he rushed to meet his wife, Sally Ann, to have a vodka on the rocks in celebration, he said in an interview with The New York Times at the time.
"I had chills coming down my body when I heard it," he said. "For my colleagues who are deceased: 'We can't bring you back, but I hope now that your souls will rest in peace. Never surrender.' "
Mr. DeLeo, 42, who was 150 feet from the explosion in 1993, was partly deafened by the blast. Nonetheless, he helped dozens of people escape from the building, said his cousin Helen Potenzano. Witnesses told the family that Mr. DeLeo, a father of two, was back at it again on Sept. 11. "He was a hero twice," Ms. Potenzano said.
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Mary Murphy
September 11, 2024
Vito is one of the most memorable men I ever met. I was working at CBS2 as a TV reporter in New York City, when I first encountered Vito on February 26, 1993. That was the afternoon of the first attack on the World Trade Center, when a truck bomb blew a crater six stories deep in the parking garage. Vito, an air conditioning mechanic, was only 150 feet away. He was eating lunch at his desk. The desk flew up and then protected him from the falling walls and ceilings. Six people close by died, including Monica Rodriguez Smith, who was carrying her unborn son. Vito went "live" with me on CBS2 and vividly recounted crawling out of the rubble after the explosion, as we stood outside Beekman Downtown Hospital, where hundreds of Trade Center employees were taken. We kept in touch for eight years; I met Vito's wife, Sally, and his young son and daughter. Vito LOVED hockey, and we went to a game at Madison Square Garden once. He went back to work at the World Trade Center wearing a hearing aid. He never wanted to be away from his beloved Twin Towers. On September 11, 2001, I was taking a bus to the 59th Street Bridge in Queens, responding to the emergency, when Sally DeLeo called me frantically and asked, "Have you heard from Vito?" I had not. Some of Vito's remains were found days later. He was last seen trying to help others get out of the towers, which had been attacked by two, hijacked jets commandeered by terrorists. The towers collapsed before 10:30 a.m. that morning, and Vito was gone at the age of 42. But I will always remember Vito's joy and absolute zest for life.
Cindy Roe
September 7, 2021
Remembering Vito on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Stacy Hecht
September 11, 2019
Thinking about you today and always. Miss you
Stacy Hecht
September 11, 2014
Thinking of you Vito. You are missed.
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December 4, 2013
Vito, man I think about often. We had soooo many laughs at Dewey...thanks for the memories...buddy RIP... Sal the twin. Peace
thomas cordero
November 23, 2013
I went to elementary school with Vito it's very strange for me
I remember I happy well like young classmate.
God shine a light on his family.
September 11, 2013
Remembering you on this tragic day.
Till we meet again.
Stacy Hecht
Karen C Morgan
September 12, 2011
To my fellow ABM employee Hero, we the "ABM family" will always remember our co-workers and understand how you loved your buildings. Take pride. God Bless.
diane reis
September 11, 2011
Just donated blood in his memory in Tulare, California. I didn't know him but I'll never forget.
Sal C
September 11, 2011
Love you kid....
Anthony Barra
September 9, 2011
Still miss 'The Ref.'
annette monroig
February 19, 2011
with deepest sympathy. my condulences to vito's family, wife and children. why i send this message today after so many years after 911. looking on facebook for my old school mates i thought of looking for vito. i went to school with vito at ps 172 and dewey jhs. he was indeed the most cheerful and funny guy. we hung out on weekends on 30th st. where he lived and i lived on 29th st. although we lost contact i often thought about him and what became of him. from reading this guest book he was truly loved. you will always be my hero
August 31, 2010
To the Deleo family:
May the consoling words from family and friends continue to strengthen you during this difficult time, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
May the wonderful memories of your loved one continue to provide a measure of comfort to you--until God's promises are fulfilled. Matthew 5:5; Psalms 37:11, 29
Doug Abraham
May 2, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Missing you always
LaTasha Fleming
September 12, 2008
Cousin Vito,
Vito was my mothers 1st cousin, which made him my 2nd cousin. Since I live in MD, I only saw him maybe once a year but each year he had the biggest smile on his face and to this day I can still hear his voice " Tasssh"!! Just wanted to let him know we miss him alot and I think my dad the most but you will always be in our hearts and im sure your up there with my mom and uncle looking down on us....See you one day! Love you always!-Tash
Frank Fuchs Jr.
July 27, 2008
I only knew Leo a few years. He was a referee at our summer hockey league in Secaucus. I'm a goaltender who played 2 seasons under his watchful eyes. He would always come to the rink in a positive mood, talking about how he helped move HVAC units or Refridgerators up one of the towers. Everytime I froze the puck for a whistle, I tried to pick it up to hand it off to him as much as possible so he didn't have to bend over and pick it up (didn't want him to strain his back.) He even brought his children to a few games!
There is probably some video of a game he reffed for us in early to mid-august of 01. I know he is at peace and probably enjoying some hockey games played by legends of the past up there. God Bless him and his family, and never forget 9-11-01.
chris Dattolo
April 23, 2008
Uncle V, man i miss you and all the good times we had. You really played an important roll in my life. You really are a hero, and you will never be forgotton!!! I think of you everyday and all the good things you brought in to our lives.
Kristine
October 24, 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.
P Tabbernor
September 22, 2006
In memory....
Gina Judd
April 3, 2006
I just want to pay my respects to another hero. As I read the transcripts my heart breaks for the losses, but bursts for the brave people who fought to find their friends and co-workers and help perfect strangers. Those who lost their lives on 911 show that people really are good at heart. God Bless.
Stacy Hecht
April 16, 2004
Vito,
I believed time would make your loss easier to accept.
It doesn't.
Miss you so much.
March 10, 2004
Rest in Peace. God Bless You.
Kristin
February 10, 2004
I happened to pass by a street in Staten Island, on Clark Ave., looking for my uncle's new address. At the light I looked up and saw his name and it has been with me all weekend. I had to write to the DeLeo family to say there will be an extra prayer said for them tonight. He will never be forgotten, especially in S.I.
Lenny C.
September 12, 2003
To the DeLeo family,
I received this post yesterday and read over all of the entries.
I felt that I had to enter in something about Vito. I never had the pleasure of meeting Vito, but today I am very sorry that I never had the honor of shaking his hand and spending some time in discussion. My son and I were
members of The S.I. Rangers at the
time of the Sept. 11 hijackings.
I would like you to know that when I let someone in the hockey world know that we skated at The Pavilion, they always inquire if I knew Vito. He must have been a great guy, because anyone who is so well liked in the hockey world could not be anything but. We are no longer with SIR, but I would like you to know that Vito's memory
will always live in the hockey world. GOD BLESS VITO AND ALL HIS FAMILY.
Lauren Bosi
September 11, 2003
To the Deleo's,
I did not know Vito, but my grandmother was a Deleo and I just wanted to tell you that I will say a prayer for you and your family today. May God be with you on this very emotional day. God bless all of you and my prayers go out to everyone who lost their lives 2 years ago today.
JAMES WILSON
September 11, 2003
VITO, THE STAR SHINES BRIGHT EVERY NIGHT AND EVERY DAY FOR YOU AND MY SON THAT PASSED AWAY ON JULY 7, 2003 AND NOW THEIR BOTH TOGETHER PLAYING HOCKEY UP IN HEAVEN, I SOLELY MISS THE BOTH OF YOU, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU WERE FOND OF BOTH MY SONS, BECAUSE MY SON MICHAEL WAS THE SMALLEST PLAYER ON THE WAGNER FALCONS JV AND HAD LOTS OF LAUGHS, VITO YOU'RE THE BEST THERE WAS AND BEST THERE WILL BE AND HERE ON OUT I MISSED PAL FOR THE MEMORIES AT THE RINK, ESPECIALLY ME KEEPING SCORE FOR THE HIGH SCHOOLS IN EACH SEASON THAT PASSED BY, I'LL MISS YOU BUDDY AND TAKE CARE OF MY SON WITH YOU, MAY GOD BLESS YOU BOTH UP THERE AND SOME DAY WE BE TOGETHER AGAIN. GOD BE WITH YOU'S
JIM WILSON
Brian O'Malley
January 15, 2003
I knew Vito from my days working at WTC. He was a decent fellow, and will be missed. My thoughts are with his family.
Stacy Hecht
November 11, 2002
Vito,
I think about you and that terrible day often. I miss you. Rest in peace. Till we meet again.
Stacy Hecht
Vinny Misiti
September 21, 2002
TO VITO,
JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THIS WORLD IS MISSING A VERY GOOD HEARTED PERSON. I PLAYED HOCKEY FOR ST.PETERS AND YOU REFEREED A LOT OF MY GAMES. YOU WERE ALWAYS VERY FAIR AND FRIENDLY WITH ALL THE PLAYERS.ILL NEVER FORGET THE GAME WHEN WE PLAYED FARRELL AND WE GOT INTO A BENCH CLEARING BRAWL IN 1997.WE WERE FIGHTING ALL OVER THE ICE , EVEN PARENTS WERE INVOLVED AND I FELT SO BAD FOR YOU IN THE END BECAUSE THE WHOLE TIME YOU DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO DO, YOU LOOKED SO SCARED THAT ONE OF US WAS GOING TO BE HURT.YOU CARED SO MUCH ABOUT US. YOU WERE MORE THAN A REFEREE TO US YOU WERE A FRIEND.I KNOW YOU ARE IN HEAVEN WITH GOD. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED. 9-11-01, LOST BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.....
VINNY
MA
September 14, 2002
I had the privilege of knowing Vito from the ice skating rink. He was always friendly, upbeat, and could put a smile on anyone's face...
He is truly missed, and will never be forgotten.
My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children.
Michael Mann
September 12, 2002
I honored Vito's heroism and spirit by wearing his name and remembering him during the September 11th commemoration. Vito's memory will go on in our hearts. I received his name from Houston's Saint Agnes Academy Alumni Association. I am honored to remember Vito, his dedication to seeing justice be done and by giving his life to save others. I will honor him far beyond the date of 9/11/02. His memory will stay with me forever.
Eddie Beyl
September 11, 2002
To Vito,and family, my prayers go to your family and vito I miss you from hockey from playing in the mens league or seeing you at the Highschool games,I'm sure you have your skates on up in heaven,all the hockey players miss you ,god bless all those who lost their lives and their family's,2001St.Josephs Ast.coach,Ed Beyl
J.J. Kordsmeier
September 10, 2002
It breaks my heart to think of all the brave wonderful people that were lost that day. I am so sorry that your loved one had to endure so much. I am sorry that you have lost someone who cared so much for others. I will keep him and all of them in my thoughts and prayers always, not just this week. I hope that God will be with you. Sincerely, J.J. GodsmackPW
Yolanda Morales
September 9, 2002
To The DeLeo Family
zVito will always be in my prayers as so will you's. He was a wonderful man and always had a smile on his face.
JOHN BURO
August 28, 2002
We go all the way back to Dewey JHS 136 (Brooklyn) and hadn't spoken in well over 25 years, so there's a chance you may have forgotten me.
But, I remember you.
Our common denominator was a love for hockey. In 1975, we were linemates in gym class; in 1994, we celebrated a Stanley Cup victory. Even if the Rangers never make the playoffs again, we will always have that memory.
In lighter moments, our names became a running joke only we could understand. How yours rhymed; how mine was always mispronounced.
It was much later on, while reading the post-mortems, that I discovered the man you had grown to be.
I read about you after the '93 attack on the WTC. About your hearing loss. About your reaction after the trial was over. I applauded your conviction to remain on the job while many others bolted for smaller, less conspicious buildings. You had not surrendered.
Then, 9-11 happened. Families have suffered, lives have been altered forever. Just as my son has lost a mother; your children have lost, too.
And, somewhere in heaven, is the soul of a man whose life was tragically cut short. He walked through the Pearly Gates, skates draped over a shoulder, and looked for a game.
He had not arrived on his own terms. There was, certainly, a lot more living to do. But he was called and, so, he answered the call.
laura labella
August 15, 2002
thank you for being such a great referee to all the kids who played hockey. you always had a smile on your face,and when we saw you at a game we all knew it would be a fair game. you will be missed by all who played hockey on staten island and by all of us parents who watched our children play God bless you
Frank Amato
August 7, 2002
Vito you have left me with so many memories and laughs. I met Vito when he first moved to Staten Island from Brooklyn. Vito was my baseball coach for a traveling team. He was always laughing and cracking jokes. I love baseball but i must say the best part of the day was driving over that Verrazano Bridge and listening to one of Vito's jokes or stories. To this day I can still hear his laugh. RIP COACH you will be missed.
122 Precinct
July 28, 2002
Vito, You are greatly missed and hope that someday will all meet again god bless you. Your friends at the Precinct.
James Craw
April 24, 2002
Mrs. DeLeo,
Your husband Vito, was a freind of mine. Not a good freind but a friend! We happened to be lunch buddies. We ate at the Trinity Deli together, at the counter. We did, at least three times a week over the last
seven years. The only man I knew who had a hello and a smile when he saw me. Either in the building or at the deli. I have his "After Glow" prayer card. It is on a shelf in my kitchen. I keep it there so I can see him every day! Some one sent me the card. This person realized to me, Vito was a wonderful guy! Please e-mail me your address. I would like to send you a Mass card. God Bless you, and the children.
March 30, 2002
Vito,
You gave much love and happiness in your shortened life.You were a well repected man.Saint Charles Church couldnt hold all the people who came to say goodbye to you.It was standing room only,and people were lining the sidewalk outside.You were loved and admired by many.I only knew you casually,but i always looked foward to one day getting to know you better.I am a neighbor,and i watched you contribute so much of your time,and energy to improve our community.I since found out that you and me are big time Sinatra fans.Im very proud of you because i know that until you were overcome you were helping others.You probably could have left safely,but you were brave and chose to stay and help others.Rest in peace,God bless you,and your family.
John Napolitano
March 14, 2002
To the Deleo Family you have my sincerest sympathy and heartfelt condolences.My name is John Napolitano and there are few things we have in common,I was born and raised in the Williamsburgh-Greenpoint section of Brooklyn,I also share your Family name I am a Deleo on my Mothers side, Concetta Deleo,in 1993 my Son was at the World Trade Center Bombing as a new Firefighter from Ladder Company 140 out of Metropolitan Ave in Ridgewood,and now on 9/11 we have another thing in common along with your Vito my Son was again at the world Center this time as a Firefighter with Rescue 2 out of Bergin St in Brooklyn,and with your Vito my Son Lt John P Napolitano also perished.I had some experience with the NYC Police Dept and with my childhood Friend Lenny Crisci,a retired Cop,we searched for my Son and Lennys brother Lt John Crisci,as well as three of my Sons friends.I wrote on a ash covered wall at the WTC "John Napolitano Rescue2..I'm here and I love you ..Dad".I don't why so many good people like your Vito and my Son,and so many friends were taken from us in such a way,I don't know why my Son was able to save so many,but not everyone,and not himself,I don't know why in my search for him and our loved ones that I was not able to find anyones loved ones,but I do know that it is up to us to honor their memory,and I wish for us that someday we see our loved ones again.
donna malave
March 13, 2002
Vito, when God sparred u on the first terrorist attack i was so thankful because u are such a special person and I know how much u meant to your family, wife, children and friends. I always remember u as laughing and smiling and enjoying life. I cried for u and your family on September 11 and prayed for u to be safe. I know that u are in heaven looking down on us. may u rest in peace. u were such a wonderful wonderful person. I remember how happy u were when u and sally got married. and she is lucky to have had such a wonderful husband. I know u were a good devoted son, brother and friend. I honor you now and always for giving the ultimate sacrifice - your life. I also knew that on September 11 that u probably were helping as many people as u could. your a hero Vito. May u rest in peace God Bless You. God Bless your Family and God Bless America.
Vito - I promise, you will NEVER be forgotten
March 11, 2002
Vito, we miss you down at the rink. You were one of the few people down there I looked forward to seeing because you always had a smile on your face. The place hasn't been the same without you. Watch out for the rest of us from where you are.
Camille Grey
March 7, 2002
You were one of our favorite referees. You always looked like you were having fun with the boys. During the all-star game last year you kept tugging on my son's jersey as a joke. I used to see you almost everyday at the Trade Center. You will be truly missed.
Rest in Peace
Camille, Michael & Michael Philip Grey
Tom H
February 20, 2002
Vito.He is and always will be a local 94 brother and was a Great Great Guy. He will be missed. God Bless.
Nick Lorenzo
February 5, 2002
To the greatest baseball coach a guy could ask for.
You were my idol then and still are to this day.
My most heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family.
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
anonymous
January 27, 2002
I never knew Vito, but his cousin gave me Vito's photo in Union Square a day or two after Sept 11 and asked me to walk around with it,saying that his family still hoped he was alive and just wandering around in a daze. I still have the photograph and have thought of Vito many times. He represents for me all the people who perished on that terrible day.I send my sincere condolences to his family.
Paul Del Priore
January 18, 2002
Vito was a friend who will be missed.
Theresa Marino Leone
January 14, 2002
I worked on the 57th floor of 1WTC until September 11th. Vito used to come around to check things out at the lawfirm I worked out. He always took time to talk to me. With me being a travel agent, he always talked about his family vacations and how he looked forward to them.
I'll always remember his warm smile and laugh. He will truly be missed.
May God bless Vito and his family.
Gina Leone
January 10, 2002
Vito - You are a true hero!
Everytime I saw you in the Twin Towers you were always happy and ver funny. I miss you very much.
My heart is broken for you Mom, Brother, Mikey, Wife SallyAnn and your 2 kids. May God give them the strength to go on..and may you all find comfort in all your memories with Vito.
Godd Bless
Anonymous
January 8, 2002
DEAR GOD BLESS VITO JOSEPH DELEO AND
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND
THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE FROM NEW YORK.
MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01 AND THE
COURAGIOUS PEOPLE..AMEN..+++++
MARK DEVITA
January 6, 2002
IM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AT THIS TIME I WOULD HOPE FOR JOY AND HAPPINESS KNOWING VITO IS IN A BETTER PLACE NOW, REST IN PEACE
Teresa Jahn
January 5, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Vito. May his courage, life and love live on in those who love him. Twice a hero is a reflection of his warm heart. May you always feel the warmth of his love radiate into your hearts. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Vito.
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
Gloria & Tom Tesoriero
December 31, 2001
We knew you as a child growing up with our younger brothers in Brooklyn. Visiting Dolly-Rose's candy store and making everyone laugh. Today the world remembers you as a hero. Rest in peace and God bless your family.
Stacy Hecht
December 17, 2001
Working at the World Trade Center for 10 years I cherish so many good memories. After leaving New York I always looked forward to my yearly visits to the World Trade Center and seeing you and Gene. Sitting around and reminiscing about the good ole days was such a laugh and joy. Now it's a memory. I keep asking myself why did He take away you, Gene, and my cousin Todd. Three people that I love dearly. Vito, you are a great friend and I miss you. Give my love to Gene Raggio and my cousin Todd. Rest in peace. See you in Heaven.
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