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Capt. Louis Joseph Modafferi
Capt. Louis Joseph Modafferi
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Louis Modafferi Obituary
After they took the captain's test, Lts. Robert Dimperio and Louis Modafferi compared notes. Lieutenant Dimperio knew he'd aced it; Lieutenant Modafferi knew he'd done badly.
Results: Lieutenant Dimperio missed it by a point. Lieutenant Modafferi was among the top 10 scorers in the Fire Department.
Captain Modafferi, 45, who was awaiting assignment as a battalion chief, was so modest that many people had no idea about his accomplishments — although they knew all about those of Christine, 18; Michael, 16; and Joseph, 12. The captain led Staten Island's Rescue 5, an elite company that saves people from a horrendous array of precarious situations.
Captain Modafferi also worked on a federal rescue team, racing to aid victims in plane crashes and Caribbean hurricanes.
To make extra money, he fixed dents in cars. As a boss, he was good-humored and fair-minded. If he was teaching you something, he acted as if you knew it already and he was just reminding you of some details.
He was a man of many loyalties: married to Joanne and the job for about 20 years; played softball with childhood friends, three of whom worked with him at Rescue 5. Rarely rattled, when he got home he relieved job stress fervently but safely: he vacuumed.
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 30, 2001.
CAPT. LOUIS MODAFFERI, 45, of New York, a firefighter, wasn't scheduled to work Sept. 11 but joined his squad when he heard the World Trade Center had been attacked. "His job was very important to him," said his wife, Joanne. "If he had to choose how he was going to die, he would have chosen being a hero and doing what he did. That much gives me comfort." Despite the physical training and book work the job demanded, Modafferi was a full-time father to his two sons and daughter. "He was a perfect father in my eyes. He never let me down," said his daughter, Christine. "I miss him so much."
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September 21, 2019
What a hero!!! I read about him just today, in a Facebook entry about a firefighter walking the stairclimber at a Planet Fitness in honor of Sept 11. His cousin, Joe posted it. True hero that came from home to help his team. I bet he would do anything to save lives, and he sure did!!! Bless his family as they made the ultimate sacrifice losing their husband/father. Know that he is a true hero!!!
Jenny Herchenrider
September 11, 2019
I visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum one month ago today. The flag placed on Louis' name on the memorial drew my attention to it, and I took some photos of the scene. When I got home, I looked up his name, learned his story, and cried tears of sadness that he is no longer with us and thankfulness for his life and his heroism in his final moments. I entered this photo into a contest at our local fair that called for photos that represent the core values and ideals of the Congressional Medal of Honor: Courage, commitment, patriotism, integrity, citizenship, and sacrifice. It sounds like he wonderfully modeled all of those characteristics, and that his life was one that was well lived. I'm pleased to tell you that the photo won 1st place and Best of show in the CMOH category, but even more pleased that so many people in East TN now know of him and his sacrifice. I also posted it to my Facebook page today to honor him. One of our family members read his story and did an act of kindness for Firefighters in Anchorage, AK in his memory. I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Darryl Luck
March 29, 2017
I am a firefighter from Australia who had the honour of climbing for Louis at the 3rd NYC Memorial Stair Climb at WTC Tower 4 on the 19th of March, 2017. I met a few of his friends and co-workers both at the Pools of reflection and at Rescue 5 when I visited their House on Staten Island. The whole Rescue 5 family is an amazing group of people and each one left an impression on me.
I also visited the memorial museum and read his story and the words from Joanne and I am not ashamed to say, I cried.
I will never forget my visit and taking Louis' tag the top of the tower. I wish I could have met Joanne to pay my respect but she was away at the time. Hopefully when I come back I will get the chance.
Happy if anyone wishing to make contact.
[email protected]
Curtis Burns
September 11, 2015
Modafferi Family, My name is Curtis Burns. I am a volunteer Lt. with my local FD. Today I participated in a silent walk to honor the 343 by walking 5 miles in full gear with several hundred other firefighters in SC. Your husband/dad was who I walked for carrying a lanyard with his name and picture. His spirit was with me. He will never be forgotten. Prayers and love to you on this 14th anniversary of 9/11.
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S j Friscia III
February 10, 2015
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
G Bryan
November 8, 2013
Thank you for lending me your strength and courage today.
September 12, 2012
i love you dad
Kevin Hayes
September 10, 2012
Captain Lou,
You reached out and put your hand on my shoulder, you led me to safety and continued up the stairs while I fled for my life. I made it out and watched in horror as the buildings collapsed. You laid your life down so that I and so many others could live. There are no words available to express my gratitude. I will never forget you.
September 11, 2011
May you rest in peace always...
From Lisa Gillule Matelle
Fellow Harway Terrace resident.
michael modaferri
August 27, 2010
TODAY WHILE I WAS IN LUTHERAN HOSPITAL AFTER HAVING AN ACCIDENT WITH A MOTOR VEHCILE A GENTLEMAN APPROACHED ME AND ASKED ME IF I WAS ANY RELATION TO LOUIS JOSEPH MODAFFERI. MY NAME IS MICHAEL P. MODAFFERI. MY FATHERS NAME WAS FRANK MODAFFERI FROM BAY RIDGE, NY. i HAVE TWO OTHER SIBLINGS, FRANK AND MARIA. MY MOTHERS MAIDEN NAME WAS MARIE BOGIA. MY FATHER DIED WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG AND MY MOTHER NEVER SPOKE TO ME ABOUT HIM. THEREFORE, I AM IN SEARCH OF FINDING MY FATHERS SIDE OF THE FAMILY AND ANY INPUT YOU CAN GIVE ME WILL BE VERY HELPFUL. IM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS. THE MAN IN LUTHERAN HOSPITAL AFTER ASKING ME IF I WAS RELATED SAID NEVERTHELESS,
'HE WAS A VERY GOOD MAN" SO REGARDLESS IF WE ARE RELATED I THOUGHT YOU WOULD WANT TO KNOW THAT LOUIS IS STILL IN THE MEMORY OF THIS MAN AT LUTHERAN AND IS STILL RESPECTED PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION FOR ME. EMAIL IS [email protected]
September 12, 2009
God Bless you Lou...on the 8th anniversary of your passing. Always in our hearts.
God Bless America
Nancy (Rizzi) Roberts
Class of 1973 - Lafayette HS
Bklyn NY
tony modafferi
September 11, 2009
Hi, This is Louis Modafferi's Brothe Anthony...I read you were looking for [email protected]
A
September 11, 2009
In remembrance....
MARYJANE SARCONE
September 11, 2009
NINE YEARS HAVE PASSED...... I THINK OF YOU STILL HERE.... GOD BLESS YOU.... YOUR ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS
Anne Modaferri Lalley
June 10, 2009
I was so sorry to learn of this tragedy. I believe Capt. Modaferri was a cousin of mine. I would like to contact is brother Anthony. I have searched without sucess.
Butterfly
December 31, 2008
Happy Birthday, Louis!
Love,
Doug Abraham
December 31, 2008
Happy Birthday & Happy New Year!!!
September 12, 2008
Thank you Lou for your ultimate sacrifice and service to your city, country, and most importantly, your fellow man. May the Lord bless your wife and children with peace and comfort always.
Doug Abraham
December 31, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
lou noviello
September 11, 2007
Louie, today is the 6th anniversary
of 9/11 and you are still in my and my family's thoughts, May you rest in peace and you are missed. Chris's mom Lou
Nancy Roberts
September 11, 2007
God Bless you Lou, on this...the 6th anniversary of your passing. You are and will always be a hero to everyone.
Nancy (Rizzi)
Lafayette
Class of 1973
Chris Carney
September 10, 2007
I met you a few times, with Mike. I remember thinking what a nice guy you were. Then six years ago, I learned you were not only a nice guy, but also a hero, who sacrificed his own life to save the lives of so many others. Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for your heroism. God bless you.
Denise Grano
September 10, 2007
In rememberance
Nancy Roberts
July 19, 2007
Nancy (Rizzi) Roberts
1973 Lafayette Grad. w/Louie
P Tabbernor
January 5, 2007
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 17, 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 vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Rose Marie Higgins
October 6, 2006
Family of Louis Joseph
Know that I am living a life worthy of your loved ones' sacrafice. May he rest in peace and may you have comfort knowing that now you have a true angel watching over all of you. We lost a total of seven..family and friends...and we will NEVER FORGET.
Nancy Roberts
September 11, 2006
Louie...it's been five years since you've left us. You are a hero. I think about you always, pray for you and your family. We went to Lafayette HS together. I remember your smile, your kindness. Your actions that horrible day, to go back and help people you did not even know, do not suprise me. I will never forget you. Thank you for your braveness, your love for our beloved city, and your fellow man. You went back to the city to help and save people unknown to you, without blinking an eye. Giving the ultimate sacrifce...yourself. God Bless you. Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten.
Nancy (Rizzi) Roberts
Madison, NJ
Butterfly
June 11, 2006
A page for Louis:
http://www.the343.org/
louismodafferi.html
I hope you are all doing well.
Renee Rogers
December 31, 2005
Today is both Louie's birthday and mine. Just wanted to let you all know that I was thinking of you and wishing you peace.
Lou & Nino Noviello
September 11, 2004
Dear Louie,
Thinking of you today on the third
anniversary of 9/11 and Louie you will never be forgotten. We will always feel special to have had u in our lives. May you rest in peace
Linda MacLachlan
July 7, 2004
Dear Louis,
I think of you often and think of your family being without you. The whole world is thinking of you and all the others that were so brave on 9-11. Thank-you for being there for others! I made a quilt block in honor of your name for the United In Memory Quilt, which has been seen in many States. It will be coming to Canton, MI in Aug. and I WILL BE THERE to see my quilt block of you again!! God Bless You and your family. God Bless America. One Nation Under God.
Hugs,
Linda
Your loving brother Anthony
June 14, 2004
It's been two and 1/2 years since you were takin away from me, but I think of you 24/7. you were my best friend as well as my brother, and I feel I don't have anyone to talk to anymore...so I still talk and hope you hear me....I thought the pain would subside but it's still so strong. I guess it's good to feel the pain so I know your still in my heart...you'll always be my little brother...but you're also my Hero..
LT. Bill Stickley
April 12, 2004
HERO
Sebbie D'Amato
September 23, 2003
When I first found that Louie had been lost, it was during the Concert for America, a short time after that tragic day. If it wasn't that the fireman that mentioned his name said "I know I'm mispronouncing this name" I never would have guessed. I called a mutual friend to find out and in a solemn voice, he just said, yes, it was Louie. At this point I found I had lost another friend.
I knew Louie from the neighborhood and mutual friends. He married my neighbor Joanne.
I'm proud to have known you Lou. Even though we hadn't seen each other for quite a few years, I always asked about you.
God Bless You, Joanne and your children.
Cheryl Brown
September 15, 2003
I received a flag today that was flown on 9/11/03 in honor and tribute to Captain Modafferi. I would like to express heartfelt condolences as well as thanks to your family. May God bless you with many warm memories and overwhelming comfort in your loss. You will be in my prayers. I have a four year old daughter who will learn of and remember your sacrifice for our safety also. Future generations will not forget what your loved one did for our country. Thank you and God Bless your family.
Joe Catalano
September 24, 2002
Dear Louie,
My memories of you go back to our school days at P.S. 163, playing softball and punch ball in that schoolyard. I had not seen you for many years, and then I met you again with your fellow firefighters at the local supermarket. We spoke for a while about the “Good Old Days” and after I walked away from you, I could not stop talking about you to my wife. I was so proud of you and happy that you were doing well in adult life. After 9/11 I had gone down to ground zero to help with the recovery efforts, not knowing about you yet. When I finally heard the terrible news about you, I was devastated. I think about you everyday my old friend. I am honored to have known a REAL HERO. God bless you and your family.
Mike Golliver
September 19, 2002
Louis Modafferi, Carl Bini, Joseph Mascali and myself all grew up together in Brooklyn on Bath Ave. We were still very close friends, until the day they were taken from us. My fondest memory is when Louis and I were in the fourth grade together. We were called into the music teacher's room ( Mrs.Holland P.S 163) to sing the National Anthem together, in front of the whole class. We were real nervous and we forgot the words. Simultaneously, we both started to sing, but each of us different songs. Neither one was the National Anthem. Even though I do not have my friends anymore, nothing could ever replace them. At least I have great memories of them. They will always be on my mind and in my heart. They will always be heroes to me. They just didn't have to show me how much of a hero they each really were. Louie always treated people with the utmost respect and never boasted about what he had accomplished in his life . GREAT FRIENDS! I WILL ALWAYS MISS THEM ALOT!
Ena Signorelli/Romanelli
September 13, 2002
We'll never forget you! You're in our minds & hearts.
Ena
vito buccellato
September 12, 2002
Louie It has been one year since I been at ground zero with the recovery rest in peace and now I have to find peace for myself I will always think about you
Chris Cuba
September 11, 2002
Louie,
its been a year since youve been gone. Seems like just yesterday we were in minnesota and you were sitting in your room reading a book and eatin fig newtons all the time. You always made me feel welcomed and you always made sure everyone was doing ok. Thanks for being such a great guy to me. the USA Cup will never be the same without you Louie. Rest In Peace.
joanne lotempio
September 11, 2002
Dear Louie,
My memories of you from PS163, through to Lafayette, and i even remember your mom we had some silliness with Vinnie Ioia, Paul Galli and a cast of characters, we were all jokesters, you, you were something alright. I was looking forward to the reunion to see all my old friends, you will be remembered always, may God bless and keep your family in the folds of his heart. And you my friend rest in eternal light and peace.
Denise Grano
September 10, 2002
I went to Lafayette High School with Louis. May God watch over you and your family.
laura labella
August 16, 2002
the world is a better place because of heros like your husband and father. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Nino & Lou Noviello
July 28, 2002
Dear Louie
May God bless you, and watch always
over your loved ones. My son Chris was a better man for having had u in his life. We thank you for your friendship and bravery.
Angie Campbell
May 7, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
K. Narsted
April 24, 2002
Dear Louis,
I didn't know you, but I feel like I did. My MercyBAND bears your name and I wear it proudly every day. I shall never forget your bravery and courage. God Bless you and your family.
Vinny Ioia
April 15, 2002
It's been six months since that terrible day. I think of you every day. From our school days at PS163 throughout your whole life, I knew you to be a good and decent man and I always knew you were special. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't grieve for you and your family. May God bless you and watch over your family my old friend.
John Lynam
March 16, 2002
THANK GOD FOR THE GIFT OF KNOWING LOUIE..
When you first started to train me, after a couple of hours you made me feel like we have known one another for years. Not a day goes by that you & your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
MAY THE LORD SUPPORT US ALL THE DAYS LONG UNTIL THE SHADOWS LENGTHEN AND THE EVENING COMES AND THIS BUSY WORLD IS HUSHED AND THE FEVER OF LIFE IS OVER AND THEN IN HIS MERCY MAY HE GIVE US A SAFE LODGING, PEACE AND REST AT THE LAST AMEN.
God Bless
Chris
March 14, 2002
six months have passed and not a day goes by that someone doesn't mention Louie's name.It makes me proud to have known such a great man.When all the guys are together it feels like you are still with us,and that makes me happy, we will never forget you.I look foward to seeing you again,rest well my friend.
Gina Brake
March 14, 2002
God Bless you Louie You are an Eternal Hero. I am very close with Louies cousins (The Benanti's), I went to Louies memorial Service and it was beautiful and so sad, I remember Louie from when I was younger and we all used to go to Villa Roma Upstate NY. I feel very sad for his wife and children and I would just like to say to them "Take comfort in knowing what a hero he is" God Bless You all
Ben and Marie Mormino
March 11, 2002
On this six-month anniversary of 9/11, our tears are still fresh for you, Louie, and all who made the supreme sacrifice on that day. Our prayers are with you, Joanne and family.
Louise Miglino (Vigorito)
March 11, 2002
Louie--- It has been six months that you were taken from your family and friends. You will always be missed and never forgotten. You are now an angel in heaven watching over everyone just like you were a hero here on earth.
Louise
March 9, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MODEST HERO..CAPT.LOUIS JOSEPH MODAFFERI AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK...MAY JESUS AND ST.JOSEPH GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Judy C
January 16, 2002
To The Modafferi Family,
I never had the pleasure to meet you, but I just wanted to convey my deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your beloved Louis.
I believe in Heroes and Angels and the stars that shine brightly in the darkest of night!
Your Louis was a hero on September 11, and every day he lived. He is now an Angel in Heaven who has his own bright star in the sky.
God Bless you, Louis and the family, friends, and fellow comrades you were forced to leave behind.
Rest In Peace, Louis as may all the other fearless fighters who perished beside you on that tragic day...a day we will never forget.
You and yours will never be forgotten!
C
January 13, 2002
When u grow up with each other u always try and imagine what we all will become. Louie was one of those childhood friends that I would have been wrong about.Never the less I am so proud to have known him, as well as Carl and Joey. I Am so proud that they chose to be Firemen. U guys are the true heroes and stand tallest among us all.May u all rest in peace and Bath Avenue will always celebrate the memory of you and your brothers.
Teresa Jahn
December 20, 2001
We deeply thank Louis for devoting his life saving and protecting others by being a firefighter. Such a devotion comes with a brave, warm, and caring heart filled with love for his fellow man. May his caring attitude, his life and love live on through his children and family members who love him. We are very sorry for your loss of Louis. 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
Liz Palumbo
November 28, 2001
Your unselfish act of heroism will never be forgotten. God Bless you and your family.
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