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Thomas Farino Obituary
Capt. Thomas Farino was the rock on which his wife, Mary, built her life. He was the baby in a family of six boys, sons of a New York City policeman. He was captain of Engine Company 26 in Manhattan, doing a job he loved. He was posthumously promoted to battalion chief.
"I never knew anyone who woke up in the morning happy to go to work," said Mrs. Farino. And his schedule allowed for a lot of family time. For their children, Jane, 10 and James, 6, it was like having another mother ‹ "five out of seven days they'd have Daddy at home."
"I'm not making it a fairy tale, everyone has good times and bad times," she said. But the good times were rolling recently ‹ a new house, the fourth trip to Disney World. "He was the most content person I've ever met," Mrs. Farino said.
Throughout their 20 years together, she said, he would tell her: "Love me all you want, want me all you want, but don't need me so much. You have to get your strength from someone higher than me."
After the attack, she thought: "Wow, this is what he was talking about. It was a gift he gave me by telling me I'm stronger than I think ‹ I know how happy he would feel to know that I believe I am stronger."
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Daniel Amorim
September 13, 2023
Daniel Amorim
September 13, 2023
Daniel Amorim
September 13, 2023
Daniel Amorim
September 13, 2023
Every year , at special events supporting that day! NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN.
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laurie Oates
September 12, 2023
My daughter Lauren was Janes friend. He was a wonderful father and family man . Rest in Peace!! We will never forget!
Phoebe Rello
September 11, 2023
WE WILL NEVER FORGET!!!!
Fred Wohlfarth
September 11, 2023
Good Morning Tommy!
It´s about 4 AM September 11th, 2023
For several years now I have written on this memory page. You were still very young when I moved from the old neighborhood in south ozone park.
So I don´t remember you as the Brave Firefighter that you grew up to be... I´ll always remember you as a little boy!
For the last few days leading up to today, which is the 22nd anniversary of the tragedy of September 11th, 2001.... For these last few days the memories of September 11th, 2001 become particularly clear for millions of people around the world!
I want you to know that it´s not just now around this time of year that I think about you.
I think about you periodically all during the year.
We are all getting older. Oh my gosh I haven´t seen your brother Richi in probably 10 years now. You know Richi is my age and of all your brothers I was closest to him.
I can´t imagine how Richi and all your brothers Danny, Bobby, (Whitey), Frankie and Patrick look now that we are getting old!
Your mom Fay and your dad are with you now. Someday we´ll all be reunited again and; I didn´t put your dad´s name because Tommy I don´t remember his name I just always called him; Mr. Farino!
And chill for now I am this week just saying; Hi and I will never ever forget!
Fredy!
Never Forgotten
Judy Kepler
September 13, 2021
Michele Lasiw
September 12, 2021
Remembering Thomas on this 20 year anniversary I didn’t know him but wore his memorial bracelet God Bless his sacrifice and peace and love to his family. Thank you for your service and paying the ultimate price.
Cindy Roe
September 11, 2021
Remembering Thomas on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Phoebe Rello
September 11, 2021
20yrs seems like yesterday. This day or the days to follow will never be forgotten nor will you and the rest of the victims of this horrific day. RIP Tommy.
Claudia Cox
October 18, 2020
Hi Farino Family
I was just searching the internet of old childhood friends. And came upon this sad news. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am a childhood friend from South Ozone Park. I saw the entry from Dee and was shocked that this was the same Tommy, Pats brother. My name is Claudia. I remember Tommy, such a nice sweet boy from the neighborhood. We would all hang out and ride our bikes in the neighborhood. Such great times and memories. Pat: I am so sorry of your loss , I know how difficult it is. I have lost 2 brothers also. Prayers to your family. Time teaches you how to deal with loss but never makes it better.
Love, Claudia Rodriguez Cox
O'Brien Pedigo
September 11, 2019
I had the Privilage of Climbing 110 Floors for this Brave Captain, and loving and caring father and I will climb for him every year as long as I am able.
Judy Kepler
September 13, 2018
Always remembered.
Laurie Oates
September 12, 2018
A True Hero
Michele
September 12, 2018
I will never forget. Thank you for your sacrifice. I hold you dear to my heart all these years.. even though you were a only a name on my bracelet ... someone I never met.... I know you... you became a part of me... a part of America. Rest always in peace.
Susie Edgmon
September 11, 2018
This past weekend my husband and I had the honor of representing Captain Thomas Farino at a 9/11 stair climb. I have read about CPT Farino around the internet, and his story has had me thinking deeply over the past few days. I think about his bravery, first and foremost. About how his friends and family said he would not have hesitated that day even knowing his fate. On a day defined by hate and despair, Farino gives me hope that this world is filled more abundantly with love, sacrifice, and honor. These are the things that cast shadow on the darkness of evil. CPT Farino, your legacy brings hope to me personally and into a troubled world. I thank you for not only your service, sacrifice, and bravery, but for providing me with hope in this chaotic world. You make me want to be a better person, to live for others, to live more bravely, to lean on something larger.
To CPT Farinos family, my thoughts and prayers and with you, especially today. I hope you have been able to find peace through your father/husband's honor.
With Love and Respect, Susie + Nick Edgmon (San Diego, CA)
Frances Farino
September 11, 2018
Thank you
The Perfects
September 11, 2018
We will NEVER FORGET!
Dominique MINCHELLA
September 11, 2017
All along this bad day, I'm always thinking of you and your courage. Say to GOD how we are proud, proud of them who give their life to helping and saving anyone. Rest in Peace. Dominique (a French Firefigther)
September 10, 2017
My name is Cindy Griffin I was involved with Closter Fire Department in New Jersey on September 11th. Some of our firefighters went to Ground Zero and I now have Tom's Memorial bracelet. Bless you all. He is with God now and at Peace.
Kay Haskins
September 12, 2016
I was a Soldier when the Towers fell, stationed in England. It was late afternoon when the reports began coming on our computers, about 30 of us in the office stood for hours around the tv watching CNN. We couldn't believe what we were watching. We felt so helpless. Afterwards our world, our military would never be the same.
I am retired now, back in my hometown. I did a few tours in Afghanistan and know the loss of friends and comrades. Today our local firemen, who my cousin and his son are one of did a stair climb in honor of those brave men who went into a burning building never to exit. They gave the ultimate sacrifice to save others. I participated in this climb and had the honor of wearing a lanyard with CPT Farino's name and picture.
I pray his family is well and prospering though missing a brave and honorable man.
Judy Kepler
September 11, 2016
Always remembered.
Dominique MINCHELLA
September 10, 2016
Always in my mind with the same emotion (From a French Firefighter)!
Family <3
August 17, 2016
Engine 26
August 17, 2016
Thomas J. Farino
August 17, 2016
Memorial at Engine 26
August 17, 2016
September 12, 2015
Always in our hearts, Tom - Here's Matthew THOMAS Trotta, paying his respects to you, our family's hero
September 11, 2015
A light will always shine in your honor for your bravely
Your memeory and heroism will live forever. God bless all of you.
Melissa Addison
September 11, 2015
Daryl & Susan Perfect
September 11, 2015
We will never forget
September 13, 2014
My new students now know about you, Tom....Always in our thoughts and prayers! Thank you for the heroism you demonstrated that day, and for the class you displayed every time I saw you...Matthew had an assignment in class yesterday to list the special people in his life - although he is only 8, he knows a good deal about you, and, for that, you were on his list.
Laurie Kerstein-Oates
September 11, 2014
To Mary,Jane,Jimmy
May god Bless you and keep you in his prayers. I was at the memorial Service in Bohemia . They played the song "Hero" and that says it all. Rest in peace
Batt. Chief Thomas Farino FDNY
Judy Kepler
September 11, 2014
Today, like every September 11th for the past 13 years, I wear this metal cuff memorializing Thomas Farino. I will never forget this fallen hero.
September 11, 2014
We are so proud of you Thomas Farino. Our daughters were friends. I remember Tom as a wonderful father and husband. Mary, I think of you and the kids often . We will never forget him Laurie Kerstein Oates
Susan Perfect
September 10, 2014
Remembering.......always in our prayers
MINCHELLA Dominique
September 10, 2014
From a French Firefighter.
Dominique MINCHELLA
September 10, 2014
Captain Thomas FARINO,
13 years later, my sadness is still as deep.
But when I think about your courage, my Sky brightens your light.
August 30, 2014
Remembering Tommy on his 50 birthday. May he continue to rest in peace. Linda Wohlfarth Barbaccia
Michelel
September 12, 2013
I wore your bracelet.. I never knew you but you were with me everyday. Thank you for being a Hero for America. I know you are watching over our country. God Bless You, Captain.
DC of WHBFD Daniel Amorim
September 12, 2013
As I walked down to the memorial n next to 10/10 firehouse I had your Mass card in my pocket and gave a little blessing. Did this for the Farino family who always threated me like one of their own. I only got to meet you a couple of times but I felt I lost another great friend. Your nephew Richie thought me a lot of being a great firefighter an officer. Stay well my friend keep looking down on us.
Fred Wohlfarth
September 11, 2013
Thinking of you. Our Hero from 135Th ave. You were a little boy when I knew you. You were my neighbor. My friend Richie"s little brother. Now your everyone's Hero....
Dominique MINCHELLA
September 11, 2013
Captain Thomas FARINO,
You are always in my thoughts.
French Firefighters honour you.
Debbie
August 31, 2013
Well Tom, here is another year on our birthday weekend.... think about you often, especially yesterday. As I wake up today and realize I didn't post yesterday... :( ... well, even though I didn't I was wishing you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, we all LOVE & MISS YOU !!!!!
September 11, 2012
Thank you all so much for your kind words. Tom lives on in his two children and that is what keeps me strong. A day doesn't go by that he is not missed. My husband, my best friend. Love You, Mary
James Ridley
September 11, 2012
I've not forgotten CAPT Farino. Still wearing his memory bracelet that I bought in Oct 2001
Phoebe rello
September 11, 2012
Time passes fast ...and its been 11 years...we miss love and are not ever forgetting you..
Leo Tursi
September 11, 2012
Time passes but memories stay.
You never forget.
Dominique MINCHELLA
September 11, 2012
Captain Thomas FARINO,
I'm still in sadness.
Despite the years that pass, I feel this 'nine eleven' as if it was yesterday.
I think of you, minute after minute, all along this day.
French Firefighters have not forgotten.
You are always by our side.
Dominique (from FRANCE)
Kelly Vansaghi
September 10, 2012
I am doing a stair climb at Red Rocks in Colorado on 9/11/2012 in Capt Thomas Farino's honor. He will not be forgotten.
May God his family and friends.
Ron Renner
September 10, 2012
I had the honor of representing Thomas in a 9/11 stair climb in Nashville Tenn. this Sunday. God bless you and your family! Thomas will never be forgotten for the ultimate sacrifice he made. You are a true hero my brother!!!
Daryl, Susan, Will & Tanner Perfect
September 10, 2012
You have so much to be proud of!! Your children are amazing and Mary has become so strong---she is such an incredible woman! I know you are smiling down on them. It still is so surreal but want you to know that as we approach 11 years you are still our hero and ALWAYS in our prayers
August 18, 2012
tommy ive been thinking about u all the time we were best friends as kids i s.ozone pk u said u wanted to be a fireman your a hero now ur always in my heart rip love dee pat i am so sorry for ur loss.
August 18, 2012
tommy was a chlid hood friend dated my friend andrea we
were always hanging out at 128 street with carl delgeorge and tommys bro pat he dated my friend claudia i love tommy a sweetheart of a guy may he rst in peace he will always be in my heart
love dee
Daniel Amorim
February 14, 2012
Dear Farino Family, I was a good friend of thomas nephew Richie Farino Jr. I had the pleasure of meeting him when i was longer, he was such a funny guy when he played his tricks at the firehouse. im a member of west hamilton beach fd in howard beach queens, ny. Most of his family lives there. He is always in my prayers. Cant believe its been more then 10 years. Gone BUT NEVER FORGOTTON!
Aubrie
September 29, 2011
Thomas Farino,
You are a true hero. You risked your life to save others in the 9/11 incident, and I find that truly amazing. Thank you for everything you did. You will never be forgotten. I will be praying for your family. May you rest in peace.
Katie
September 13, 2011
Hi, I recieved your name during a school project for 9/11. You are blessed. My family and I prayed for your soul. Thanks for all you did. You were truly a blessing on this earth. May you rest in peace.
Debbie
September 12, 2011
Love and Miss you Tom!
Anita & Bob Kelly
September 11, 2011
Tommy, we think and speak of you often but on September 11th we do so with tears. You have a family to be proud of and we know you are guiding them from your place in heaven. Love, Uncle Bob and Aunt Anita
Lynda Familant
September 11, 2011
I bought a bracelet to raise funds for the victims of September 11th. My bracelet has Captain Farino's name on it. I prayer that his family is doing well and I am grateful for brave men like him. Bless you.
DONNA BRAEMER
September 11, 2011
I never met you-but I hope that you are at peace in Heaven. Thank you. May God Bless you & your family. We will never forget you or what you did that day.
Michele Lasiw
September 11, 2011
Mary, On this tenth anniversary of Tom's heroic act and untimely death, I hope that you and your family has been able to heal and take solace in knowing that he will always be with you. Although I never knew him, I was proud to wear his memorial bracelet and will always remember his brave act of courage in sacrificing his life to save others. May God bless you and all your family and thank you on behalf of America.
Phoebe Rello jr
September 10, 2011
tommy, we miss you and love you<3 R.I.P goodman.
Jim Ridley
September 10, 2011
Dear Farino Family: I just wanted you to know that since late September, 2001, I've been wearing a "memory bracelet" with Thomas' name engraved in it. Not a day has passed that I have not worn that bracelet. It has traveled with me all over the country. I have often prayed for your family, as each day I would don the bracelet. Never did a day pass that I did not think of Captain Farino and his selfless sacrifice. Someday I hope to meet you and say thank you for giving so much.
Kristina Hollywood
September 9, 2011
One day we'll all know the peace that you know now! We miss you and think about you often. Our twin girls, now 8 years old, know about you, as we keep your name alive in our home. Our eyes shed tears that you're gone but our hearts rejoice that we knew you Tommy.
With love & pride,
Kristina, Jim, Anna & Allyson
Susan Perfect
September 9, 2011
Wow---10 years ---so much has changed yet so much has stayed the same. The kids are all grown, jobs have changed, friends have moved away but the constant that remains is you as the hero and guiding light in the way we continue to live our lives. You led by example then and you lead by example now Tom. Always proud to call you hero but more honored to have called you friend
September 8, 2011
I will be attending a vigil on September 11th, 2011,to honor a cousin and family hero - Captain Thomas Farino of the New York City Fire Department. I will be placing a flower at the site of a new memorial garden in Juniper Park in Middle Village. I will be talking to my students about heroism, who their heroes are, and about my hero...And I will never forget. Your spirit is alive and well, Tom!
Love,
Rob, Giovanna and Matthew Thomas
Jimmy Urbancik
September 8, 2011
Mr. Farino i only remember meeeting you once when i was a little boy but i remember you had me laughing the whole time. Jimmy is my bestfriend in the whole world and i know you would be proud. You are a hero to me and to everyone who knew you. God bless
Marybeth Picchiello
September 8, 2011
Michael would always tell me how much fun he had with Jimmy and his dad when he went for "play dates" during those kindergarten years. Michael is now 16 and still fondly remembers those times. Thank you Tom for being such a great dad, not only to Jimmy and Jane, but also to their friends!
Dominique MINCHELLA
September 7, 2011
Thomas,
I will be in New York for September 11 in order to pay homage to you and greet your courage, still and always ! I think of you, your family and all the victims that this terrible Nine Eleven upset. I always feel much sadness with this page of our History. But when I think of you in my moments of difficulties, you always bring to me this small light which shines in the sky and which shows the way of courage. In the name of all the French Firefighters, I address to you all our recognition. Dominique
Susan Perfect
May 5, 2011
The war may not yet be over Tom but the mastermind they say is gone. I am hoping that all of us can find a little comfort. NYC will be celebrating today---I know you are there with the other heroes and I hope you are finding some peace at last. We will never give up the fight on terror and never give up holding you as a hero in our lives!!
Joseph Zappia
May 4, 2011
Thomas, I never met you. Never shook your hand. And never said thank you. But I knew of you. I know your wife Mary and your sister-in-law Debbie. Over the past few days the world is rejoicing because we are rid of a horror. I hope that will provide some relief to the ones that your life has touched, and forever will touch. Thomas, when I do see you, please allow me the honor of shaking your hand...and thanking you.
Melissa Springsteen
March 29, 2011
Will never forget when you watched me as a little girl and took me to get ralphs italian ices with Jane. You are always in my heart and will never be forgotten. You are my hero.
John Lombardi
March 29, 2011
Always a pleasure to work and study with you.Always in my heart
Sal Farino
March 29, 2011
You ride with me every day, it doesn't matter which vehicle. Your picture is front and center on all dashboards and windshields!!! I told my kids about you and what it means to try and be the best. We mill meet again cuz, I will bring an extra glove and softball so we can have a catch. All the other guys have to bring their own. R.I.P
September 12, 2010
We LOVE & MISS YOU TOM!!!!
Healing Fields in Tempe, AZ 9/11/2010
Mark Autrey
September 11, 2010
September 11, 2010
You will never be forgotten, Tom...Rest in peace...You are and always shall be my hero...Although I always knew you were a terrific human being, a class act, it seems that, over time, I learn more and more about what made you such a great and positive individual...I thank you now with words, but I will thank you with a big hug when I see you in heaven...Stay well in God's hands
Love,
Rob Trotta
Dominique MINCHELLA
September 11, 2010
Captain Thomas FARINO,
I have always much sorrow with this 09/11.
But I think of you, your courage, your sacrifice and the Honors which we must continue to return to you.
From 'Dom' a French Firefighter.
Susan Perfect
September 10, 2010
Remembering a friend and a hero --- We will never forget 9-11-2001
Kristina Hollywood
September 10, 2010
Although it's been 9 years, you are not thought about any less. Your light continues to shine through and memories of you remain unclouded. Your smile & your spirit are what stand out most of all, both of which live on in your two wonderful children, Jane and Jimmy. You have blessed this world in more ways than could ever be measured. You are and will always be greatly missed and remembered with the utmost admiration and respect for the person you were and the legacy you have left behind. God bless you Tom!
August 30, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM!!!!!!!
WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!!!!!!
WE MISS YOU EVERYDAY THAT GOES BY!!!!!!!
Casey
April 21, 2010
dear Mrs Farino, i'm very sorry for your loss of Capt. Thomas. He was a true hero along with all the others of 9/11. Right now i am doing a research project on Capt. Farino and would like to get to know some more about him. It is okay if you dont want to get back to me, but i am mainly posting this to tell of how much i am sorry for your loss and that he will be missed.
Kristina Hollywood
September 11, 2009
We miss you Tom! There are no words to express the grief and the loss that we felt when we realized what had happened. Even after 8 years, disbelief still lingers. Your smile will always be one of the things about you that I will never forget. You are a in our hearts today and always.
Seth Fangman
September 11, 2009
September 11,2009
Mr. Farino
WTC Ground Zero
Vesey-liberty-church-west streets
New York, NY 10038
Dear Mr. Farino,
You are a true hero you saved many lives and even sacrificed your own. You are not a baseball
star or a actor but a true hero. What I’ve read about you is all great things. You were a very
happy person who loved to spend time with your family.
You were said to be the rock of which your wife Mary built her life on.
I know you left behind your ten year old daughter Jane and your 6 year old son James also your wife Mary.
You stayed home as much as you could to be with your family which just shows how great you are.
Me and the rest of America will remember what you did that day with no clue of what might
happen to you and still fight the fires. That is what a true hero is to me. Again thank you for
what you’ve done for America and thank you for the service you’ve provided.
Sincerely,
Seth Fangman
Ross King
September 11, 2009
September 11, 2009
Dear Farino family,
I know that your family had a terrible loss of Thomas, but he was a hero to thousands of people. He’s a hero because he put everyone first and he went into the face of danger to save people of the 9/11 incident.
I am very sorry Mary, and your children. I know that he was a baby of six children and his birthday was August 30th. I am very sorry for your friends and family Thomas I really wish that 9/11 didn’t happen. You will always be a hero in my eyes and the Farino family, you all is heroes since of your loss.
Wishes to all of you and let Thomas Farino stay in our hearts forever and ever.
Let Thomas rest in peace…
Sincerely,
Ross King
Ross King
September 11, 2009
September 11, 2009
Dear Farino family,
I know that your family had a terrible loss of Thomas, but he was a hero to thousands of people. He’s a hero because he put everyone first and he went into the face of danger to save people of the 9/11 incident.
I am very sorry Mary, and your children. I know that he was a baby of six children and his birthday was August 30th. I am very sorry for your friends and family Thomas I really wish that 9/11 didn’t happen. You will always be a hero in my eyes and the Farino family, you all is heroes since of your loss.
Wishes to all of you and let Thomas Farino stay in our hearts forever and ever.
Let Thomas rest in peace…
Sincerely,
Ross King
Dominique MINCHELLA
September 11, 2009
Eight years passed but my emotion is intact. I will never forget this difficult and sad day ; I will never forget your sacrifice.
Dominique (From FRANCE)
Anthony Mauro
September 11, 2009
Tommy, you were never forgotten. I still remember all the fun we had in your basement after school, watching the Apollo missions on TV and I how upset you were when you someone took the big Godzilla figure you liked so much. Hope I made you smile.
September 11, 2009
Eight years ? You are forever in our hearts as a hero ? 9-11-01 ? We will never forget
Phoebe Rello
September 10, 2009
On this the 8th Anniversary of such a devasting day I can rest assure that we will never forget you and all the other victims. I want you to know that the employees at Marcal Paper in Elmwood Park , NJ " WILL NEVER FORGET!!!" Tomorrow they will have a memorial service for the employees family and friends. You will be remembered there and in our hearts forever. God Bless you Tom!
phoebe rello jr
September 4, 2009
happy birth day!! we mis you
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