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Thomas Gardner Obituary
Like a tree, or a starfish, Thomas A. Gardner reached in many different directions.
He was a 39-year-old firefighter who spent more than a dozen years battling blazes in Harlem, then moved on to the city's elite hazardous-materials unit in Queens.
He was a father and husband who taught his family to love canoeing and hiking and animals the way he did. He was an aspiring science teacher, who put himself through Queens College while working full time at that Harlem firehouse. He could wing one-liners with the best of them, and sold jokes to Henny Youngman and Joan Rivers.
He also played hockey for a Long Island team, with his older brother, Joseph. And with a fellow firefighter from Hazardous Materials Company No. 1, he performed in a comedy routine broadcast on a Long Island radio station.
"Originally, he was supposed to sit in the back and pass ideas along," said his wife, Liz. But sitting in the back was not his style.
At Queens College, his professors were amazed by his inquisitiveness and enthusiasm. "He had this intense curiosity about all the aspects of science," said one of them, Mark G. Miksic. At one point, they invited him to lecture, and he was a hit. Now the college has the Thomas A. Gardner Award, for students planning to teach science.
"There are a lot of people who are full of themselves, but Tom was never full of himself," said Rob Koudelka, his friend from Engine Company 59, known as the Harlem Zoo. "He never thought he was the smartest guy. He wanted to become smarter. And he never thought he was the best at anything. He wanted to get better."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Debbie Reed
September 15, 2021
On the 20th anniversary (how has it been that long??) our small Kentucky town had a week long event memorializing 9/11.
Volunteers were given cards with a name and photo. I received Thomas Gardners. What a waste of such promise! What a sacrifice for our country to lose such noble, heroic people as we did that day! I have prayed for all of your family to receive peace, comfort and strength for your loss. I know words cannot erase the pain of losing a son, husband, father, brother and friend. But please know that there are still those of us who care and grieve with you at all that was lost that day.
Cindy Roe
September 14, 2021
Remembering Thomas on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
A.L.
August 2, 2019
What a brave guy...
RIP.
Robert Schmidt
July 15, 2019
I never knew Thomas but I met his lovely niece one day on the Long Island Rail Road. We talked for a while and I brought up 9/11. I was there on 9/11 - one of so many business men and women that lived through that horrible event. She told my of her uncle and her story touched me deeply. I never saw her again, and I don't even remember her name, but I still work downtown so on her behalf I stop at the WTC site and say a prayer for Thomas, for his family, and for all the fallen heroes. God bless.
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Jim Tarr
September 16, 2014
I have a Flag of Honor that lists all victims of 9/11. I was reading the names of these people and the name on "Thomas A Gardner" caught my eye. I did not know any one personally who passed away on that fateful day. AS I read about Thomas what a great loss for his family and community. Thank you for sharing information about this great man.
Thomas Gardner
September 13, 2013
I am a fire captain at a volunteer company in Marshallton, Delaware. This past Sunday we were participating in a memorial walk, "343 Miles for 343 Brothers", as we regularly do. Firefighters dressed in full turnout gear carry a card with the name of a fallen FDNY brother as we walk a mile. At the end of the walk, each name is read and the bell of rememrance is rang in honor and memory of that firefighter. This year, I was joined in the walk by my Dalmatian, "Trixie". We carried two cards. Following the walk, I received a text from one of our junior members. His sister had the card of a fallen brother by the name of Thomas Gardner. He wanted to know if I wanted the card. He knew that I keep all of the cards that I have carried over the years and thought that this card might be of particular interest to me. I told him that I would absolutely want that card. I have researched the name and history of this brother just as I have done with the others, but this one is especially interesting. My name is Thomas Gardner. Much love to your family and loved ones left behind! You will NEVER be forgotten!
Ronald Grow
November 14, 2012
I met Tom at the Fire Academy in Emmitsburg in 1999. I was immediately impressed with his wit and sense of humor. I thought it was great that his wife and kids came to visit during the weekend break. Like many others before us, we formed bonds in two weeks that seemed as if they had been there for years. I was teaching a HazMat class at an industrial plant when the first plane struck. I told the class this is no accident and many good men are going to die today. I thought of my FDNY brothers and hoped for the best. I was stunned to find Tom's name on the list on the station bulletin board. Now it was personal. I think about you often Tom. As I write this, I am preparing for participation in a Cub Scout Pack meeting. I intend to tell them about my hero. I will never forget. God rest brother.
Margot Whalen
September 11, 2012
I had the honor of climbing for Thomas A Gardner today at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks in Morrison Colorado. What a great person to climb in memory of. Fallen but Never Forgotten.
Gary Kessler
September 10, 2012
Tom I'm thinking of you today and the brave sacrifice that you made in order to save others; I continue to remember you in my thoughts and pray for your family.
Jessica Burnett
September 10, 2012
To whom it may concern.
I have participated for the second time as of 9/9/12 in the nashvillestairclimb In Nasville, Tn. Both times I climbed for Thomas Gardner,Hmc.1. After the 2011 climb, I looked up Thomas bio and decided to climb for him every year. I have been a professional firefighter for 6 years now, and want to keep his memory alive not only once a year, but also everyday through profession related education, and by trying to be a better person.
Sincerely,
Jessica B.
Candace Gardner
September 12, 2011
As we attended church yesterday and were handed cards to pray for the victims and family members of 9/11...to our surprise the name read Thomas Gardner. We have been anxiously awaiting for weeks now, the arrival of our own little Thomas Gardner.
We both felt extremely humbled to learn and pray for your family. God is a true miracle worker and we look forward to our Thomas being a blessing to the world just like you were!
Ken Trnka
September 11, 2011
Still thinking of you Tommy. Cherish the picture you took of me fishing at Robert Moses.
September 11, 2011
To the Gardner family from so many of your friends and neighbors in the Oceanside/Rockville Centre community - our thoughts are always with you. we will always remember the bravery of your husband and father. God bless him and all of you.
Jim Karagounis
September 10, 2011
I went to school with Tom at Francis Lewis... and I just discovered today (10 years later) that he was one of Brave Firefighter that "went in and never came out."
Rest in peace; I will never forget your smile...
Jim Karagounis
JORDAN H
January 28, 2011
THOMAS- IM SO INSPIRED BY YOUR HEROISM ON 9/11. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR BRAVERY ON 9/11. I PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY EVERY NIGHT. GOD BLESS YOU HERO. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU GAVE ON SEPT 11TH.
Kat Connor
September 13, 2010
Paying tribute to you. Although I never met you, the bravery you and your fellow fire fighters showed during this time will remain in my heart forever. Fly with the angels Mr. Thomas Gardner.
me and the top of the building after the climb with a picture of Thomas A. Gardner around my neck
Brian Cirbo Jr.
September 13, 2009
my name is Brian Cirbo and I'm a fire fighter for Southwest Adams County Fire Rescue in Colorado. I wanted to thank you Thomas Gardner for all you did for the people in the world trade center on 9-11 and for everyone else around the world. This was my first year doing the memiorial stair climb in Denver, Colorado and you where the fire fighter that I recived to carry with me to the top of the building. Though I have never meet you I believe in a way you gave me the drive to not give up and finish the climb. I want everyone who reads this to never forget what happened and you will always be in my thoughts.
Brian J Cirbo Jr
Southwest Adams County Fire Rescue
derick
October 6, 2008
thanks very much for giving your life for some people in the twin towers
Meredith Adams
September 11, 2008
Thank you Thomas Gardner for risking your life to protect other people in this country. I really appreciate the work you and the rest of the NY firefighters did.
Amilcar
April 14, 2008
Mr. Gardner thank you for giving your life to save other pepol we realy apritiat it
Pat McNelis
March 25, 2008
A few of us played hockey with Tom and his brother Joe on a team called the Phantoms. Tom was an excellent teammate and never took our losing too seriously. I guess he knew there were more important things in life.
debra strock
March 23, 2007
Although we were related, but never met each other, we were still family. I will never forget how my mother told me how aunt rose and your family grieved for you.
Every year on sept 11th I wait to hear your name read. I say a prayer for you and your family and
remember how bravely you did your job along with your fellow firefighters. Rest In Peace.
Kristine
November 3, 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
October 12, 2006
In memory....
Stephan, Southmore Intermediate School
October 3, 2006
Thank you for your heroic sacrifice on September 11th. I hope that you and the other heroes of September 11th are never forgotten.
Karen Jacobsen
September 19, 2006
I can't say I knew Tom well. I rented his and Liz's condo in Glen Oaks for many years. I got to know them both on a friendly level, enough to get a glimpse into their approach to life. Fair, honest, calm and good-natured; both Tom and Liz shared those traits .
Their marriage was an admirable and enviable one; one that gave me hope that I might get lucky enough to have that kind of partnership with someone someday.
I think of Tom and Liz and their children often, and hold them always in my prayers. Good, good people; the kind the world doesn't have enough of.
Evelyn B
September 19, 2006
Thank you for your courage and sacrifice. You are truly a hero. We will never forget!
Koy Severino
September 14, 2006
Thank you for sacrificing your life so that others may live.
Chelsea Gardner
August 21, 2006
I came across here, because of the same last name. Everything I read moved me so much. All I want to say is Thank You! You are the definition of America.
Rich Bruce
March 12, 2006
Tommy, I'll Never forget that trip we took to Cancun, way back when,with Marco, Emilio and Rich. You have been in my thoughts often,The things you accomplished in your life inspire me . Ill always remember seeing you at the Mobil gas station on Utopia And Northern, we said we would Keep in touch. It has taken along time for me to write this,I wiil never forget you!! Thank you for Your frirndsip, God Bless you.....Richie B
CD
December 8, 2005
God Bless you,Tom.
I know how much your family misses you.Your sweet beautiful parents,your brothers,will never be the same with out you. But, each and everyday they get up trying to be strong as you. God Bless your Wife,what an awesome lady,who treasured the life you gave to her and your two BEAUTIFUL children. Tom, im sure you already know,she is doing a wonderful job raisng your children, and raising them to be just like you. A Hero.Your name lives on in them. Your memories live in all that knew you and of all mankind .
God bless you, Tom
AMEN
James Johnson
September 11, 2005
God Bless You...
ben murolo
December 16, 2004
Dear Tommy,
To a wonderful family man and good person. Your CPA
S. Benjamin Murolo
Barbara Genise (Chase)
September 11, 2003
Tommy I will always remember you walking Duke on 163 Street. Playing roller hockey in the streets and ofcourse snow ball fights. My Love and Prayers go to your wife and children, And dear and loving parents.Always in my prayers. May God Bless you and keep you safe
Classmates of the FLHS.
February 20, 2003
Fellow Classmates of Franics Lewis High Shcool,Class of 81,Gives Their Deepest Sympathy to Garnder Family Their HERO & OURS too.
Know that your Son,Brother,Friend was not Forgotten by Us. God Bless You all. May his Memory live on in the lives that he touched in his Past as well.
Ray Sanchez
September 13, 2002
I met Tom at a class sponsored by the International Assosciation of Fire Fighters in Tysons Corner,Va. focusing on firefighter safety and hazardous materials. He was an immediately likeable person and a great instructor. We spent several nights together at dinner and having a few beers. We had much in common so we talked at length of job and family. Tom spoke openly of his need to be there for his children and his love for his wife. He was impressive as an instructor with an ability to teach without making you feel beneath him. We talked some of getting together after our class which lasted about four days and I regret deeply that this was not to be. I pray often for his family and want them to know that his focus of conversation in the short time I knew Tom was of his pride in his children and in his love of family. He spoke of becoming a full time college professor after his twenty years of service so he could be with his family. Tom was funny and we laughed often. I will miss him. God Bless Tom and his family.
Kathleen Hughes
September 12, 2002
I was a singer in the "Rolling Requiem" project yesterday morning. Every participant and audience member received a badge with a name on it. I received Thomas's name. I will pray for him and for all of you.
Kathleen G. Hughes
Cindy Brittain
September 12, 2002
I attended a Memorial this evening in Santa Barbara, California. I received a red heart with your name on it. To your family: I am sure there is not a day that you don't miss your wonderful son and husband. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep him in my prayers. God Bless all of you and Thomas.
Lori Tropiano
September 11, 2002
Tommy,
Our families go way back to before either of us were probably ever even born. Our older brothers, Gary & Fred were friends first. You & I grew up in the same neigborhood, same friends. We would all play baseball at the corner of 43rd Ave & 163rd St. Our families are still close & in touch. It's a family bond that will never die. Gary is gone, now you, it all seems so unfair. Lives lost at such young ages. We ask why, & forever will wonder why this has all happened. We now have to hang on to the memories. You may be gone from this Earth, but, Tommy, you will forever live in our hearts. God Bless you....
Shayna Saylor
September 10, 2002
At my school this week, they gave us wrist bands with names of the people who died on September 11th. I got Thomas A. Gardner. I just wanted to say that Thomas, and his family will be in my prayers and to let you know that we're all thinking and praying for all of you. God Bless!
Becky G. Beasley
September 10, 2002
I grew up as an only child. My brother, John Thomas Gardner, died just a few days after he was born. I am happy to know that a man with a name so similar lived such an exemplary life and enjoyed so many of the experiences that my brother might have known, had it been in God's plan. May his courage and selflessness never be forgotten by friends, family or total strangers. God bless!
Noreen Diodati
September 9, 2002
I did not know Tom Gardner. However, our church gave out rememberance cards with the names of those who died in the tragedy of 9/11/01. I happened to choose Tom's name. Having a father, grandfather and uncles who served in the NYFD, I want to thank Tom for all he did for the people he saved on this tragic day. I will remember he and his family in my prayers now and in the future. Thank you Thomas Gardner and all those who risked their lives in saving others. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your families.
Mayra Valdez
September 4, 2002
Dear Mr. Gardner,
Thank you for sacrificing your life
to save other people. We will
always remember you.
Juli Mahoney
August 16, 2002
Tom,
I am a friend and co-worker of Cat Bartik-Sweeney. Though I did not know you personally, I feel as though the world has lost an amazing man.
Know that you are survived by so many people who loved and respected you as a father, husband, brother-in-law, friend and protector. I thank God there were so many brave souls (including yourself) that day doing what you knew best - protecting the innocent. I hope your family and friends take comfort in knowing that you are, and will always be in their hearts--where NO ONE can take you from them. God Bless you, your family and America.
With Love and Respect,
Juli Mahoney and Family
Chris Panebianco
May 30, 2002
Tommy:
I remember you as a little boy, we played together, enjoyed each other. You are now in heaven with Jesus who was first to give his life for us, and you also gave your life so other could live. You are our angel in heaven and our saint.
There is no greater LOVE than to give you life for others.
Tommy, you will be remembered for ever in our humble prayers.
Margaret Gardner
May 29, 2002
If tears could build a stairway,
and memories were a lane,
I would walk right up to Heaven,
to bring you home again.
No farewell words were spoken,
no time to say goodbye,
You were gone before we knew it,
and only God knows why.
Our hearts still ache in sadness,
and secret tears still flow,
what it meant to lose you,
no one will ever know..Love,Mom&Dad
Angie Campbell
April 26, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Michael Iezzi
April 25, 2002
Father we entrust our brother Thomas to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Colette & John Gambino
April 23, 2002
What can be said about a great man? We wish we could have said it to him while he was still alive, but alas, we did not. Tommy, there does not go by a day that we do not think of you. It can be from a discussion with our circle of dinner friends, the casual leafing through of a picture album, the monthly anniversary of that tragic day or a glance at the AOL buddy list where we see Liz's handle. You were always there for us when needed. We will always be there for your family now.
A tree has fallen but in that void, new life will grow again. It will take time and the landscape will be altered forever but we all realize that we were made better people by being in the presence of a great man. We will strive to incorporate your love of all into our lives and in so doing, keep you alive in our hearts, prayers and words.
And we ask you to look down on us from your animal habitat up there and bless us with your love and wisdom.
We love you. We miss you. We shall never forget you.
Love
Colette and John
Nancy & Jon Pease
April 19, 2002
It’s hard to write this. As longtime friends, we have so many memories: your amazing wedding (the infamous limo breakdown), the births of your children, our vacation together on Mt.Desert Island, and all the parties. You are looking down from heaven on this special day. You live on in all of us, especially in your great kids, Chris and Amy. You and Liz will make sure of that. We are so proud to have known you and will NEVER forget. One of your favorite quotes says so much about who you are:
"To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived -- this is to have succeeded."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
David & Linda Hassell
April 2, 2002
God Bless Thomas Gardner! We did not know you, but we owe you a debt of gratitude for your bravery and proving to the world such men do exist in the United States of America. You will not be forgotten!
JOHN DIOLOSA
March 13, 2002
TOM, NOT A DAY HAS GONE BY SINCE
SEPTEMBER THAT I DON'T THINK ABOUT YOU. I REMEMBER BACK TO THE DAYS OF
HAPPINESS GROWING UP TOGETHER IN
FLUSHING NY, ON 163 RD STREET.
SOME OF MY FONDEST AND BEST MEMORIES
ARE OF YOUR MOM TAKING US TO THE
BEACH IN ROCKAWAY. GROWING UP YOU WERE MY BEST FRIEND. WHEN WE MOVED
TO LONG ISLAND IN 1978, I FELT ALONE. BUT I KNEW THAT I STILL HAD A
FRIEND. AS WE GREW OLDER WE KIND OF WENT OUR SEPARATE WAYS. YOU BECAME A
FIRE FIGHTER, AND I JOINED THE MARINES. I SERVED WITH THE FULL KNOWLEDGE THAT I COULD LOSE MY LIFE IN DEFENSE OF OUR COUNTRY, AND YOU SERVED KNOWING THE SAME COULD HAPPEN
IN THE SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW
YORK. IN AUGUST OF 2001, I FELT A
STRONG DESIRE TO RENEW OUR FRIENDSHIP. I WENT BACK TO 163 RD STREET TO TALK TO YOUR PARENTS AND TO TRY TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU. I
NEVER DID SEE YOUR PARENTS OR GET YOUR NUMBER, BUT THERE WAS PLENTY OF TIME TO DO SO. I NEVER THOUGHT THAT I WOULD NEVER GET THE CHANCE TO SEE YOU OR TALK TO YOU AGAIN. YOU
WERE THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST OF US ALL. YOU BOUGHT A SMILE TO OUR FACES
AND LAUGHTER TO OUR MOUTHS. THE BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE WERE AHEAD OF YOU. THIS WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN TO YOU, MANY OTHERS, OUR CITY
AND OUR NATION. I MOURN FOR YOU NOW,
BUT I KNOW THAT YOU ARE AT PEACE IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND I KNOW THAT ONE DAY WE
WILL SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN IN A PLACE
WHERE THERE IS NO MORE PAIN AND TEARS.
I LOVED YOU LIKE A BROTHER THEN, AND
NOW, AND I ALWAYS WILL.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Mishelle Brosnan
February 3, 2002
T - teacher
O - outdoorsman
M - master of the sciences
G - great husband to Liz
A - animal lover
R - radio personality
D - dedicated dad to Amy & Chris
N - nature lover
E - everlasting smile
R - remember the great memories...
memories last forever.
F - family man, fireman & friend
D - devoted to family
N - nature's friend
Y - you'll never be forgotten...
in life you gave us great
memories, and we will always
R E M E M B E R Y O U!
Our friendship began with double dates and continued through our marriages and kids. We cherish all
we've done together from our simple
outings to our "grand" Grand Canyon
trip, where our backpacks were so
heavy that we could hardly stand up-from the weight and laughter combined. We yearn for those great
times, but are comforted by our
fond memories of our good times
together, which we were blessed with many!
We will always remember with love!
Roberta Roberti
February 2, 2002
As Tom's grandmother Rose often said, "we lost a giant."
Don Garrett
February 2, 2002
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about Tom. I see his face in his children that are often over at my house to play with my children. I see his strength and compassion in his daughter Amy's face, and the tall, handsome man in his son Chris, who will one day play hockey as well. His wife Liz is a pillar of strength as well. I know Tom is looking down on us and will guide our way, for he started the path many years ago. We Love You
Tom, and you are surely missed.
Larry Ortolani
February 2, 2002
Tommy,
Thank you for being a hero that day and always, for so many; and for being a friend and great team-mate on our Hockey team.
You are forever in our thoughts and not a game goes by I don't think of you and play for you.
We continue to live our lives with you in our thoughts, and will continue to be warmed by the torch you helped keep lit with such heroism on that tragic day.
We love you.
Kathleen Mallozzi
February 2, 2002
Tom was such a wonderful young man and it was my pleasure to know him.
He was married to my cousin it is so hard to think that he is not here.
When I think of him I will always thing of his beautiful smile and how tall he was... and how he saved my ducks... just because he was kind and caring.
Kath
Lisa Behar
February 1, 2002
You are and will always be a hero. You are my cousin and I am so happy that we were able to see each other in the recent years. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you and all our email and IM chats of picking on each other.
Love,
Your Favorite Cuz
Lisa
Fred Gardner
February 1, 2002
God bless you Tom. you were and always be a great brother, friend and hero. I will miss you, your brother Fred
Sheila Peralta
February 1, 2002
Tommy was my neice's husband and I
personally knew what a wonderful family man he was. It is strange to say he "was" because he will always be remembered as if we could still see him and talk to him.
January 20, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS
BEAUTIFUL FIREMAN AND MAY HIS SOUL
REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS OUR HERO FIREMEN
EVERYWHERE WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT
THEM..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET AMERICA ..MAY ST.THOMAS GREET YOU
IN HEAVEN...AMEN
Teresa Jahn
January 1, 2002
We are deeply sorry for our nations loss of Thomas. We thank Thomas for dedicating his life to protect, save and comfort others as a firefighter. Such dedication comes with a brave, warm and caring heart filled with love for his fellow man. May Thomas's courage, life and love live on in those who love him and in those he has helped. May the sorrow of your hearts be lightened by the warm memories of the golden moments in your lives. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Thomas.
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
Christina Paixao
December 16, 2001
i didn't know Mr. Gardner, but, my church is selling mercy braclets, and i happen to choose his name. The point of the braclet is to pray for him and his loved ones that he left behind. that is what i've been doing, and will continue to do. It is a constant reminder of what we, as a nation have lost. Thank you, Mr. Thomas Gardner, for being a hero that day. God bless.
Denise Hinson
December 5, 2001
God Bless Mr. Gardner. He is truely a hero in the eyes of Americans.
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