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Jeffrey Giordano
Jeffrey Giordano
Obituary
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Jeffrey Giordano Obituary
His wife's beloved stepfather, clinging to life in the burn center at New York Hospital, made Jeffrey Giordano promise to become a firefighter. And so he spent 14 years at Ladder Company 3 in the East Village, where he was decorated for bravery last spring after rescuing a woman from a burning apartment.
Firefighter Giordano, 45, also became a devoted friend of the burn center, where adults and children go to heal and where his wife, Marie, worked. He took ice cream to the children there, and endlessly raised money for the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, which buys equipment and contributed $700,000 this year.
On weekends, Firefighter Giordano loaded his van with T-shirts to sell at firefighting conferences, often taking his children — Victoria, 12; Nick, 9; and Alexandra, 6 — with him. That was for the foundation, too.
He and his wife met when he was 15 and she was 13. "I miss his arms around me," Mrs. Giordano said. "I thought we would grow old together."
On Jan. 22, the hospital will open a children's playroom in the burn center. It will be named for Firefighter Giordano, who sped to the World Trade Center in the battalion chief's car on Sept. 11, even though it was his day off.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jordan M
June 26, 2023
A true hero. Gone, but never forgotten. Rest in peace.
ANGELA MAFFEI
September 10, 2021
Dear Marie and Family, I'm thinking of you and Jeffrey. I still wear the bracelet with his name on it and I still pray for all of you and him. I will never forget.
Asya Stoyanova
September 13, 2020
Dear Marie, Nicholas, Victoria and Alexandra,
Every year, on 11 September, I devote a post to Mr. Jeffrey Giordano on my facebook page so that I make my friends aware of his heroism and have them remember him. Ever since I read about his life I could not forget his face, that gentle look, these good eyes, so much that he resembles my father who is his peer. My heat goes to your family and I know he is out there, around you. Blessings!
Asya
Angela Maffei
September 11, 2020
Jeffrey, not a 9/11 goes by that I don't say a prayer for you and thank you for your heroism.
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Laura Martinez
July 22, 2020
Angela Maffei
September 11, 2014
I'm using today (9/11/2014) to remember a true hero - Jeffrey Giordano.
Alex ...
May 24, 2014
My name is Alex and I have been researching Jeff for our schools annual trip to the 9/11 memorial. I am very sorry for your loss. I am looking for some pictures of Jeff for a memorial I am making for him. If you have any pictures, please contact me at [email protected]. Thank you, and I'm very sorry for your loss! Jeffrey was a terrific father/husband/and brother to all. Thank you
April 29, 2014
Hi. My name is Alex. I am doing a research project on Jeffrey. I'm very sorry for your loss. I have only read a little about him, and I am interested in learning more. Please contact me at [email protected]
September 11, 2013
Dear Marie and Family,
My thoughts and prayers remain with you. I just know that anyone whose life was touched by Jeff was blessed. God bless. Angela Maffei
Asya Stoyanova
September 21, 2012
Dear Marie, Nicholas, Victoria and Alexandra,
Last year I was in New York with my husband and we went to the 9/11 Memorial. I took a random photo of the granite slabs with the idea to read and get to know more about at least one of the angels, whose names were written there. It took me a year to find the time to do it and here I decided to read about your beloved Jeffrey Giordano. His story, his life, his face touched me so deeply. He was and would be exactly the age of my parents and has this noble, gentle, warm and loving look that my father does. I am sure and have no doubt that he was a great, incomparable and irreplaceable father, husband, son and brother - one can read it in his look. He has made such a difference to so many people that it is impossible to be gone - he will live forever. You were blessed to have him in your lives and no question he is your guardian angel now.
Truly yours,
Asya, Bulgaria
Michelle Aswad
September 11, 2012
My name is Michelle Aswad I am 32years and I live in Denver, CO. Today as a tribute they had a memorial event and Red Rocks Amphitheater in which they had people make 9 laps up and down the steep stairs which symbolized and equaled the distance of the 110 stories of the World Trade building. They gave each of us a sticker with a name and face of one of the fallen and I received the sticker of Jeffrey Giordano. Seeing his name and face was a very humbling experience. It was truly an honor for me to walk in his remembrance and walk for him today. May he forever rest in paradise!
Roxane Rush
September 11, 2012
I participated in the 2nd Annual Terry Farrell 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Cobb County, Georgia, and I wore Jeff's picture to honor him as I climbed. It was amazing to see the fire fighters who participated, and I felt very blessed to be a part of the climb. Jeff was a true hero. May God continue to bless your family.
Angela Maffei
September 11, 2012
Dear Marie and Family,
I'm remembering Jeff's heroism and I'm praying that the world will be blessed with more people like him. It is what we need. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm wearing my Jeffrey Giordano bracelet. God bless.
burt pinkston
September 8, 2012
Jeff You were taken from us doing what you did..helping people. much has been written about your running, and the charity work you did, all great things..I remember my friend from Sunoco, driving around Shore Road, the camping trips all the guys took upstate, the motorcycle rides( I still remember the night that red honda you had went down getting off the belt pkwy), the time you chased down the guys who tried to rough me up on 86st..still cant believe your gone, but thanks for the time you were here
Ian Wallace
October 30, 2011
We have the "343" Poster in many of our facilities. I look at it a lot. Jeff's picture caught my eye. We have the same birthday, Jan 21 1956. Thanks Jeff, RIP, Never Forget.
Ian Wallace
Santa Clara County FD, CA
F.F. Steve Ogden
September 23, 2011
To Jeff and his Family,
I was on duty as a St. Louis City Firefighter that Tuesday morning 10 years ago when the news broke about the "bizarre accident" of a plane hitting one of the Towers. As I watched, the second plane hit and I remember thinking almost instantly, "We're at War!" followed by the realization that my job as a fireman just took on a whole new meaning. I watched the faces of those FDNY brothers as they were trudging towards the towers loaded down with their "high-rise" gear and looking up at what they were getting ready to run into while everyone else was running out. And then, the horror of watching the towers coming down and knowing that all those brother firefighters just died trying to rescue others. I was now on the "front line" in the War on Terror, and I've never forgotten that.
Within days of the attack, I erected a 30' flagpole in my front yard to honor all of the fallen, civilian and first-responder alike, and have flown my flags at half-mast every anniversary as well as other holidays. But the immensity of the loss that day never really sank in until I had the honor and privilege of helping erect a memorial display on Art Hill in Forest Park, our smaller version of your Central Park, here in St. Louis, MO.
For the last 10 years, we have all bandied about the numbers, like "3000 killed", or "343 firemen lost". But when you see this hillside covered in 2,996 3' x 5' flags fluttering in the breeze, each with a name, photo and other biographic info, laid out in the perfect geometric precision of Arlington Cemetery and arranged alphabetically with civilian, military and first-responders intermixed, the effect was stunning and awe-inspiring. And that feeling was echoed by the hundreds and thousands that visited the site through the week.
The organizers of the memorial were amazed at how many of us showed up to volunteer and even more amazed at the number of visitors and the effect that it had on them. They had announced that anyone who wanted to make a donation to the "Semper Fi" Fund for wounded Marines could reserve a flag to take home after the event, and any flags not spoken for would be donated to a local man who for several years has donated his time and expense to line the roads to rural gravesites for the funerals of fallen military men & women. They only expected to "sell" a few hundred of the flags, but at last count, well over 2000 have been taken!
I reserved 10 flags for myself and my friends and family. Two of them were for me. Not knowing any of the FDNY personally, your name and flag was one of the first I came across as I was setting up the flags. And then, right next to yours was "John Giordano, FDNY, 46 years old". Not knowing for sure, I assumed you were twin brother FDNY Firefighters that died that day and were standing side by side on the Hill. I now have both of your flags and they will fly in my yard on every anniversary.
Another FDNY fireman, Steven Siller, who was off duty that morning but responded to the "General Recall" and, unable to cross the Brooklyn Bridge due to shut-down, grabbed his gear and ran across the bridge to join his brothers and die in the Towers. I've sent that flag to my daughter living in NYC who will be carrying it this Sunday in a memorial walk across the bridge to honor Siller's heroic sacrifice.
Since I'm not sure if you and John were brothers, I'm going to post this same message on his Tribute site. It's just important to me that you and your family know that you are honored and remembered and your sacrifice is with me every time I jump on my Pumper to respond to a call. If your family would like to see photos of the Art Hill display it would be my honor to respond to emails at [email protected]. Rest easy, Brother!
Erik Grismanauskas
September 11, 2011
I wore a badge today in honor of Firefighter Jeffrey Giordano today as I climbed the stairs of the Stratosphere in Las Vegas where I am a Fire Captain. It was an honor, and I wanted to let you all know he was thought about in reverence today, even though we never met. God bless you.
Angela Maffei
September 11, 2011
Dear Marie & Family,
Every year on 9/11 I wear a bracelet that reads: FF Jeffrey Giordano 9-11-01 FDNY Ladder 3 in honor and memory of your husband/father. While I consider all firefighters heros, when I read about Jeff, I feel the enormous sense of pride and love with which you must remember him. I'm sorry for your loss. I just want you to know that others think of Jeff's heroism and remember him on every 9/11 and I promise I will continue to. God bless.
Ian and Lauren Howard
September 5, 2011
Dear Marie, hi
Jeff was one really super man, he would give you the shirt off his back, and he did, he gave a shirt of his to my Dad when Dad visited us, in Ramsey, Really admired Jeff for his tenacity, and drive, have to just bet he was the first on the scene.
We remember and we send our love to you and children and you whole family.
Ian and Lauren Howard
ex Hart St some years ago
Joel Powell
August 6, 2011
We will never forget!
September 11, 2009
Remembering you not only today, but also everyday and how you lived. You were a great soccer coach, a great man. Mom always remembers we use to pass you joging on Hylan Blvd. We are still very angry and sad. We will always miss you, Love Mike and Anthony Curatolo
Gregory Giordano
September 11, 2009
To this Giordano family from another Giordano family on this sorrowful day of rememberance. Please let us never forget our sympathies forever and may be peace be with you in these troubled times. Sincerely the Giordano Family and may God Bless you all.
Marie
August 17, 2008
I have known Jeff for thirty years, so you see, I really knew him. I saw him grow from a teenager to a man, a man of men, a fireman' firefighter, a deep and devoted husband and father, an extemely well developed strong six footer always there for family, co-workers, friends and neighbors. Everyone that knew him felt safe in his presence, he was a protector of all. And, I strongly feel he is still watching over his children and giving them the strength to go on in life with faith and hope for happiness in the world. Words cannot express the extent of his giving heart. I am proud to say my daughter married Jeff, had three beautiful children and still worships all the years they shared together. We all miss him deeply and speak of him often and yes, Jeff is my son-in-law, but I love him as my son.
Kristine
August 16, 2008
To all of you who had the opportunity to know Jeffrey Giordano and to those who are simply touched by this incredible individual,
I had never known that this book existed. My boyfriend had come across one of my favorite quotes (one that my beautiful cousin also treasures) and asked who had said it. I replied, "My Uncle Jeff" and quickly entered his name into google, looking for the article in which I found the quote. However, I came across this site, something so touching. It is only a small tribute to such an amazing man, a superhero to his family, a hero to all. Not a day goes by that we all stop and think, miss and wish my Uncle Jeff was still here. I only wish that everybody could have met my uncle, my hero. I was only 14 years old when we lost him, and as I have grown - I have watched him grow as well. I have watched him grow through his children, my three cousins who become more like him every single day. Uncle Jeff has been an inspiration to not only everyone he met, but even those people he didn't know. My life is richer having not only known him, but also to have been lucky enough to have him as an uncle and godfather, a forever friend, hero, and most importantly - a guardian angel.
we love and miss you every single moment of every single day. <3
"That's the problem with the world- people think it's OK to accept less than perfect" - Jeffrey Giordano
Bette Lockhart
November 7, 2007
It has been 6 years and I still think of Jeffrey and see the bracelet with his name. I say a prayer for his soul.
Marie Giordano
April 1, 2007
To all who view this book, I just want you to know what a wonderful man my husband Jeff was. He cherished life and his family. He was a hard worker who gave to his family, friends and community. He was always there to help someone in need. His heroic deeds are numerous, as are the awards and medals he earned for his bravery .
Jeff,the world lost a great deal when you were taken. My heart will always be broken. I ache for your arms to hold me. Your strenth was comforting. I love you with all my heart and every fiber of my body and soul. Now and forever......
Love,
Marie
Mike Marino
January 23, 2007
hi jeff, just want you to know i'm taking great care of your daughter, and she's in great hands...we all miss you very much, and i wish i could have met you...i think you and i would have clicked well, sharing common interests and views
with love, mike
Victoria Giordano
December 5, 2006
MY DAD !! i love you so much ...i didn't know that this was on here but lizzy i love you girl ...your the best ...daddy we miss you and love you ...not a day goes by that i dont think of you and wish to have you back here ...Mi Padre <3
your principessa
victoria
Kristine
October 26, 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 21, 2006
In memory....
Mike Curatolo
September 11, 2006
Coach Jeff, we have not, and will not ever forget you. We are getting older now, but the pain and memories still remain. The memories are always the best ones, you were the best soccer coach.!...Anth & Mike Curatolo
Elizabeth Reyes
September 4, 2006
dear jeff,
I remember about 4 years ago when I was 13 years old, I had written to you here in your guest book. Well now I am back here at 17 to tell you how you are truly missed and loved by all, including me who has known and grown up with your daughter victoria since the 5th grade.I remember back then when she used to come into school and tell me of how brave you were and never showed fear in anything or anyone. I can truly tell you that I still take that with me wherever I go. Your are truly admired by many people including myself and you are always in our hearts forever more. we love you jeff !<33
Kelly Curatolo
September 28, 2005
Dear Coach Jeff,
We think of you alot. You were the best coach kids could have.We tried to play soccer again but it just wasn't the same without you. We may have stopped playing but we never stop thinking of you. You were agreat coach and a really nice guy. We miss you. I hope you see our uncle Rob in heaven. from theCuratolo twins
James Johnson
September 11, 2005
God Bless You...
Nikki Ryan
September 11, 2002
Mr. Giordano was my best friend Kristine's uncle and godfather. I remember going to family events with her or being at her house when the family was over and it was such a happy time! Everyone was always laughing and telling stories and eating! I just remember the wonderful feeling i had when i was with all of them. I didn't know Mr. Giordano very well, but i know what a huge impact he had on Kristine! She is inspried by him and i am inspried by her, so i owe who i am today to him! He was a hero and i will never see him as anything less! May God Bless Mrs. Giordano, Victoria, Nick, Alex and the whole Giordano/Scotto clan! My heart and prayers are forever with you!
Loralee Stickel
September 11, 2002
I am wearing your name today, September 11, 2002. I did not know you, but wish I had. I am thinking about you and your friends and family. God Bless.
September 9, 2002
My God be with your family, as will my thoughts and prayers
Vicki Morgan
September 9, 2002
9/9/02
I live 4 blocks from Ladder Co. 3.
Jeffrey was my fireman.
I buy food at The Met, where Ladder Co. 3 grocery shops..
I always felt fortunate seeing the entrie house of brave, strong, suspendered heros up close and as real people...my local firemen .. trying to reach consensus on the day's meal, delicately fingering the vegetables, discussing if rice or pasta would be best with the meat they chose. Among them all,I specifically remember Jeffrey. I didn't know his name then, but I enjoyed watching him and kidding with him about the shopping... that smile, the emanating warmth and the sure sense that if there were an emergency in my building, we could count on him. When I was watching the Madison Square Garden memorial program I saw his named photo held up to the camera and cried out "oh no!".....I have thought of him every day since. Yesterday I went up to a firefighter sitting in the truck on 3rd Ave.. while the others were food shopping... and told him how sorry I was for their losses. I mentioned how I had a special warm spot for his colleague I now know was named Jeffrey. "Yes...I really miss Jeffrey, too" he said.
May his smile, love of life and committment to caring help sustain the Giordano family throughout your lives, and know that those arms are still curled around you.
Monica Cintron
September 8, 2002
This time I wish I am mistaking Marie Giordano with someone else. I went to Lehman College and graduated in 1995. I believe this same person was my clinical instructor at Albert Einstein Hosp. (Spring 1995). At the time she just found out she was pregnant with her third child, had two small ones already. It seems to all match, unfortunately. I thought nursing was a wrong career choice for me and felt comfortable with Mrs. Giordano to express that. She told me to pursue it. She had confidence I would be a good nurse. She was also one of the few who had time to write me a letter of recommendation. She may not remember me, but I remember her for giving me the confidence I needed. She was one of the most relaxed, down to earth instructors I had. I am so sorry for her loss. I myself married my teenage sweetheart and he is a NYC police officer and everyday I worry for him. I hope Mrs. Giordano sees this and knows I thank her for her mentorship. My prayers are with you always. God bless you and especially your children.
Monica Cintron
Clara Erker Trimboli
September 7, 2002
I went to high school in Brooklyn with Marie Giordano, Jeff's wife. They were high school sweethearts and a terrific couple. Jeff had a heart of gold. There was a group of 12 of us that hung out together (the 12 disciples) and Jeff was like all of our Big Brother. He helped us out in many situations. I know he is sorely missed. God Bless his family. May your soul rest in peace, Jeff.
Clara Trimboli
Elizabeth Reyes
August 19, 2002
To the Giordano family:
Jeffrey Giordano was a great man and he was also my friend victoria's father. he was such a nice ,kind man who had a heart of gold. he was so wonderful and everytime i would see my friend victoria come to school she would always have a smile on her face .she went to another school and i didnt see her for 2 years until after SEPT 11TH. the last time i saw her was when we were having a christams show in our church and she came and i was so happy and thrilled to see her there.but her eyes were telling me that she was not happy at all and that all of this was great but it still would not make her forget what happened. still to this day i havent seen her since that christmas and i am very emotional still cause i to had lost a friend that day. hopefully sometime soon i will see her again and maybe we can have alot to share with eachother. i do hope that everyone in this family will always keep there fire burning and never letting it go out because even though we are hurt inside we will never let them take another part of us away. if you are still sad ,dont be cause there is people all around you that can help you get through the pain that all of us have inside.
*GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA
Sonia Lawrence
May 14, 2002
I want the family of Jeffrey Giordano to know that I wear his name on my wrist to help me with my courage, strength, and honor as a volunteer firefighter.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN......
Denise Baez
May 8, 2002
I received my band today. I didn't know FF Giordano personally, but I needed to wear a bracelet because these firefighters were real people with families and friends. They aren't just a number. As I can see here, he was very much loved. I want his wife and 3 kids to know that I wear your fathers name on my wrist everyday, I pray for you all, and when I look down tears fill my eyes. You are not crying alone, and nor he, or the other 342 firefighters will ever be forgotten by me.
Angie Campbell
April 26, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Charlie Berolo
March 20, 2002
Jeff,
We will always remember you and miss you. Your commitment to career, family and the soccer team you coached will always serve as a role model for us. We are all proud, specially Marc, to have known you. God Bless you.
Thank you
Berolo Family
TROOPER S.A. GIORDANO NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
March 11, 2002
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
REST IN PEACE
John Masterson
March 5, 2002
I had the pleasure of volunteering for the NY Firefighters Burn Center Foundation with Jeff. I was constantly amazed and inspired by Jeff's energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the foundation. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
January 26, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG HERO JEFFREY GIORDANO AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE..CHILDREN ..FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS FIREMEN EVERYWHERE AND ALL THE GOOD THEY DO.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..AMEN
Julia & Tom Bayer
January 17, 2002
Jeff (Weppy),
We'll never forget your smile, your warmth, and your sense of humor. You have touched everyone you met. Don't worry... we'll take care of the guys at L-3.
Suzanne Plott
January 16, 2002
I received my Mercy Band in late December. Today I found this Tribute to the hero whose name I bear. I am proud to wear daily the name of a person so gifted with love and courage. I also have a 6 year old and deeply sympathize that his family is without such a cool Dad here on earth. I pray that the Giordano family has peace.
Teresa Jahn
December 30, 2001
May the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by the precious memories of the beautiful moments in your lives. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Jeffrey. We thank him for dedicating his life to helping others. Such dedication comes with a brave, warm and caring heart. May Jeffrey's courage, life and love live on in those who love him. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Jeffrey.
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
Patty Feiss
December 29, 2001
I went to St. Rose of Lima school in Brooklyn with Jeffrey.
I pray that his wife Marie and his family find peace and comfort knowing what a Great Man he was .
I have orded a Mercy B.A.N.D. with his name on it to never forget the hero he was to us all that day . May God bless you all.
Patty
J Cherbonneau
December 25, 2001
Dear Jeffrey,
God Bless you and may your family and loved ones find comfort in the fact that they remain in the thoughts and prayers of people from all over the world.
I never met you, but I truly believe the sky, on September 11, was so crystal clear and blue that day, in order to speed you and your fellow comrades through your journey to heaven to get your Angel Wings.
I also believe Angels have their own special star and I know yours is among the many that shine brightly in the darkest of skies, in the darkness of the night!
Rest In Peace, Jeffrey!
Bette Lockhart
December 21, 2001
I wear my bracelet with Jeffrey's name on it every day......when I look at it I think of his family and my thoughts and prayers are with them........God Bless Jeffrey
Phyllis Puleo
December 16, 2001
I am praying for Jeffrey's family. I received a mercy band at my church Calvary Chapel in Ft Lauderdale. I find it a blessing to be able to pray for his parents, family, etc. May God watch over his loved ones.
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