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Robert Minara Obituary
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I took this picture last Wednesday. The shadow has the shape of a heart. I'm from Portugal and just wanted to say that I miss your lives.
Patricia Correia
July 30, 2016
FF James Jones
September 14, 2015
It was a great honor to make the climb for FF Robert J Minara at this year's Nashville 9/11 Memorial stair climb ! RIP Sir
S J. Friscia III
December 30, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
cousin s
September 8, 2014
Not a day goes by for Vinny and I that your picture does not inspire us to go on no matter how bad things get. I often pray to Bobby to watch over my Vinny from above . I believe you are his guardian angel and glad we have you to pray to. No words to say how much we loved you and Paula and how much you both are missed.
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Bob in our 'Cruisebook'
Ronald Riml
April 21, 2013
Bob was a 'Shipmate' of mine on the USS Boston during its Vietnam deployment in 1969. A 'Fun' guy and a hard worker; you couldn't ask for more. Fair Winds and Following Seas to You, Shipmate....
Bob on USS Boston - Vietnam - '69
April 21, 2013
Dan Foynes
October 3, 2012
God rest your soul Bobby. You will always be a young and vibrant kid to me.
An old friend.
September 11, 2012
I have never meet you.... Never even knew who you were until 9/09/2012. I am now aware of who you are and was able to carry your name in your honer at the Fallen Firefighter Foundations stair climb held in Tucson AZ. on 9/09/2012 You gave your life to protect others in need and as a Brother in the Fire Service you now have a place in my heart of the sacrifice you gave to keep that Brotherhood Strong. May you Rest In Peace and may God watch over your family.
Thank You.
Sarah Jaenchen
September 10, 2012
Words cant describe the feeling we all felt on that day. I never cried so hard in my life. My tears were more for the look on my mothers face as we were sitting watching the news when the name Robert Minara was called, she almost fell to her knees. She said to me, "That's my cousin, your cousin"! I never met him, and that saddens me but I am forever grateful for having someone who took his own life to save others. R.I.P
Brenda Lloyd
September 19, 2011
Hard to imagine it has been 10 years since 9/11. We now think of those who gave their lives that day more than ever. May we always remember them. I know we will not forget what my dear friend Joann Denny's brother-in-law Robert did that day.
We spent hours on 9/11 this year watching the tributes on TV. It still brings me to tears. May it always do so. Let it never be taken for granted.
~Brenda and Thomas Lloyd
Brenda and Thomas Lloyd
September 10, 2010
May we always remember Robert and his contribution to the American way of life. It has been 9 years, yet it feels like yesterday. Our prayers are with Robert's extended family.
Joann, Robert's sister-in-law is a dear friend of mine. She is beacon of light and love on earth. The world is a better place because she is in it.
Robert's family, please know you are always in our prayers. Brenda Lloyd (formerly Nevins) and husband Thomas.
May 30, 2010
To the Minarovich Family, I just found out that Bob lost his life on 9/11. He was a sweet young man when I knew him. I dream of him often. I hope his family finds comfort in knowing is not forgotten. Mary (Clough) DeMarco
May 29, 2010
I served with Mini on the USS Boston on the 1969 Nam cruise. A great guy,friend and a true hero.
Greg Rath Cold Spring, Ky.
william slankard
September 12, 2009
i will never forget those heroic people who saved so many and lost there own lives god bless all who helped
brenda Lloyd ( Nevins)
September 11, 2009
I want all of Robert's family to know I have not forgotten Robert's sacrifice on this 8th anniversary of 9/11. His sacrifice was the most heroic action a person could do.
I am praying for him up in heaven and for your whole family. I worked with your sister-in-law Joann, one of the dearest people there is. Brenda Lloyd( Nevins) and husband Thomas
Thomas and Brenda Lloyd
September 12, 2007
To all of Robert's family. Joann Denny - Robert's sister-in-law is a dear friend of mine. Our prayers are with the family.
Our love and thoughts are sent to each and every one of you. We thank Robert for making the ultimate sacrifice six years ago in the unimaginable horror that was 9/11.
Out of this horror arose heros that braved the worst diaster we have known. Please know Robert is a hero and will always be remembered in the hearts and prayers of not only those who knew him personally, but in those who know and love everyone in his extended family.
With loving thoughts and prayers,
Brenda ( formerly Brenda Nevins) and Thomas Lloyd
Melissa Carter
September 12, 2007
Dear Minara family,
I never met your beloved Robert, but I have had a glimpse of the person he was through my friend Joann Denny. I cannot imagine losing someone so dear in such a tragic way. I know you must be so very thankful though for all the memories you have of sharing life with such a special individual. I pray those memories bring you comfort and ease your loneliness. May God bless each of you with His unwavering faithfulness and love. I find peace within scripture. One of my favorites is Isaiah 41:10--"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Just the image of God lifting me up in the palm of His hand when I no longer have strength to carry on gives me renewed hope. This is my prayer for your family...renewed hope, peace, and the knowledge that your dear Robert is cherished in the hearts of many. His life has touched so many others and continues to do so through the remembrance of one of our fallen heroes. Thank you.
Joann Denny
September 11, 2007
The Hero
Written by Joann Denny (Inspired by Kayleigh Ping Denny)
There was a man that I once knew, his laugh so pure, his heart so true.
He held me tight, he talked to me; I was his little fortune cookie.
Uncle Bobby, can you see me? Can you fly with angels over the sea?
Do you dine with saints, can you speak with the doves,
What do Heroes do in heaven above?
Have you laughed with our Savior and knelt by His side?
Were all the Disciples walking in stride?
Is there a big fire truck to give children a ride?
Do you know when I think of you it fills me with pride?
Uncle Bobby, why can’t I see you? I miss you so much I don’t know what to do.
Do you watch over me and lay by my bed with your big loving hand resting over my head?
I wish you could be here to hug me instead, but I know that you’re happy, that’s what mommy said.
As I pray for my family and my heart fills with love, I know that you’re smiling from way up above, and your glittering crown sends a heavenly glow, that outshines the stars and reflects off the snow.
Barbara Choray-Savage
July 24, 2007
Bob, your brother was right ... you were a very funny guy. It was always fun to be around when you were in the group. I'll never forget the good times in Woodside. Some things you never forget, particularly honor and bravery. What a legacy you leave. Thank you for your magnificent sacrifice. We will never forget.
P Tabbernor
January 4, 2007
In memory....
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.
Victoria Balling
October 1, 2004
To the Minara Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I wear a 9-11 bracelet to honor Robert. My thoughts are with you.
This is the name tag that was displayed on the flag honoring Robert Minara at the Healing Fields in Greeley, Colorado on Sept. 11, 2004
Melinda Gartrell
September 12, 2004
Dear Robert Minara Family,
I am adding another photo of the
Name Tag that was displayed on his
flag today at the Healing Fields in Greeley, Colorado on September, 11th, 2004.
Best regards,
Melinda Gartrell
Photo of the Healing Fields on Sept. 11th in Greeley, Colorado
Melinda Gartrell
September 12, 2004
Dear Family of Robert Minara,
Today is September 11, 2004. I visited the Healing Fields in Greeley, CO where 2998 flags were displayed at AIMS Community College in honor of those that died on September 11th, 2001. Every flag has a single name tag of a person who perished. I sponsored one of those flags and I chose Robert Minara's flag to sponsor. I will be able to pick up that flag on Sept. 12th. I just want you to know that I have placed Robert in a special place in my heart. As we listened to the Memorial ceremony today, taps were played and F16s flew over. I shed tears for Robert today along with all of the others we lost on this sad day. God bless your family and please know that we will never forget. I am adding a photo of the Healing Fields to this message.
An added footnote: I am an Air Force mom.
Love to you all,
Melinda Gartrell
Rick Bell
March 10, 2004
To the Minara Family. A day doesn't go by I don't think about Robert. I did not know him but I know of his kind. Any man to give his life to to save others is a special person. I carry his memorial card with me each day I go to work. I was the family escort during the Memorial held in Washington DC. God Bless
George Sherwood
August 22, 2002
Dear Minara Family
A day does not go by that I do not think of Bob. I had the pleasure of working with Bob at his second job in the Security Department of Saint Vincent's Hospital in Harrison for 16 yrs. We had a lot of good times and laughs together which I'll always cherish. Bob was always there for me when I needed his help and I'll never forget that. He was just that kind of person, always willing to help. As the first year anniversary of that tragic event approaches,I'm sure it will be hard for all as it is for me. But as long as we keep Bob in our hearts,our thoughts, and in our prayers he is never really gone in a sense, and will live on in all of us. He left this life doing what he really loved, helping others in thier time of need. We should all be so fortunate. My thoughts also go out to Bob's other family, Paula,Pete, and Roseann. Remember the happy times and what Bob stood for. God Bless You All.
Angie Campbell
May 7, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Rachel Marden
April 18, 2002
To the Minara Family-
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I wear a MercyBand bracelet that bears the inscription "Robert Minara, FDNY". Every morning when I put it on, I send a prayer your way. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this most difficult time.
Michael Minarovich
April 18, 2002
I just found this New York Times entry about Bob. I am Michael Minarovich. I am Bob's older brother (he shortened his name many years ago). I am deeply touched by those of you who took the time to write something about 'Bobby'. Bobby was a fun guy. He loved being around people, family gatherings and things. He had a great sense of humor and was a practical joker. He is one of four children. In addition to Bob there is Rita, our sister, Tom (our 51 year old 'baby' brother) and of course myself. Reading these tributes to my brother has been very helpful to me. I am still having a hard time coming to grips with what has happened. I work in New York City in Midtown Manhattan. Every as I come over from New Jersey I look over and see the Trade Center and the big empty space where my brother and so many of his 'brothers' gave their lives. It is painful and yet I manage to say hi to him each day. I miss him terribly. He was a wonderful husband and father. He left two sons behind (both fully grown). Bobby wasn't perfect but he was a breath of fresh air to those of us whose lives he touched. Again I thank each of you who took the time to write. Mike Minarovich ([email protected]
March 11, 2002
Thank you to Robert Minara and his family. I now wear a 9-11 bracelet with Robert's name in honor to him and all the other heroes of that day.
God bless them all, and God bless America.
March 9, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL ..HANDSOME HERO AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS AND HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Judy C
December 31, 2001
Dear Minara Family,
What a wonderful tribute your friend James Gillson wrote in your memory. What we do while we are on earth is what is important. I grew up during the Viet Nam era and know everyone of those military men were heroes, then and now Robert has been a hero again just by becoming a firefighter and once again he became a hero on September 11. He sacrificed his life for others as he did in Viet Nam.
One comforting thought is that Heroes become Angels when they go to Heaven to live with God.
God Bless you Robert and your loved ones and friends who were left behind on September 11.
Rest In Peace!
Teresa Jahn
December 20, 2001
We thank Robert for the dedication of serving our country in the military and then as a fireman. Such a man must have been filled with bravery, warmth and caring to have wanted to protect and care for others. May his courage, life and love be carried on in all those who were touched by his life. We are deeply sorry for the loss of Robert. 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
James Gillson
December 12, 2001
Bob led a "double life" - not only was he a valued member of the Ladder 25 team, he was also Assistant Director of Safety and Security at Saint Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center, Westchester Division. It was there that I worked with Bob for ten years, when I was risk manager at the hospital. The cynical part of me always reads tributes with skepticism, especially when they characterize people as these canonized beings doing good incessantly and never missing a beat...but the fact is, that was Bob. His good humor was unfailing, his common sense reassuring, and his compassion for the psychiatrically ill patients whose needs are served at that facility was made manifest every single day. So here's this guy who did two Vietnam tours, and works two jobs - one providing a safe environment for fragile, disenfranchised people, the other as a New York firefighter. In the 10/1 issue of TIME magazine, there was a photoessay related to 9/11. It included a picture of a video billboard in Times Square, where the photos of the fallen FDNY firefighters were evidently being scrolled through. The picture included happened to be a shot of Bob on the billboard. It vividly captures a moment in time - included is a streetlight pole with a MISSING poster on it; above Bob's head shot is a Toyota billboard, seemingly unrelated but actually not at all...over Bob's head reads the slogan "WOW is too small a word." That was for Bob.
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