Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Capt. Thomas Theodore Haskell
Capt. Thomas Theodore Haskell
Obituary
Guest Book
Thomas Haskell Obituary
In some ways, Thomas Haskell seemed like everyone's idea of a firefighter. The battalion chief for Ladder Company 132 in Brooklyn, he loved football — "God help you if you got in the way of the TV" on Sundays, said Dawn Haskell-Carbone, his sister — and he played on the Fire Department team, like his brothers, Kenneth and Timothy. Timothy Haskell also died in the World Trade Center attack.
But he had another side. Every year just before Thanksgiving, Mr. Haskell, 37, would start disappearing into the basement of his home in Massapequa, N.Y., for hours, forbidding anyone else to come down. "He'd stay up till 3 a.m.," said his wife, Barbara Haskell. Then, about two weeks before Christmas, his wife, daughters, friends and other relatives would be invited downstairs to see an elaborate winter landscape with hundreds of tiny ceramic figures, surrounded by ski chalets, with three separate train sets running through it all.
Last year he built three miniature towns — Meaghanville, Erinburg and Taratown, named for his daughters — along with Barbara's Garden, for his wife. Behind them all was a dark blue night sky, lit up with electric stars.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 11, 2014
I wear bracelets of both Thomas and Timothy. My thoughts are still with your family, and we will never forget how brave they were.
Frank Cheswick
September 10, 2014
Barbara and family,
Thinking of all of you and the sacrifice made.
Love,
Uncle Frank and Aunt Georgia
Karen Brown
September 8, 2014
You are not forgotten. Every September I wear a bracelet with your name and a red, white and blue ribbon to honor your sacrifice to save others. I also prayed for you and your family. I do this in memory of you, the bracelet is worn for the entire month.
Alexander Zois
November 10, 2013
Hey Uncle Tommy, i can't belive it's been 12 years.. I miss you so much. The most fond memory I have of you is when you would let me drive the Christmas train set and you would flip me upside down and tickle me. At the time I was really young and I wish I could know you better. Rest In Peace you and Uncle Timmy will always be in our hearts.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
July 2, 2013
tom you were my friend you were always so nice i wish to god you are a saint i remember how you told me not to be sad when i never got to play you really cared i hope to help your daughters asap you were a great guy i hope and pray for your family i wish i spent more time with you aaron cohen
Frank Cheswick
September 12, 2012
Barbara and family,
Gone but not forgotten. Our family hero, everyone's hero.
Love,
Uncle Frank and Aunt Georgia
September 11, 2012
Even though we only played football for two years at Wagner. I'm thinking of you today and praying for your family.
Jessica
May 3, 2012
Dear Haskell family,
Hello, my name is Jessica and I have been given the wonderful opportunity to go to New York City and honor the firefighters who died on 9/11. What better way to pay tribute to the people who die than honoring them and keeping them alive. I am very sorry about what happened and pray for your family every night. Keeping people alive who have passed is the best way possible to always know they are watching you. I would really enjoy getting some information about Thomas and what he was like and some of the wonderful times that you and your husband/daddy had. God bless you all. Mr. Haskell's story has truly touched my heart.
September 12, 2011
Miss you Tom. Ten years later..nothing has changed. Just getting older :) (And we thought we were old then!)...Missing you, Sergio Villanueva, Tim Haskell (your bro)..and Steve Mercado my high school bud 35/40. Never stops hurting.
Prayers to your entire family...your wife, your siblings, your mom and your babies who must be teens now..
Never forgotten.
Deb
September 12, 2011
I know the family. My kiuds went to school with their kids. This family is always in my prayers. God bless these two fine men.
Anne Emfinger
September 11, 2011
I had the honor of reading your name and ringing a bell in your honor at a memorial on the first anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, September 11, 2002. For the last 9 years I have thought of you and your family. I pray your wife and daughters have found some peace. Although I did not (and probably never will know) you and your family, you all will forever be in my heart and my prayers.
Frank Cheswick
September 11, 2011
Dear Barbara,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the children today. Also, give our love to your parents.
Frank and Georgia Cheswick
September 10, 2011
Hi my name is Curt I live in Las Vagas NV, Today my City did a 9/11 K in honor of the lives lost on 9/11. I had the honor of walking for Thomas. Every person got a name, allthough I did not know him, I feel like I do now. God Bless you and your family
Joyce Ralston
September 8, 2011
May God bless you always. You are an American hero. We will never forget your sacrifice. You made our nation proud.
Ron Haskell
September 7, 2011
To the Haskell family,
I've been thinking of how to direct my thoughts as this 10 year moment (I can't say anniversary) approaches and I have come across Thomas' memorial page.
I have no connection to him-other than the last name, a wife named Barbara, three daughters, and having been born and raised on LI (Lake Ronkonkoma),innocuous connections but enough to let you know that whenever I offer thoughts and prayers they will inlcude Thomas, Timothy and the entire family, particularly his daughters.
May God bless and keep you all.
Blockhead AKA The Cooper
September 1, 2011
10 years later, and I still can't help but reminisce about some of the goofy stuff (still cracks me up.) Thanks Tom.
lmm
July 18, 2011
as the10th anniversary approaches,our thoughts and prayers are with the haskell family. may you find comfort in the loving memories you have of your son. god bless
doug ward
May 23, 2011
a scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful...
Semper Fi,
cousin small fry
Frank Haskell
May 22, 2011
May 22, 2011
Tom, It has been almost 10 years since losing you and Timmy, but the pain and sorrow has not gone away. You are truly missed, and never forgotten.
Love, Uncle Frank
May 22, 2011
We all miss you and love you!!!! XOXOXO Love, John, Natalie, and Anthony
May 22, 2011
We miss you every day, Tom. We love you!!! Barbara, Meaghan, Erin & Tara
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
james brown
May 22, 2011
god bless u and your whole family they can rest easy knowing u are loved and respected by ppl u never met you are a true hero
Erin
October 18, 2010
Daddy, i will always love you no matter what i do or say, you will always ALWAYS be in my heart and i love you. :) <3
Frank Cheswick
September 11, 2010
Barbara, the Haskell and the Rich family,
Thinking of all of you and keeping you in our prayers,particularly today.
Love,
Frank and Georgia Cheswick
FRANCES RUCKS
May 22, 2010
AS I READ THIS TO REMEMBER ALWAYS, HE NEVER LEFT EVEN THOU CAN NOT SEE HIM ,HE IS RIGHT BE SIDE YOU.
Deb R.
March 12, 2010
Happy Birthday in Heaven Tom. And Happy St. Patrick's Day in advance. Lit a candle for you in church. Remembered Timmy in Feb. too. Blessings to your family. Till we meet again..watch over me, my man in the military and my FDNY friends.
Frank Cheswick
September 11, 2009
To the Haskell family,
Thinking and praying for all of you on this day.
Love,
Frank and Georgia Cheswick
Debbie R.
September 10, 2009
I agree with Lt. Gogarty. You were one of the brightest in the Department, having achieved so much at such a young age. I miss your inspiring discipline and intelligence.
I pray for your family, your mom, sis, brother, nieces, nephews, wife, and daughters always.
Thank you for bringing my friend home safely from Iraq. He told me you inspired him and his platoon over there. He came back the week of your birthday. I ask you now to bring my Marine home safely from Afghanistan. It will be a long year - you know I need him. Also know I told my nieces about you and took them to the site to pray when they visited from Florida this summer- They were last here June 2001 - right after we met and right before the attacks..and know how many friends I lost but were too young to understand. I told them how you wanted them to go to the firehouse and they felt so honored.
I light a candle to St. Patrick on your birthday and at times attend the FDNY football games or fundraisers in your honor..it is nice to see some of your friends who are still with us though the team lost so many.
Please watch over me, my Marine and my family. Thank you...
We were so young back then..but felt so old..you would think time would make sense of all this but it still doesn't and in fact I have only been able to go by Ground Zero twice. I pray for all families on the solemn and difficult anniversary tomorrow.
Doug Abraham
March 12, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
MTR
September 11, 2008
Tom... just proudly read your name (and Timmy's) at a ceremony in midtown. Told your daughters how much I love them, and told your wife, my sis, how great she is.
Hopefully, one day, I'll have the honor to meet you again in heaven, but until then we continue to keep your memory alive by doing what we need to do to make this a better place for our families. Just as you had done.
See you later Tom.
Doug Abraham
March 12, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Ret Lt Thomas J Gogarty
September 15, 2007
Had the pleasure of being a fellow Lieutenant with Tommy at Engine 207 in Brooklyn. He was oneof the brightest people in the field ss well as one hell of a firefighter. God bless you Tommy and your family.
Brian Andrews
September 11, 2007
#85
You helped me grow so much when we played together...A hero to me
#33
John Steel
September 11, 2007
To Mrs. Haskall,
A few years ago at the 2004 Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend you gave me pictures of Timothy and Thomas. These pictures have come to mean the world to me and they are always close by to help remind me of the sacrifices that were made that dreadful day nad there are good people willing to do what is right.
My thought are always with you and your family.
Frank Cheswick
September 11, 2007
To the Haskell family,
Tom and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers today.
Love,
Frank and Georgia
Hartmut Reinsch
September 10, 2007
In memory of Capt. Thomas Theodore Haskell and all fallen FDNY Fire Fighters!
Sept. 11th 2001
~Always remembered and never forgotten!"~
Greetings from
Firefighter poet Hartmut Reinsch
Toronto / CANADA
PS.>
please visit my Firefighter guest book, with more than 4600 Firefighter entries!
http://tinyurl.com/6muan
Tribute to Firefighters of FDNY!
In the battle against the beastly fire...
They stay together, ready to fight!
To help all the victims of every accident,
committed to rescue, by day and by night.
These are the courageous Firefighters,
In their cities and towns of every land.
They stand together as really true friends,
Routinely they're all working hand in hand.
Everyone of them looks after the other,
Their brotherhood knows no borders...!
They are ready to help in their unselfish way,
Without fear, they follow their orders!
Many of them gave their lives in New York,
On September the eleventh, two thousand and one...!
Firefighters everywhere will remember that day,
And their feelings of loss will never be gone.
Written by Hartmut Reinsch
(FIRE Fighter Poet)
September 16, 2001 Toronto Canada
May we always remember their sacrifice,
in their quest to help and save the lives of innocent victims,
on that tragic day of Sept. 11. 2001 in New York City, USA.
A word after..., from "ground zero!"
What we are left with,
surrounded by death and fear,
is our sense of loyalty and of duty...
which calls upon us
to place a shining beacon of hope in this world,
and to entrust the universal darkness
to the light of God.
H. Reinsch. Toronto 2001
September 7, 2007
Thinking of you Tommy..
God Bless you and your family.
Nancy Nee
sister of FF George Cain..ladder 7
Kevin Barrett
September 2, 2007
To the Haskell Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you always. I always considered the Haskell family dear friends of mine.
Kevin Barrett- Ocala, Fl formily from Seaford
mark swenson
April 14, 2007
caught my first touchdown pass missya tommy mark swenson
Doug Abraham
March 12, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
Kristine
November 6, 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 31, 2006
In memory....
JESSE SOUTHMORE INTERMEDIATE
September 28, 2006
NiurkaMaria CF
September 23, 2006
It's been 5 years, but most people still feel as if it was recently. God Bless you & watch over your family. NiurkaMaria
Garrett B.
September 11, 2006
Thank You for everything you did for America. You are everyones hero.
James Johnson
September 11, 2005
God Bless You...
NiurkaMaria Farrugia
September 12, 2004
To the Haskell Family; you are always in my thoughts & prayers. I know your youngest brother Kevin, who's friends with my youngest son, Richard, which I'm proud to say is now a New York City Firemen, with quite a few Seaford High School graduates. My heart goes out to the whole family. I know your mom's pain as I lost my oldest first born son, Paul, on 4/26/97. I will always keep her in my prayers & she knows I'm here if she ever needs to talk. Thank you for your courage, thank you for the people you saved. God Bless you & watch over your family. NiurkaMaria
Deb R.
March 17, 2004
Tom and Tim, can't celebrate this day w/out thinking of you both. Happy St. Paddy's. God Bless.
Deb Rivera
September 10, 2003
Tom....God Bless you in Heaven. Second Anniversary. Never Forgotten.
Debbie Rivera
June 12, 2003
You would be so proud of the FDNY football team. They are doing so great. I think you and all the other guys are guiding them from up above. They even beat the cops! I miss you and Timmy a lot. God bless you, my friend, till we meet again.
debbie r.
March 13, 2003
On March 12, 2003, Tom Haskell would have turned 39 years old. His memory lives on w/the FDNY football team, and his friends who knew him. He is sorely missed. Continued prayers go out to Maureen, Barbara and the girls, Dawn, and Kenny and all his family members.
Mary Jane McQuade
December 18, 2002
We may not have known you, however, we want your family to know that all of you are in our prayers. We know your relatives, the Cheswicks, and even though we all left New York 13 years ago, we will always be New Yorkers at heart. May God rest your soul and may the Holy Family watch over your family always.
Ray, Mary Jane, Terance, Brayton McQuade and Megan McQuade Holley
Debbie Rivera
October 9, 2002
FDNY MEMORIAL 2002
Battalion Chief...Haskell:
You were going to attend last year. Little did anyone know how awful and twisted life would become that Fall, 2001. I saved my calendar book where I had the event circled..to go to.
Your presence will be at this memorial by those whose lives you touched. I met your mother and wife, finally..of all places at Sergio's memorial. These events all seem so unbelievable...to go from good times to the incomprehensible sadness of seeing your family grieving at Sergio's memorial. I miss you, Serge, and Timmy. I pray for your families always. Until we meet again...and I know that we all will...
Artie O'Leary
October 7, 2002
To The Haskell Family,
I will always remember Tommy playing ball for Seaford. Coaching the Broncos and umpiring Little League games.
Both he and Timmy will always be in our prays.
God Bless them.
Deb
September 15, 2002
God Bless you, and may God watch over you and your loved ones. I don't know you, but you hold a special place in my heart, you are all very brave.
Nick Mandato
September 12, 2002
Tommy my friend, you will always have a special place in my memory. You are a true hero.Bless you ...
Your Friend Nicky Mandato
John Mandato
September 11, 2002
Thinking of you and your family, not only today 9/11/02, but everyday. You will all be in my thoughts forever.
Heroes really do exist.
God Bless
John Mandato
Margaret Ann Tetonic
September 9, 2002
To the Haskell,and Rich family.It is almost one year,since 9/11.but yet it seems just like yesterday that the world turned upside down on us.Barbara, God is always with you, he will give you the strength you need.Your family is always with you, they will give you the peace and support that you need. Tom's spirit is always with you,and he will always continue to Love you and his little girls.My heart goes out to you.[sorry I missed you at Mom & Dads home at xmas time]hope to see you soon, love,and peace to you, Margaret Ann& Joe
Block for Thomas Haskell for United in Memory Quilt Project
Pam Hall
August 23, 2002
To the family of Tom Haskell,
I have added a picture of the block I made for Tom for the United in Memory Quilt Project.
Although I did not know Thomas I felt I gained a litle understanding of him through doing this block.
I feel privilaged to have been able to do this for Thomas and his family and to have had a small insight into this amazing persons life.
My thoughts are with you all.
Pam Hall
New Zealand
Felipe Guillen
August 13, 2002
Growing up in Seaford with the Haskell family as neighbors brings back many great memories. I remember the wiffle ball games Tommy and I would play in the driveway. Hot summer days at the Haskell house in the pool as well as many other fond memories. Even though my family moved out of Seaford in 1983, I felt the loss, as does all of America. My prayers go out to the Haskell family, and to the NYFD for their commitment and sacrifice.
Barbara, Meaghan, Erin & Tara
May 29, 2002
We miss you, Tom. :( :( :( :(
We feel your presence everyday.
We love you...
Michael Iezzi
May 24, 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.
ween
May 9, 2002
Dear Tommy, Our venture to Disney has ended. We were trying to take a break from the tragedy of September 11 but the pain doesn't completely go away.
We yelled your name on all the rides you loved, splash mountain, runaway railroad and space mountain.
Every where we walked it was as if you were there. Your presence was definately felt. But the trip wasn't the same without you. This time we were able to relax a little and we didn't make it to the park openings. We didn't even try!! My boys and I proudly honored you by wearing you fire company's shirt.
You'll always be remembered. You risked it all so that others could live. You were a true fireman's fireman. We will do what ever I can for you girls, always. Love always Weena, Michael, Zachary, Alexander and Nicholas.
Angie Campbell
April 30, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Leanne Scire
March 23, 2002
My daddy just came back from ground zero- he is also a fireman in Nashua NH. He gave me the bracelet of Thomas and it brings tears to my eyes reading of his life. I feel for all the people who lost loved ones on 9/11. But I thank all of them for helping so many people. I pray for their families- and thank them all once again. God Bless
Joyce Bordas
March 14, 2002
I proudly wear his name on my right wrist as a reminder to daily pray for Thomas' family and his three daughters. Adding to the prayer all those who did lose their life. No one except God can understand and heal your heart's. May God Bless You and Give you Peace........
clark brown
March 11, 2002
Dear Haskell Family,
In watching the
CBS 9/11 Special I heard of Capt.
Haskell's death. His name stuck
out because I am related to an
extensive Haskell family from New
York and Massachusetts. From his
obituary, he sounded like a brave,
loving and creative person, and I
would like to express my condolen-
ces which are heartfelt because
we have lost our Mother recently.
Personally I have found comfort
in Romans 8:28 and in the hope
we have through Christ to be re-
united, and perhaps soon, with our
loved ones. May God bless your
family.
Debbie Rivera
February 13, 2002
Correction to the below entry:
Dawn, I meant to address the below entry with Genene's name to you- got your name confused with Genene, but regardless, I wanted to tell you that Tom often spoke of you and your family with funny stories and warm affection.
Kenneth, Tom spoke of you and your family as well (wife Genene) and loved you all a lot - spoke to me of your size and the fun you all had as kids. I pray for your family as well and am sorry about your loss.
God Bless the Haskell family.
Debbie Rivera
February 11, 2002
I believe in Miracles!
I know that Tommy's spirit will never leave us. I ordered a bracelet with Tom's name on it several months ago - I forgot about it. However, I spent this past weekend crying - something I do around the 11th of every month since I lost my friends. The bracelet arrived TODAY, on the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes and on Tommy Haskell's 5th month anniversary of his sacrifice to this country. It arrived when I came back from Mass. It arrived a day after I lit a candle to St. Patrick in church yesterday in the name of the Haskell brothers as well as John Patrick Tierney.
Tom, I know that God will bless your family and you will never leave them - especially your 3 little princesses. Please give Sergio and Tim a big fat hug from me in Heaven...look out for me always. Your life was not in vain. You will never be forgotten.
P.S. Genene, your brother loved you a lot and spoke about how proud he was of your children, your career and your intelligence, and your husband.
DEB
THE HASKELL BROTHERS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!
Eileen Fulford
February 9, 2002
Did you Find my Dad?"
Dedicated to Thomas Haskell
Its one of the most special times of the year,
It's Christmas but many families will spend it this time with a tear.
This year will be different and will not be the same,
It's going to take month after month to recover from this pain.
Only three months have elapsed,
Since the terrorist attack when the buildings collapsed.
It's the season you're supposed to be happy and smile,
Just thinking about the children who don't have their fathers for a quite long while.
You're usually in a wonderful Christmas spirit and are always wanting to give,
I sit here and think why did this happen and wishing all those firemen could have
lived.
Why did families have to be torn apart?
Knowing some and how much they miss their loved ones with all their heart.
Everyone around the world has been so helpful and considerate,
There have been vigils all over where candles have been lit.
Three hundred fourty-one firemen lives were lost,
It was bravery of the men whose lives were cost.
Remebering the times with your husband standing underneath the mistletoe,
There's going to be many changes this year and the tears will begin to flow.
Having to go Christmas shopping without your loved one and being alone,
Just wishing to hold him , hear his voice, or even the tone.
Meaghan Haskell an eight- year old girl who lost her dad,
Will always remember the fun times she had.
Her and her sisters waking up Christmas morning to their dad not being there,
Opening their presents from Santa knowing that life isn't fair.
The day of the tradegy asking her uncle where her father was,
The response being he's missing because...
Not knowing what to say to the question of "Did you find my dad?"
This little girl who lost her father, in response her uncle feeling too sad.
Imagining all the thoughts running through her head,
Wanting to know if her father was alive or dead.
Her wanting to know why he was missing.
Never thinking the times of them being together, she'd soon be reminiscing.
In repsonse to her questoin, "`It just means he has some stuff on top of him, and I'm going to go find him and get it off of him and bring him home."
Thoughts in her head began to roam.
That is what her uncle replied,
He told her the truth and wouldn't have lied.
This Christmas is one of the hardest we're all going to have to face,
These men died as heroes so there will never be any disgrace.
This year will end with a tear,
I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Ending 2001 with a tear, together all of us will bring the world some chear for a while.
Starting 2002 with an ear to ear smile.
Written by:
Eileen Fulford
Daughter of Fireman Edward A. Fulford.
Ladder 175
Engine 332
Thursday Decemeber 13,2001*
Genene Haskell
February 6, 2002
You are a true hero. We miss you and your brother misses you. Ken and I will always be there for the girls and Barb. We will make sure your memory lives forever. You created so many for us. Please watch over my boys for me. Rest in Peace.
Anonymous
February 1, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL HERO FIREMAN CAPT.THOMAS THEODORE HASKELL AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND HIS BEAUTIFUL WONDERLAND.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY ST.THOMAS AND JESUS MEET YOU IN THE STARS AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Jack O'Leary
January 20, 2002
I feel privileged as a relative, and a fairly distant one, of Battalion Chief Thomas Haskell's mother-in law, Barbara, to write an entry in this guest book. A native of Brooklyn, NY, I write from California where I have lived for over thirty years.
Thomas and Timothy are heroes. Carondelet High School in Concord, California, where my wife, Honey, taught for twenty-five years, has set up a large bulletin board in the school's inner court as a Wall of Heroes. The Wall honors the relatives, friends and acquaintances of the students and faculty that died or were injured in the attack on the World Trade Center. Copies of the "Portraits in Grief" written by NY Times writers in tribute to Thomas and Timothy with their photos now hang on that Wall. Even a continent away from where they gave up their lives, their heroism is honored. The students and teachers of both Carondelet High School and its neighbor, De La Salle High School, where I taught for thirty years, keep these men in their thoughts and prayers each day as do Honey and I.
God bless all the Haskells and their supporting family and friends.
Slim from
January 8, 2002
Looking East from my 135 Eastern, 13th floor window
You can see the top 2 floors of the Firehouse
From where the 6 brave souls of Ladder 132
Made their last run ...
Each night, all night, 6 red candles burn in that window
Not so the firefighters in the House can see them
But so the firefighters in Heaven can ...
Rest in peace, brave souls.
Frank Cheswick
December 31, 2001
Dear Barbara,
I'm sorry it's taken so long to write or call. I just don't know what to say about your loss. I met Tom only briefly at the last family picnic and I now treasure more than ever the group picture your father took. I keep it on my desk at work. I'm proud to show people that I'm related to one of the great American heroes.
The story about Tom in the Times helped me get to know him a little bit but it also made me wish I had a chance to know him better. It'really been tough being in Chicago while our family in New York has gone through so much suffering. I heard the memorial was incredible. My sister Margie says she'll never forget being saluted by the Mayor as the family car passed the line of dignitaries.
You, your parents, the children and the rest of your family will be remembered in our prayers and thoughts forever.
Love Uncle Frank and Aunt Georgia
Teresa Jahn
December 30, 2001
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Thomas and Timothy. We thank them for all the lives they saved as firefighters. As I read the stories of Thomas and Timothy my eyes and heart filled with tears, they gave so much to others all their lives. What a warm memory Thomas created for his family in the Meaghanville, Erinburg, Taratown, and Barbara's garden with stars twinkling above them. Everytime you look at the stars may you feel Thomas's deep love fill your hearts with warmth. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Thomas and Timothy.
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
Amy Herman
December 26, 2001
Dear Barbara, Matthew has been in Meagan's class for two years now- so i have had the opportunity to meet you several times. I always ask Matthew - "how was meagan today" and he would say "good, mom" I think she can smile because she knows her daddy died a hero. I would respond with "matt, you are so right - he was a real hero not one of those on TV". If there is anything i can ever do - even listen to your cries - please call me. We are constantly thinking of you. Love, amy and matthew herman.
J Cherbonneau
December 24, 2001
Dear Thomas,
I never met you but I read the wonderful tribute your family wrote about you and the messages of love that have been left for you.
What a wonderful loving man you were, but of course that goes without saying in light of the fact you were a firefighter. It takes a special person to choose that career.
On this Christmas Eve, my thoughts are with you and your loved ones who were left behind on September 11. I believe you are looking down with love and smiling on your family. I believe you are looking down from Heaven because that is where Angels live.
God Bless you, Thomas and may you rest in Peace. Peace and love I wish your loved ones for this New Year.
Deb. R.
December 7, 2001
Tommy Haskell (and his brother were two of the most admirable people I ever met).
The newspaper descriptions of Tom cannot fully capture the way he affected peoples' lives.
For starters, he was brilliant - an avid historian with a college degree and the potential to be a lawyer.
He succeeded within the Fire Department at a rate many can only dream of. His achievements far surpassed his age. This shows his intelligence, knowledge, expertise, and more than anything - his commitment to FDNY. My friend worked in his company (9/11 took them both), and I knew he cared for his guys - cared about their injuries, safety, & training in a way that went far beyond the call of duty.
Tom gave me courage in terms of my career aspirations (international politics) and believed me when I said I wanted to someday become the next Evita. He gave me courage to face the guy I liked and dated at the football parties. He listened to my tales about my baby nieces - three little girls that are the exact ages of his three little girls.
I was honored to know Tom - however briefly.
I pray for his family - his mother especially, and his wife and his 3 daughters. At a football fundraiser Tom's main concern were for the wives and children of the men whom were being honored that night. I know he worried a lot about his wife and his girls by his concern about the welfare of these women who were now left without a husband. I think he was always afraid of this and wanted to be sure that his family would be okay....
My whole job prayed with me when the tragedy occured - offering their hopes that the Haskell brothers would be found alive.
I know, that since most of our talks centered on politics, Tom would be shocked that all these political figures (the commissioner, the mayor, bureaucrats) have honored his name by mentioning him and praying for his family and even putting in the newspaper that he WAS Battalion Chief.
Tom won't be forgotten by anybody who knew him. He died for our country. He died for our freedom. I hope that somehow this will bring his mother, wife, children, brother and his friends some peace and hope.
Deb
friend and fan of NYFD
football team
Donna Pecci
December 5, 2001
Dear Barbara, Meagan, Erin, and Tara, Our deepest sympathies are with you along with our thoughts and prayers. Donna Pecci(The Cheswick's cousin)
Showing 1 - 80 of 80 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Haskell's name
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Haskell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored