Alvin Peter Kappelmann

Alvin Peter Kappelmann

Alvin Kappelmann Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 28, 2001.
Thinking of Others

Alvin Kappelmann Jr. sold insurance and worried about saving lives. Mr. Kappelmann, 57, was an insurance executive at Royal and SunAlliance. His office was in downtown Manhattan, though he was at a business meeting held by Aon in 2 World Trade Center when the attacks occurred.

Blessed with a powerful generosity, Mr. Kappelmann was a proud member of the volunteer fire department in Green Brook, N.J., where he lived. In fact, he joined when he was 16, and had logged 41 years of service. His interest was undoubtedly stimulated by his father, who had been a volunteer in the department for 70 years. An uncle also belonged. It was what they did.

"He enjoyed helping other people and educating people on fire safety," said his daughter Melanie Kappelmann, who believes that he tried to help evacuate workers in the towers, drawing on his training.

She remembered a moment at the Jersey Shore when she and her sister were young. "We were at a parade," she said, "when my father noticed there was smoke coming from a house. He went into the house before the fire department even got there. He wanted to make sure no one was inside. That was him, putting others before himself."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Alvin Kappelmann's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 3, 2016

Simon Hayden posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2016

Beverly Sheldon posted to the memorial.

July 26, 2014

Timothy Hyland posted to the memorial.

Simon Hayden

December 3, 2016

Thanks

Beverly Sheldon

September 12, 2016

Dear Family of Alvin Peter Kappelmannn, my neighborhood has an annual street fair, with various local vendors, etc. lining the street with their tables, etc. The local police and firemen also join in. This year, there were small American flags planted along the sidewalks for several blocks around the area where the fair was held. Each flag had a small cardboard star attached to the flag stick with a twisty tie. As I was taking a walk, I noticed one of the stars had come loose and was lying on the ground. As soon as I saw a name printed on the star, I knew exactly what it was - a star for each of the 9/11 victims. I picked up Mr. Kappelmann's star so it wouldn't be swept away as trash, and knew immediately that I would try to find his family. So here I am! I thank your entire family for all the decades of service you have given to your communities. I pray for peace and joy to be in your hearts as you remember your time spent with Mr. Kappelmann here on earth. God bless you always. Beverly Sheldon, Baltimore MD 21234

Al Kappelmann Jr

Timothy Hyland

July 26, 2014

Mr. Kappelmann, God bless your soul. I am from Green Brook and my brothers went to school with your daughters, and I remember hearing the tragic news that day of your loss. I recently visited the 9/11 Memorial Museum in NYC and got to view the wonderful memorial of you. However, it wasn't until tonight that I found out the personal impact you made on my life. I found the letter signed by you of the college scholarship you granted me back in 1993. I'm proud to say that because of your help, I now run a successful wealth management firm which is the result of your giving efforts. I want to thank you and ensure that the love you have given to community lives on.

Paul Beland

February 16, 2014

Rest in peace. ..

Ramona Sirma

January 25, 2014

hello. I Ramona to Latvia.

Patricia Clayton

June 22, 2013

Rest in peace Mr Kapplemann Jr our thoughts are with you always..

Patricia

TONI POOLE

May 23, 2013

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU RIP

Chad Morrissette

January 18, 2013

Dear family memeber I pray you have entered heaven with the angles R.I.P may God be with . Sincerly C.S Morrissette

August 15, 2012

alvin u no u have came to me n u r well pleased well i wask u to just give us teh release sir as your gentle soul go on in teh next life i say i will do good in ministery and for teh Good of humanity sir God bless

Rev gerard

selena palmer

September 25, 2011

I am an artist, and in 2005 I created a painting of a Fireman in full gear, sitting on a bench made of ground zero rubble, with pieces of the towers' structure behind him; he's a young man with a moustache, his fireman's hat is next to his feet, and he's playing a soulful cello. I chose this theme to portray the Fireman's strength, and his expression of his sadness and grief for all loss on 9/11.

Derek and Jennifer Reedman, and Green Brook NJ Firehouse, were kind enough to accept this painting as a donation, and in early 2006 I attended the installation of officers and dedication of the painting, which was hung on a wall of the common room.

I walked around during the cocktail hour, looking at photos and trophies, when I came across a small photo of a dark-haired man with a moustache, just near the office hallway, on the opposite wall. I looked closely at this photo, and then across the room at my painting, and, to my amazement, it was the Fireman in my painting! ...If I had painted him on purpose, I couldn't have made a better match. I asked Derek who the man was in the photo, and he explained that it was Al Kappelmann, Jr., a Green Brook Fire Chief at one time, and he happened to be at a meeting in one of the towers on 9/11, where he died. When everyone had vacated the office after the building was struck, Al Kappelmann had turned back to help others, as the Fireman he was. His friend Jim Tollman recently told me that he was the last of a group of 14 firemen found at ground zero.

I have visited my painting, recently, and am so glad to see it hung over the stairwell landing. I wish someone would hang that picture of Al Kappelman, Jr., as a young man, right near my painting. I am sure that Alvin Kappelmann, Jr. is very much at rest, and I am so very sorry for his family's (personal and Firehouse) and friends' loss. Thank you for "listening" to my story, Selena Palmer ([email protected]).

Kam Fong

September 12, 2011

In the late 1990s I worked with Al when he was employed by Liberty Mutual. While I did not know him well, he always impressed me by how well he treated everyone. He was a good man who continues to be missed by all those who were lucky enough to know him.

August 10, 2011

Hi, my name is Danna Freeman and i send my appology to the family.

CLARISE McGEE

September 28, 2010

ALVIN PETER KAPPELMANN WAS THE MOST GIVING, KIND, LOVING MAN. MY DEAREST SYMPATHIES GO TO HIS FAMILY, AND TO ALL WHO BENEFITED JUST BY KNOWING HIM, BECAUSE JUST KNOWING HIM MADE ME WANT TO BE A BETTER AND MORE GIVING PERSON.

Stephen Prince

September 11, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the Kappelmann's on this day of remembrance.

A former co-worker.

Cees Schouwe

September 11, 2007

Al was a business friend. We worked together for many years at AIG, The Home and Liberty. We met each other regularly either in Europe or New York. It is not only on a day like today that I remember Al,
I wish the family all the best

C Kappelmann Scogin

April 30, 2007

Wishing my Texas Kappelmann's could have known him personally...condolences.

P Tabbernor

November 21, 2006

In remembrance....

Kristine

November 2, 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.

Rich W

July 26, 2005

Just taking this moment to remember a fine gentlemen whom was not just a business associate but a friend. I worked with Al for several years at AIU and The Home.

He was always friendly, greeting everyone with a smile. A true professional at this job. Just a really nice man.

Jane & Joe Caputo

September 11, 2003

To The Kappelmann Family,



It has been two years since the terrible tragedy but still the lives lost are in our hearts and prayers. May the Kappelmann family have comfort and peace knowing that Mr. Kappelmann must be watching over you all from heaven.



Sincerely, Jane & Joe Caputo

Jeff Piper

October 13, 2002

Shortly after the attacks of 9/11, I purchased a silver bracelet from a nationally recognized evangelical organization. The bracelet is called a B.A.N.D. (Bear Another's Name Daily) and is inscribed with the name 'Alvin P Kappelmann'. The names are selected at random, it just happened that this was the one I received. Every morning, when I put the bracelet on, I pray for you, Alvin's family, and hope you have found comfort in God's Grace. I'm proud to tell what I know of Alvin each time someone asks about the name on my wrist. Call it coincidence, but when I turned on the TV during the 9/11 rememberance ceremonies this year, the first image on my screen was of a man reading names at ground zero, and the name he was reading was Alvin Peter Kappelmann, Jr. To his family, please know that I am here in western Colorado proudly carrying the name of your loved one every day. I will never forget the horrific loss of life on 9/11, but I will always celebrate the life of the man who's name I bear. I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you.

Francine Bulat-Mead

October 8, 2002

I'd like to express my deepest condolences to Al's wife, Barbara and his children. We were all high school friends and I know I share with our classmates the tragic loss. Al was a great guy, always the dedicated firefighter. I know that he died a hero, it was his nature to help others.

Amanda Block

September 11, 2002

I learned recently after the attacks that Al was my second cousin. Sadly enough, I never had the pleasure of knowing this kind person from what I have heard from others. My thoughts will always be with you and your family.

Joseph Russo

September 11, 2002

I am glad to have known you. I am with your family.

Stephen Prince

September 11, 2002

Al,



We met on a few occasions as business associates and thinking of you on this day of remeberance.



God Bless

Reisa Williams

September 11, 2002

May you find strenght and comfort in our Lord who is great and most worthy of praise! My condolances to you and the loss of your loved one! God truely know what efforts was made by this great man in the end.. So many gave their lives for others.. May God bless you all...

William Egbert

September 10, 2002

I grfew up with his two daughters in Sunday school. If the way his daughters were so nice is even a small indication of the type of man he was then he must have truly been a wonderful man. I remeber how he let the church youth group use the family shore house one weekend during the su,mmer when I was in the youth group. Everything I have ever heard about the man only goes to show what a loving father, husband, and wonderful man he was. God Bless you

Angie Campbell

May 2, 2002

May you rest in peace forever more. God Bless you and the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/01.

February 11, 2002

DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO ALVIN PETER KAPPELMANN 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 GOD AND ST PETER GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN

Teresa Jahn

December 28, 2001

We thank Alvin for his 41 years of dedicating his life as a volunteer firefighter. Such a dedication comes with a warm, caring, loving heart. May Alvin's courage, life and love live on in those who love him and in those he has helped through the years. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Alvin. 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 Hooban

December 28, 2001

I will miss meeting Al at insurance events. We worked beside one another in difficult times at AIG and were good friends. A highlight of travel to conferences and the like was meeting Al and having a laugh about old times and discussing the progress of our lives.



Ours is a great loss of him. He will be missed. God bless him. I, too, am sure that he was trying to help people out of the towers.

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results

Make a Donation
in Alvin Kappelmann's name

How to support Alvin'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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor Alvin Kappelmann's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Sign Alvin Kappelmann's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 3, 2016

Simon Hayden posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2016

Beverly Sheldon posted to the memorial.

July 26, 2014

Timothy Hyland posted to the memorial.