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Michael Quilty Obituary
If it moved, he was on it. If it was water, he was in it. Michael Thomas Quilty, 42, flew a plane, owned a boat and rode his bike from his home on Staten Island to Ladder House 11 in Lower Manhattan, where he was a lieutenant in the Fire Department.
On Sept. 5, Lieutenant Quilty celebrated his 20th anniversary with the Fire Department. Most of his career was spent at Engine 282 and Ladder 148 in Brooklyn. A year ago, he moved to Ladder 11. "There's a picture of him in uniform there," but not in his gear like the rest of the firefighters, said his wife, Susan. "He wasn't there long enough to have a new picture."
The Quiltys met 23 years ago. "He was a lifeguard at my pool," Mrs. Quilty said. "My mother said, "Go out to the pool. There's a cute lifeguard there.'"
The sports didn't end there. The Quiltys had a boat for waterskiing and fishing. They kayaked in the ocean. This summer, Mr. Quilty took their son, Daniel, 15, to learn to scuba dive, and for eight years he coached the soccer team that his daughter, Kerry, 13, played on. Now the girls on the team have his initials on their jerseys.
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Jessica Cofer
February 4, 2024
You will never be forgotten! I seen a post from the museum and they had your phone and watch and wanted to learn about the man that passed. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!
S.J. Friscia III
January 19, 2020
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Danielle Chernich
September 10, 2016
I completed a 9/11 memorial stair climb challenge today and the firefighter and I climbed for was Michael T. Quilty. We will never forget.
Tyler Roch
September 14, 2015
Micheal Quilty was a real Hero His legacy will live on forever also i will look up to him until I'm an adult Thank you for your service.RIP
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Lou Curren
June 21, 2015
I was a classmate of Mike in High School, he was in my wedding party, and of everything Mike was: he was a friend of mine. I stood at the memorial in lower Manhattan this weekend and after all these years cannot believe that he is gone. My heartfelt wishes to his family and to all those who are our personal memories of September 11th.
Kristen
May 2, 2012
I am researching Michael Quilty for a project about the World Trade Center and I am sorry for your lose. From what I can tell he is a good man who loves his family and his job. Thank you for protecting and saving lives. You truly are a hero.
At St. Paul's Chapel, across from the WTC
Susan Quilty
October 17, 2011
I didn't know about this guest book until I stumbled upon it this evening. I would like to thank everyone who wrote something. The contributions to the book mean a lot to me. Thank you.
Judy Adler
September 11, 2011
I just returned home from a 911 memorial service at my church, East Side Lutheran, Sioux Falls, S.D. I was given Michael's name to remember in my prayers. I will also pray for you, Susan, and for Dan and Kerry. May you find comfort in God's love. Our Pastor grew up in New York City. My husband said of Michael, "He sounds like a neat guy". My husband and I enjoy boating and fishing and our children also learnied to waterski growing up. Judy Adler
Bob Cook
September 11, 2009
Mrs Quilty,
My thoughts and prayers are with you this day! I had the chance to meet you in Princeton a few months after that tragic day. I came up to you when I found out your husband had passed away in the attack and just had to say "thank you" for his sacrifice. You proceeded to talk to me for quite some time about Mike and your love for him and how much he loved you and your children! I pray this note finds your family well and that Michael's love still watches over you!!..God Bless...
June 19, 2009
conor mccarthy. adare. limerick ireland. sends his condolances to all Michaels family. I have been doing do some family tree research, and I think that Michael could be a relative of mine. My mother was Doreen Quilty, She had many aunts and uncles who emigrated to New york , in particular a Michael F quilty who worked for the port authority, he passed away in the early 1950, Ibeleive he lived in New jursey or jursey City, I'm not sure. I think he had a son Frank Quilty. If for any reason you think we might be related , I send you greetings and wish ye all well and condolance with your loss in that terrible tragitw that happned when the towers camd down. god rest him. Do please contact me, my email is [email protected] or my cell phone is + 353863222616. many thanks . Conor (Quilty ) mccarthy.
Michael Quilty
August 23, 2008
Since the day you passed away , I have thought of you each day. I am Michael Quilty. I prayer for your family. There are many Michael Quiltys out here and I know that all of us knowing we share your name share in the knowledge you live on in just some small way with our name the same as yours. My son is also Michael Quilty...that is 2 of us right here. I would like to help, add me to information and ways to donate to help the family.
Kindest thought,
Michael Quilty Sr.
Michael Quilty, Jr.
Bob Quilty
June 27, 2007
To the widow and children of the late Michael Quilty,the Quilty family from Wexford,Ireland extend our deepest sympathy to all of you. We have read about his heroic deeds and are proud to have the same family name. He must undoubtately have had some Irish connections.
We will remember you all in our prayers.
Love from Bob,Eleanor Quilty and all the family which includes our daughter,Shelley-Ann who is presently studying for a law degree @ CUNY,Flushing,Queens.
Kristine
March 5, 2007
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.
micahel quilty
February 10, 2007
my name is michael quilty. i feel honored to have this name. your death effected me deeply. i have wanted to say how proud of you we are for giving your life for our world to be a better place. i am so sorry for your family. i live my life with your name and try to make a difference working with families that have disabled children. bless your family.....michael quilty, orlando florida
P Tabbernor
February 6, 2007
In memory....
Lydia Lopez
September 13, 2006
Thankyou for saving those people in the World Trade Center, you are a real merican hero.
Anthony Quilty
May 16, 2006
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Alex Sulton
December 16, 2005
This Holiday reminds me of you Mike.
Susan, Hoping your well and in good spirit's
Love always,
Alex
Alex Sulton
July 19, 2005
Mike,
How you doin' up there Dude?
Alex
Eugene King
September 25, 2004
I went to high school with Mike back in the mid 70's on Staten Island. I lived about half a block away from Moore and we'd often hang out at my house during our free periods. We also took many of the same classes and spent most of our school days together.
I remember a lot of good things about those days and Mike. I remember his blue VW beetle, the curtains in his basement bedroom made from pull tabs from aluminum cans. I remember the steep grass hill near his house we'd slide down on cardboard in the summer, sleds in the winter. I remember us both being fans of Starsky and Hutch and having sweaters like Starsky's. I remember his brilliant sense of humor and contagious smile. I remember going to see him years later while on leave from the Air Force and catching up on what we'd been up to since high school. I remember meeting his wife Susan and son Danny. I remember Danny playing on the floor with his toy fire engine. I remember hearing about what happened on 9-11. I remember thinking of my friend Mike, a firefighter. I remember the kind of man Mike was and knowing he would have went to the scene no matter where he was at the time. I remember being scared for him. I remember my mother telling me she'd seen his name among the victims. I remember thinking of his family. I remember my heart breaking. I remember thinking how lucky I was to have had a friend like Mike.
Joshua Allen
September 11, 2004
Hero- May god bless your family.
Alex Sulton
September 9, 2004
Susan,
I am thinking of you, Kerry & Danny.
Hope all are healthy and things are going well.
I do miss you.
Alex
Alex Sulton
June 4, 2004
I am thinking of you Mike, Your picture sits on my desk along side Anthony's. God Bless you both.
Alex
Alex Sulton
November 12, 2002
I was thinking of Mike today, we had some funny times at the Mapleton Christmas parties. He was a real good guy that I looked foward to hanging with.
Susan, I hope you Danny and Kerry are are doing well, be strong.
Terry Hoffman
September 26, 2002
On Sept. 11, 2002, I had the fortune of riding in the first patriot ride for 9-11 relief in Arizona, I chose to ride in support of all of the firefighters lost in the WTC attacks and was fortunate enough to be given the name of Michael Quilty to ride in memory of. Although I, along with many others, will never have the chance to meet him, his memory of his contribution to this tragedy will never be forgotten in my household. Our love goes with your family and your loss.
Elizabeth
September 12, 2002
Susan, Danny and Kerry, This year I've been praying for you and all the familys of Ladder 11. Praying that you are comforted by the faithfulness of our Lord and blessed with His peace. And praying for all the "firsts" without your husband and Dad. God bless you. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
Brittany Conkle
September 11, 2002
Today, September 11 2002, I received a flag with Michael Quilty's name on it at a remembrance service here in Pittsburgh. I did not know Lt. Quilty in life. I only have a flag with his name on it. However small that seems, please know that I am praying for your family. You are in my prayers.
Brittany Conkle
patrick holder
September 10, 2002
Dear Mike,
I live up the block from the firehouse. Thank you for your bravery in our neighborhood and our city. You and your family have been in my prayers since that day. Patrick, East Village
John Gleason
June 11, 2002
DEar Mike, I read this page with mixed emotions, I was with you on that day in Sept, I was with you when you met your Wife, I was with you from the time we met way long ago in 1975, We went to school and hung out but as the years went pass we took differnet roads, I went on to the Police and you to Fire, we walked the same paths up to the day we said goodbye, I know many who never can home on that day and I thank God I knew you. Its funny how our lives change and know you made me a better person. Thank God he let you stay a little while but heavens pool must be one hell of a safe place, GOD BLESS THE QUILTY FAMILY . I treasure the pics I have of Mike even with his beard
Angie Campbell
May 10, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Anonymous
March 27, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN AND HERO ...MICHAEL QUILTY AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN...LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY..AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS AND ST.MICHAEL GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
ROBERT QUILTY
March 3, 2002
Dear Mrs. Quilty,
Back in 1981 or 1982, while I was still a Lieutenant with the New York City Fire Department, I saw Michael's name listed on the Department Orders. Since Quilty is a fairly uncommon name, I wondered if we were distant cousins. At one point I called him from my office, and we had a very nice chat. We never resolved the "long lost relative" issue, but that brief conversation, in which Michael was nice enough to speak with a total stranger who thought he might be a relative, always stayed with me. Then I heard he had been promoted to Liutenant, as I had been. My first assignment, as a probationary firefighter, was to Ladder 11 on the Lower East Side, where I understand Mike was ultimately assigned. I realize this is entirely coincidental, but it keeps this very nice and gentle man in my thoughts, as I am sure he remains in the thoughts of so many others. Please accept my sincerest condolences, as well as those of my wife Bonnie Quilty.
Anne Anderson
March 1, 2002
Dear Susan,
That is a beautiful tribute to Michael. Know that our prayers are with you and your family. We are friends of Barb, Jake and AnnMarie Utratel and heard about Michael from them. Your sadness belongs to the whole country. We all care so much.
Anne and Chuck Anderson
Peter Gray
February 3, 2002
As a native of Staten Island, not a day goes by that I don't think of the tragedy which took Michael's life. Though I never knew Michael, I and my family can and will pray for the repose of his soul, and that the Lord may comfort his family. May God take care of all of you.
Melissa and Steven Cicio
December 30, 2001
Dear Susan, You don't know us, but my husband and I knew Mike for quite a while when we were younger. Steve was in his class at Moore and I got to know Mike after he was out of high school and we would get together and hang out. I was always amazed at his physical abilities. He could climb just about anything, once we were out and he scaled a telephone pole with ease. Steve was there when he broke his leg in gym during volleyball, Mike and Frank Mondelli went up against one another to get the ball and Mike came down and broke his leg. We loved Mike, he always had a warm smile and was so easy to get along with. We had many nights of fun together. Unfortunately, as we all got married, we grew apart. Steve has never forgotten him, as I'm sure he did not forget Steve. My husband has multiple sclerosis, he might have mentioned him. I want to tell you Susan that Mike is deep within our hearts. We are praying for you and your children. We lost many people we knew and loved that horrid day, but to say I know your loss would be a lie. But, I can say as a friend and a community there are so many people that are praying for you and will continue to pray for you, always. Please know that he was loved and admired and we will hold your future in our prayers forever. Most Sincerely,~Melissa & Steve Cicio
Alex Sulton
December 28, 2001
Mike was a friend I wish I new better. I worked with his wife at South Beach Psych center for 9 years and saw Mike on a limited basis but came to look foward to his strong personality whenever I could. Mike and I had a good relationship and I will miss his friendship even though we were not that close. I wish I had words to comfort his wife who I adore.He has a huge set of wings in heaven. God bless his bravery and sacrafice.
Teresa Jahn
December 16, 2001
We thank Michael for dedicating his life to helping others. Such a profession comes with a warm and caring heart. We thank him for sharing such a wonderful heart with so many people for 20 years. The world will miss someone with so much zest for life. It is a great honor from the girls soccer team to have his initals on their jerseys, he must have meant the world to many people. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Michael. 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
Paul T. Devine
December 12, 2001
God bless you Michael. You will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with you and your family.My grandfather was a Boston firefighter at the turn of the century. He is a hero in our family.
Judy Cherbonneau
December 1, 2001
I never met you, Mike, but I know you now must be an angel in heaven because your life was sadly taken on September eleven. I am sorry about your loss and my sympathy goes out the firefighting comrades who also perished on that most terrible day and my heart goes out to your family and friends who have been left behind. Once again, I am so sorry!
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