Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Joseph Rivelli Jr.
Joseph Rivelli Jr.
Obituary
Guest Book
Joseph Rivelli Obituary
He was a charm king, that Joe Rivelli. Confident and comfortable in his own skin, quick with a withering quip, faster still to a fire, the first to volunteer his fists to defend his buddy Tony Portela in a Houlihan's scuffle and, for years, the kind of magnet that too many women tried in vain to stick to.
He had a restless intelligence: taught himself to build computers, started on a stockbroker's license, stayed glued to the History Channel on days off from Ladder 25 in Manhattan, was closing in on a pilot's license.
So who knew, when Firefighter Rivelli finally married at 39, that he was secretly a sentimentalist, waiting to be discovered?
Always close to his parents and three siblings, he now left sweetie-pie notes for his wife, Cheryl, under the pillow, and would call her at their home in Upper Manhattan after big fires, even at 3 a.m., just to hear her voice. Her children from a first marriage, Phylicia and Christopher, whom he introduced as his daughter and son, would find his notes in their school lunch bags. At 44, he was still Joe — still sarcastic, still blunt. Only now, he was openly grateful.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 11, 2023
Never forgotten. Your life is celebrated today. May the joy you brought to others during your years on earth, provide peace and comfort. Rest in peace
Catherine Salina-Bolten
September 9, 2021
Missing him. Joe, a good person, through and through. 20 years, seem like yesterday. Photos and memories are entwined for us to share. He, and all the others that perished on that horrible day are never, ever forgotten
Andrew Feldman
September 10, 2016
Joe a great guy who always went out of his way for others.
I remember he coach my son in football , we show up on the field for practice and he would stop whatever he was doing and come to hi how are you?
Every week , everytime he always did that.
And I will never forget! Miss you joe.
Dana Shotts-Neff
September 12, 2013
Mr. Rivelli, I did not know you until yesterday. My husband and I rode in the 2 Million Bikers to DC rally to honor the victims of 9/11. At the rally a man came around with some stickers that had all of the names of the victims. He said the organizers were asking every rider to take one so that we could have you with us on the ride. My husband, Richard Neff, chose your name. He put it on his helmet just under and to the right of the cross. I sat behind him on our bike and saw your name as we rode through DC. I said a prayer for you and your family. Now that I know you are a fireman and died to save others, I am even more humbled to have had the opportunity to represent you. Thank you for your service. We will not forget.
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.
Kathy
September 11, 2013
On this day i look at the memory bracelet i wear with you name on it. I have worn this bracelet everyday for twelve years and think of you and the sacrifice you made.You will never be forgotten.
Before the Race
Kelly Nolan
October 18, 2012
My son Zachary and I ran the Stephen Stiller Tunnel to Towers Run in Wake Forest, NC on 9/8/12. My son had the honor to run on behalf of Mr. Joseph Rivelli, Jr. (he received a card with Mr. Rivelli's picture and ladder # that he clipped onto his shirt while he ran). Running was a small gesture but the significance was enormous. Running for Mr. Rivelli put a face to the tragic loss on 9/11 and the wonderful heroism that took place that day. We will not forget 9/11 and we will now never forget Mr. Joseph Rivelli, Jr., Firefighter, Ladder 25.
Debbie Pica Hill
September 11, 2012
Well what can just that I still remember the boy, at the Christmas Dinner always with a big smile. Being a cousin we had all our holidays together and they were the best times. After I moved to fla and didn't see my cousins anymore and wish I was their to know the man that he grew up to be.
Love,
Debbie (Pica) Hill
gerry chambers
November 6, 2011
I remember Joe from elementary school and was sorry to learn of his passing when I visited the WIHS web site. I thought of him regularly and will keep him in my prayers.
Catherine Salina
September 12, 2011
Dearest Joey, Angel in Heaven......Yesterday was very hard, harder than I thought it would be. You would think 10 years would dull the pain but it did not. I spent the day in prayer for your family and my dear childhood friend Vinny D'Amadeo and his family. Of course I prayed for all of the other family and loved ones of those who were lost, but you know that you were very special to me and my family. I met one of your buddies today, Joe Sorrentino, he was a firefighter with you at Ladder 25, and then transferred to Queens. He really loved you too, and it was hard for him yesterday...he was happy that you married Cheryl, he did not know. I was happy to tell him something to make him smile. He said she had to be pretty special because he remembered how you spoke of her when you met at the 56th Fighter Squadron. Well, I was comforted to be able to speak to someone who know you so well, to share some memories. Thank you for your gift to all of us, that we had a small part in your life. You will never be forgotten. Love Cathy Salina and family.?
SL Murphy
September 12, 2011
FIREFIGHTER - JOSEPH RIVELLI - LADDER 25-FDNY. I held this sign proudly for four miles in a rememberance parade on September 11, 2011 in Portland Maine. I never met you, but I vowed never to forget you. You are a hero - Thank you. I wish you and your family peace.
vee rivelli
September 11, 2011
thinking of you joe ,, after 10 years you are still of my mind ,, please watch over your wife cheryl she is very heartbroken,, love you
vee rivelli
September 11, 2011
on this 10th year , It still is hard and we all miss you , i think of you often and i speak to your wife cheryl all the time, her heart will never be whole again, keep your arms around us till we see you again Love you Joe
rose white
September 11, 2011
Dear Joe....10 years,,still just as painful.miss you, hope you hear all my prayers.. love Rose White
Brycen Garrison
September 12, 2010
FF Rivelli, we will never have the chance to meet. I am a Firefighter in Colorado and we rememebr 9-11 by doing a stairclimb of 110 stories. Each of us gets to climb for one of the 343. I climbed for you this year. I climb in full bunkers, SCBA, and highrise pack. I do this for the first 55 stories, then I go on air for another 55 flights. I hope you were able to look down and know that you have been remembered, by a friend that you didn't know you had.
CHRISTINA WALL
June 25, 2010
UNCLE JOEY I CAN'T BELIVE IT HAS BEEN 9 YEARS I THOUGHT THAT AS THE TIME PASSED BY THINGS WOULD GET EASIER BUT I WAS WRONG EVERY SEPTEMBER I FEEL LIKE IM RIGHT BACK TO SQUARE ONE .....YOU WERE THE ONLY ONE WHO EVER CALLED ME CHRIS SO NOW IF ANYONE SAYS IT I HAVE TO LET THEM KNOW ONE MAN WAS EVER ALLOWED TO CALL ME THAT....WORDS CANT DESCRIBE HOW MUCH I MISS YOU AND I HOPE ONE DAY WE WILL MEET AGAIN .. UNTILL THEN I KNOW YOUR MY ANGEL WATCHING OVER ME AND KEEPING ME SAFE ... I HOPE YOUR PROUD OF THE WOMAN I TURNED OUT TO BE....I LOVE YOU REST IN PEACE UNCLE JOEY <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Rose White
September 12, 2009
Always thinking of you Joe,its your courage and good will that I use as my own inspiration every day. I feel such peace praying to you on my long runs,, its definitly you pushing me through that extra mile...
with love
Rose White
Cathy Salina
September 11, 2009
Joe Rivelli, I remember you. You were a great friend to me and my children, and I will always remember you. On this 8th anniversary of your being taken from us, I found this site. I never thanked you enough for being a part of my wedding party, but most of all, being part of my children's lives for that short time. Johnny and Anthony remember you, Nicholas and Lawrence are told stories about you, and the trip to the firehouse that the boys so enjoyed. I remember the time you took me to the movies to see "Ghost" when I was 8 months pregnant with Anthony, your favorite, because I was bored. I think about you often, and pray that you know that. You were and still are a wonderful friend, and yes, Anthony is very much like you, like you said kidding around with me.
To Joe's wife Cheryl and his family, know that I would have loved to meet you because for Joe to chose you as his wife, you would have to be pretty special......I always knew he was waiting for the best to come along for him. He will never be forgotten in our home and hearts. God bless you ALL. With love Cathy Salina and the Salina Boys, John, Anthony Nicholas and Lawrence(Enzo)
Donna Rivelli
December 27, 2007
I was so touched to read the wonderful memories about my brother. He never fails to amaze me. I can sit and think of him and feel as if he's still here.
My brother, and I were very close, we were born the same year, and were the same age for about a month, Joey would tell every one we were twins for the month. My brother was such a big part of our family, he loved life, and touched every one he met.
life for the last six years has been rough, specially for my dad. They say there's no greater lost then a child, and looking at my father day in and day out it's true. I thank you all again, it has touched my heart, and put a tear, and smile on my face. I know JOEY is watching over my family, he's presance, and warmth is felt every day...I love you my dear brother, rest in peace. We will see each other again, and I have alot to talk to you about...Your loving sister Donna
Zee Vargas
September 11, 2007
Another year passed by that your life was taken away. You are still remembered, my friend and are in my prayers. You and your family will be in my prayers for as long as I live. Rest in peace!
Rose White
September 11, 2007
Dear Rivelli family
you are in my thoughts and prayers always. I pray to Joe for strength and guidance every day, and take comfort in believing he is there listening.
with love always
Joe's hairstylist
Rose White
&
family
kristine
April 17, 2007
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.
derek fischer
March 22, 2007
Dear Rivell family, I am very sorry for your loss.I hope that your family will get through this loss. Have a good life. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
February 16, 2007
In remembrance....
Lynn Duvall
September 12, 2006
It has been five years now since you were taken from us all. We will miss you always. Eternally your friend Lynn
HELEN JACOX
August 30, 2004
TO THE RIVELLI FAMILY; HIS WIFE CHERYL, TO HIS DAD JOE, TO HIS SISTERS, DONNA AND LINDA, TO HIS BROTHER MICHAEL.
I WANT TO SEND MY SYMPATHY TO ALL THE ABOVE MENTIONED PEOPLE AS I KNEW JOEY AND HIS SIBLINGS, HIS DAD AND HIS MOTHER WHO PASSED AWAY WHO WAS MY DEAREST FRIEND. I USED TO GO TO THEIR HOME WHEN THEY WERE ALL YOUNG, WENT TO THEIR WEDDINGS AND BECAME A BIG PART OF THEIR FAMILY. I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT JOE JR. AND I AM SO SORRY. MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL OF YOU. I REMEMBER JOEY WITH SUCH WONDERFUL MEMORIES. MAY GOD LOOK DOWN ON YOU, COMFORT YOU AND THAT SOON ALL OF THE SORROW THAT WE ARE GOING THOUGH WILL SOON PASS AWAY. REVELATION 21:4. AGAIN I AM SO SORRY FOR THE DEATH OF JOEY.
HELEN JACOX
CHAPEL HILL, NC
Kathleen Squillanti
September 12, 2003
To the Rivelli Family:
Words can't express how sorry my family was to learn of the death of Joey. Having grown up behind the Rivelli family it really touched home to know someone as dear as Joey had been killed in the World Trade tragedy. Even though it's 2 years now, just hearing the names and hearing Joey's name brings it all right back like it was yesterday. You are all in our prayers. I ask my angel up in heaven every night, my beloved mother, to continually watch over Joey and all the other firemen and police officers up in heaven.
Joey, you will be forever in our hearts.
The Squillanti Family
Cheryl Rivelli
October 3, 2002
Hello and I thank all of you who signed my Joey's guest book. It has been over a year since my husband was tragically taken from me. The pain and sorrow that our children and I feel is worse now than ever. Reality is starting to set in. That "long tour" we were trying to use as a reason for his not being home with us just isn't working anymore. I miss him more every day. I was pleasantly amused by the entry sent by Zee. My Joey always was a "babe magnet." Our very good friend Tony said it perfectly, "...the kind of magnet that too many women tried in vain to stick too." Joey always told me that he saved the best for last. I know all of us will never forget him for the kind, sensitive, friendly, sarcastically witty, etc., man that he was. He would often share stories about the local firehouse neighbors and the "Hertz Girls" with me. I recently met an elderly women who lives a few doors down from the firehouse. She shared with me how devastated she was when she heard about Joey. I was touched when she said how glad she was to finally meet me; Joey spoke to her often about our childen and me. He was truly a wonderful man and the love of my life. I will love him always. Once again, thank you for sharing your memories you have about my husband, JOEY. Cheryl Rivelli
Zee Vargas
September 27, 2002
I was so saddened when I saw his picture on the New York times as one of the ones that were missing in the World Trade center tragedy. I knew Joe for about five years. I worked across the street from his fire house for five years.We had a friendship with all of the firemen in that house especially Joe. Joe, in particular, was always nice and courteous. He brought us food when we had to work the holidays (Thanksgiving and or Christmas). He was nice to the children that walked by and often gave them his fireman's hat to wear and let them sit in the front seat of the fire truck. I feel blessed to have met this man and felt a huge pain when I saw his picture. I still didn't want to believe it until I heard his name mentioned during the anniversary ceremony. Joe will always be in my heart and in my prayers. I know that he was a very caring man. The nickname that I had for him was the Marlboro Man. He often stood in front of the firehouse to read a book and smoke a cigarette. We had quite a stir among the girls everytime he came out to smoke.
This is the way that I will remember him. A hero with a beautiful smile who would do anything to help you. He will always be my hero and will be missed forever.
Michael Delia
August 27, 2002
Even though I have known the Rivelli family for years, I've only had a passing acknowledgement with Joe Rivelli. I had the pleasure of drawing Joe's portrait for his family. The time spent drawing his face and studying it, makes me feel that I gotten to know him on some level.
My heart goes out to his family and be comforted in knowing that you will all meet again!! God bless you!
Pat Santaniello
June 17, 2002
Joey
Our thoughts are with you often. We hope you are at peace in heaven and watching over all of us. Keep us safe and in your prayers.
Patty
Joseph Lombard
May 30, 2002
God bless Mr. Rivelli and his family.
Angie Campbell
May 13, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
April 8, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO..JOSEPH RIVELLI AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS...GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS...GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER...MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01.MAY JESUS AND ST.JOSEPH GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Keri Brunner
January 28, 2002
I am the secretary for the Rivelli famlies oil company "East Coast Fuel." I knew Mr. Rivelli only thru phone calls at work, and I was saddened to see his name among the many ANGELS that sacrificed themselves in a war they never knew they were fighting. Mr. Rivelli was a kind sweet, funny man, who in a sea of complaining customers was always the one we never groaned "oh no" about when he called. I send my deepest symapthies along with the entire staff to your family. Mr. Rivelli was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by all.
The sacrifice he made to save others will never fade from our minds and hearts.
You and your family are in my heart and prayers.
Keri
Judy C
January 2, 2002
To Joseph and the Rivelli Family,
God Bless you, Joseph for the sacrifice you made on September 11.
I am sorry for the grief and sorrow your family must suffer.
May peace replace some of the sorrow in the hearts of the loved ones, family, and friends you left behind.
Rest I peace, Joseph, with God.
Teresa Jahn
December 14, 2001
We are extremely sorry for your loss of Joseph. We thank him for dedicating his life to helping others. Such a warm and caring heart he must have had to have choosen such a caring profession. 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
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Rivelli's name
How to support Joseph '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 Joseph Rivelli'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