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Michael Roberts Obituary
When Michael Edward Roberts was just 4, his father took him to a firehouse and sat him on a rig parked there. That's all it took. From that moment on, life was a countdown to the Fire Academy. He took time to get a degree in psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, but "he knew without a doubt what he was going to do," said his father, Thomas Roberts, a retired New York City fire captain. "He'd say the only decision he needed to make was whether to grow up, or become a firefighter."
Finally, in February 1998, Michael Edward Roberts was formally admitted to the academy. He ended up at Ladder Company 35 near Lincoln Center. "He was so happy," said his sister, Lisa.
Firefighter Roberts continued to live in Pearl River, N.Y., where he grew up and where he mastered tournament darts for a local team. In the firehouse he listened to other people so intently that he came to be known as "the psychologist."
At his memorial service in November, Firefighter Roberts's family finally met the family of another Michael Edward Roberts, a firefighter with Engine Company 214 in Brooklyn. They exchanged greetings and politely commiserated about the confusion caused by their identical names and backgrounds, both 31, both sons of firefighters.
Then the families brought together by grief went their separate ways, one to Breezy Point, one to Pearl River. And Captain Roberts brought back his son's badge and put it in a frame in the living room.
It is badge No. 13392.
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September 11, 2023
Michael you are never forgotten. Today we remember, honor, and celebrate your life! Thank you for your courage and your service to others. May the Lord surround your family and friends with peace and comfort. Rest in Peace
Beall Roberts
September 11, 2019
I was looking through victims with similar names, and he had the almost same name as my father (Stephen Michael Roberts). I pray for both Michael Edward Roberts, and their families. Thank you for being such a hero.
Stanley Jean-Baptiste
September 11, 2017
Remembering a friend who made you feel loved and safe. I can't forget the days we laughed and played hours of darts. You were always a comfort to be around and you will be missed dearly. May God hold you close and may you continue to be a hero from up above. You will never be forgotten!
September 11, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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September 11, 2017
Remembered and honored. For your service, your courage and your sacrifice, I thank you. May God richly bless your family with peace. You are forever remembered
ANN MARIE MCCARTHY
September 9, 2017
Today I did a 9/11 memorial stair climb near my home in New Mexico. I was given a card (it hangs from a lanyard in the photo I've attached) with FF Michael Edward Roberts from Ladder 35 - I climbed to his memory. I have been a volunteer firefighter since 1996, in New Mexico. I am originally from Northern NJ, therefore, NYC is my neighbor city. I was an officer in the US Public Service on 9/11 and was deployed to NYC in October and witnessed first hand the burning remains of the WTC. Therefore, climbing to the memory of FF Roberts was very special.
Kathy Johnson
September 10, 2014
Michael- Another year has passed and your family and friends think of you often. Always remembered. cousin kathy
September 13, 2012
YOU WERE A BRAVE YOUNG MAN AND RISKED YOUR LIFE FOR OTHER YOU A SUCH A GREAT HERO
Blake Van leer
September 12, 2012
I am in class and my teacher is having us read about one person and pray for them. I chose Michael because I come from a firefighter family and honor what he did for us. Thanks for all you did Michael.
Beth & Emmalee Blankenship
September 11, 2012
My 7 years old daughter had to say Michaels name in a service that her school had. She brought his name home and that is all she has talked about. She wanted to let u know that she is praying for all of his family and friends. She says that she knows that he was a good man because he was trying to help others. She said that now for the rest of her life she will remember Michael Roberts on this day.
Jason Jones
September 18, 2011
I am a firefighter from Colorado and wanted to let the family of Michael Roberts know I did a stair climb on September 11th with a picture of Michael around my neck. 343 of us climbed a hundred and ten floors in full gear in honor of the lost brothers. I have read everything I could find on Michael and was honored to climb for him. God bless, I won't forget.
Kim Kenna
September 12, 2011
I went to Saint Margaret's and Albertus with Michael. I remembered him on September 11, 2011. I feel honored to have known a hero.
Alex Goyette
September 11, 2011
Michael's name was written on the wax guard of a candle given to me at a candlelight vigil for the victims tonight, on the 10th anniversary of his death. I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but know that he and his family will remain in my prayers. As long as a man is remembered, he is never truly gone.
Caroline Hammond
September 9, 2011
With Love & Gratitude
Alex Twery
April 7, 2011
Hi, I'm an 8th grader researching Michael for a memorial project I am doing, if anybody has any more extensive information about Michael, it would be much appreciated (post on here or email). From what I read Michael seemed like an amazing man, and he will be remembered. God bless.
Kathy Johnson
September 12, 2010
Michael,
I only met you once at your Mémère Rita's birthday celebration in Rhode Island. She thought the world about you, Lisa and Ken. We will always keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
September 11, 2010
Your sacrifice will never be forgotten...
Safely Home
Michael Iezzi
July 15, 2008
Michael,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Allison Roberts
December 2, 2007
I never had the pleasure of meeting you. But we are family still the same. You are my husband Harold's cousin. My father-in-law and my husband were at your memorial service. What a very sad day for everyone. I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifice to us all. You will never be forgotten. My 3 children made a time capsule for school and it was all about you. They buried it in the ground at the foot of the tree outside the school. They too were very sad that day. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
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.
P Tabbernor
February 19, 2007
In remembrance....
Veronica Roberts
July 4, 2006
Dear Michael Edward,
Thinking of you and my Michael especially today. Rest in Peace Michael and someday we will meet at last!
Veronica Roberts,Mother of the other FF Michael Edward Roberts, Eng214
Veronica Roberts
February 27, 2005
Dear Michael,
Are you and my Michael together again? Did you laugh everytime your pictures were switched? I think you both must have had a fine time with that!
We all miss you and the brothers.
Love, Veronica Roberts,
The Other Michael Edward Roberts Mom
Marianne Kasney
September 5, 2003
As a fellow Pearl River-ite I knew who the Roberts family is for almost 25 years. I remember Michael as a little boy with glasses, who I would really only see playing at Anderson Field or Pearl River Swim Club. I hadn't seen him in many years, though looking at his picture I can't help but feel overwhelmed with sadness for the Roberts family, a wonderful family who must be suffering greatly, especially as the 2nd anniversary of this horrible event approaches. Just know that Michael will forever be recognized as one of the bravest heroes in the history of the United States, and we all will never forget what he has done. A true hero from the small town of Pearl River.
I pray for you all, and keep you in my thoughts, especially during these hardest of times.
God Bless.
Angel Mary Gaberialla Dawson
June 18, 2003
Michael was a Precious gift from God. He was Our Bravest. Tear's in my eyes I cry why did Michael have to die. He was Our Firefighter now he is Our Firefighter Angel in the sky. He will never have another Birthday his young life was taken away. I will never let his Memory be forgotten. I am so sorry for your loss you are in my Prayer's. Love Angel [email protected]
Michael W. Roberts
January 26, 2003
My thoughts and prayers are with you.My God bless and keep you.
Roy Jennings
December 11, 2002
I am a retired firefighter. My son Timothy is now serving in my spot, with the Washington Township Fire Department in Indianapolis, of which I am very proud. Even more proud is the fact that he just named his new born son Michael Robert Jennings, in honor of Michael Roberts, FDNY.
Katie O'Callaghan
September 17, 2002
Growing up with the Roberts family, I was able to see how wonderful each member was, and how wonderful they have become. Michael, you are no exception. God bless you.
susan foster (wallenquest)
September 7, 2002
Hi! I was happy to see this guest book sign in page. I believe I'm related to Michael from the Roberts side. My Grandma was Dorathy Roberts and my grandpa was Raymond Roberts. My mom is one of their 8 children. We all were so sorry for your loss of Michael. What a hero he is, you must be so proud of him. You are always in our prayers. This is not the end only the begining. We all will be together once again. There will be no more tears, sickness and death. That's Gods promise to us. God Bless,Susie
Matthew O'Callaghan
August 12, 2002
Michael,
Our thoughts and prayers will forever be with you. I will someday have the honor of telling my children that I new a hero.
Sincerely,
Matt
Kelli Dunlay
June 15, 2002
Micheal was one of the nicest guys I ever met. I still have the senior flower he gave me at the winter pep rally. May you rest in peace, Micheal.
Kelli Dunlay
Class of 1989
Albertus Magnus
Joe Guadalupe
May 30, 2002
To Mike's family, I would like to express my sorrow for you loss.
I remember how there were times that we would be out on a call, and would find Mike waiting for us at the ambulance builing in Nanuet. He was a great friend. He even played on our softball team. He is badly missed. Our prayers are with you and your family!
From your friends on the Tuesday Night crew @ Nanuet.
Angie Campbell
May 13, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Michael Iezzi
April 19, 2002
Father we entrust our brother Michael 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.
veronica roberts
April 17, 2002
To the Roberts Family,
Who would have thought in 1970 that two boys would be born in NYC, that both boys would be named Michael Edward Roberts, That both Michael's would meet on 9-11-01 in Heaven. Rest in Peace and pray for us. Love, The Other Michael Roberts' Mom
April 9, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO...MICHAEL ROBERTS BADGE NO. 13392..AND MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS YOUR LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE..PRAY.,.AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK FOREVER..MAY JESUS AND ST.MICHAEL GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Kim
March 10, 2002
I only knew Mike for a very short time, but what a difference he made in my life. You will always be Cute Mike, to me.
Julie, Steve & Eli Gottesman
December 30, 2001
Michael was a dear friend to two beautiful and loving young women very close to my heart, Dori and Stacey Black. I remember shared moments they had together with Michael filled with laughter and sincere care. They have each experienced great sadness at the loss of their wonderful friend. But their pride in him is greater and I would like to wish his family peace and strength. Michael surely was a hero!
Cathy Roberts
December 27, 2001
I would like to take this opportunity to send my sincere and thoughts of sorrow to the family and friends of firefighter Roberts. Even though we share the last name I doubt there is any relation. It is just too bad that it took something as terrible as Sept. 11 for us to really apprecate the heroic efforts of our firefighters. The world lost many brave Americans on that day. Many were firefighters and other emergency personnel.
Dori
December 25, 2001
Michael was a great guy who will always be remembered as a hero! He was a person with a great heart. I miss him deeply!
Teresa Jahn
December 14, 2001
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Michael. He must have been a very wonderful person with a warm heart that had dedicated his life to help others. 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
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