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Anna Allegretto
September 11, 2021
What a terrific person! Served with Tony in Ceiba, Puerto Rico in the 80s. He was a great Radioman and we could count on him to deliver laughs to keep us on our toes and awake. I think of him often and stroll down Memory Lane. To his family, Tony will never be forgotten.
Barbara Sanders
September 11, 2016
I am remembering 9-11 and the true navy friend I have lost on that day. Anthony is missed and your life will always be a legacy to all who knew you. Eileen was one of my dearest friends and shared about your fate that day. I did not want to believe it at the time and has taking me 15 years to acknowledge your bravery. Now I know that your legacy will live on through your family and friends. My prayers for the family that they are encouraged that the Lord loves them and understands.
David Rodriguez
September 10, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Yolanda "Joli" Robles
September 11, 2014
Tony, it has taken me 13 years to get the courage to sign this book. Ever since I found out you lost your life on the most tragic day in America, let alone in our home--NYC, it's been a struggle for me to write anything.
Tony and I were stationed together in the Navy at Roosevelt Roads, PR (1984-1986) in the Fleet Center. We were all good friends there, Guty, Tony, Sanjurjo, Cheryl, Vanessa, Marcos, Eddie Torres, and many others. In addition, Tony and I lived in the same towers in Fajardo. He constantly came into the Fleet Center laughing, joking, and smiling. "El colorao" as we all affectionately called him in spanish.
I have been saddened by your death and keep you in my prayers daily. I also pray for your children and family that they may continue to find peace and know that you will all meet again at a better place.
God Bless You and I know you are an "angel" among us all! Love from one veteran sailor to another, NYC natives, and friend!
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Debbie Roberts
September 11, 2012
You are forever in my heart. I am so happy that you became part of our family. I miss you and think of you often. I see you in your children.
Scott Slagh
September 11, 2012
To the memory & respect of a good friend. I think about you often. Heavenly peace to you bud....
Donna Diaz Wafford
September 11, 2012
You are always in my heart. I miss you.
Donna Diaz Wafford
September 11, 2012
You are always in my heart! I miss you.
Edwin Sanjurjo
September 11, 2012
Tony - 2012 and still thinking about the friendship with had. We all miss you brother!
Chris Abrahall
September 9, 2012
OK, eleven years late, I'm a little late. I worked with you a short time but great time at Millar. When you got the call for the FDNY, I can remember, you said "this is my dream", when asked why you would leave such a great job..Well, we ALL owe you a great deal.. You were a bright spot in our daily workday, and you ultimately gave yourself for us..I haven't forgotten you, brother...RIP
Hannah Witschger
September 14, 2009
September 11, 2009
WTC-Ground Zero
Vesey-Liberty-Church-West Streets
New York, NY 10038
Dear Mr. Rodriguez:
I define a hero as a one who puts the needs of others ahead of their own. I would like to say thank you for being a hero on September 11, 2001. If our country did not have people like you we would not be here today. You risked your life on that day by going into the Twin Towers and helping to get people to safety before yourself. When the Twin Towers were attacked I was four years old and thought nothing of it. Now I understand how important it actually is today.
My words cannot express how thankful I am and I would like to give this day to you and your fellow firefighters. Your wife and children I know are very proud of what you did on September 11, 2001. As a firefighter and a dad you deserve to be thanked.
Though you had no way of knowing what would have happened that day, it took a lot of heroism to save other people first. We will always remember you and the other fire fighters and policemen that passed away on September 11, 2001.
Thank you for your years of service,
Sincerely,
Hannah Witschger
Joey Smith
September 11, 2009
I used to work with Tony in SC. Many memories of us running around in our bosses cars having fun. I still think of him often and always will. It still seems like only yesterday. My prayers to all of his family.
Paul Wollenburg
September 11, 2008
I had the honor of serving in the Navy in Conneticut with Anthony. I can't beleive that it has been 7 years. Anthony had a great serving spirit about him. He was a great competitor. You name the sport, he was great at it and you always wanted him on your team. Its only fitting that Anthony would end up in NY, the city he loved. Serving and being apart of a close knit team. To his family I offer these words and to thank you for sharing Tony with us. I prayed for you today that God would comfort you and those with whom Tony worked.
Sandy Greer
November 25, 2007
We love you and I will never forget the love that you shared to your family and friends in the short time I knew you.
September 11, 2007
"Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same."
September 11, 2007
I miss you so much! So many things would have been different. So many more laughs to share. I love you.
Jennifer & Derek Hazelwood
July 3, 2007
Thank you for your strength and courage. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. God bless.
kristine
April 23, 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.
P Tabbernor
February 20, 2007
In memory....
Reid Adair
September 11, 2006
I just read about Anthony's bravery on 9/11 through the tribute on Karen's blog. Americans should never forget Anthony and his bravery.
God Bless you, Anthony Rodriguez, and may he watch over your family each and every day.
Eddie Roldan
September 11, 2006
Anthony
Its five years to the day since you left us and I still cant believe you’re gone. I remember that day so vividly. When that second plane hit the towers that day we all knew we were under attack. When my office building ordered everyone out that day I could only think about my family and how I was going to get home. You on the other hand were heading home but turned around and went back to your fire house because that’s the kind of person you are. You were ALWAYS there to help out. Oh how I wish you would’ve kept going home or were on vacation somewhere far away so you could’ve been here today. When I finally made it to Staten Island I went straight to Yvonne’s job because I couldn’t get any service on my cell phone and I wanted her to know I was o.k. When I got to her job that’s when she told me that you might be at the trade center. I didn’t think you were because I knew you got off work early that morning. I should’ve known better. I should’ve known that no matter where you were you would’ve tried to get there to help out. Everyone tried to reach you on your cell phone but got no answer. All of the family was at your house that day to be there with Evelyn and Derek. We were hoping you would just call to say that you were alright or even better, walk through the front door. Night came and still no word on where you were or if you were o.k. That night we all slept at your house. It was packed. Yvonne and I slept on your dining room floor right underneath the dining room table. Morning came and still no word. There were so many bad rumors going around about what happened down there. We didn’t know what to believe. We were desperate to hear from you. We miss you so much. We had so many good times together. The trip to Cancun. The camping trips and the house parties. You always made me laugh. I could go on all day writing about you but the tears that flow as I write this won’t let me. You were my best friend. I love you, I miss you and may god bless you.
Till we meet again.
Tammy Edwards
August 27, 2006
Tony's wife Evelyn is my first cousin so I had alot of time to get to know Tony. Especially when he and Evelyn moved back to our home town when their son Derrick was born. Tony was always quick with a smile and a joke. He was dearly loved. The last memory of Tony that really sticks with me is at my grandma's house in VA. We were having a family cookout and Tony was in the yard playing football with all the boys in the family. I have a video tape of Evelyn, then pregnant with Morgan, holding my little girl and Tony rubbing her stomach talking to his little one. It still touches my heart. Morgan and Derrick were here just last week visiting and playing with my daughter. I want all of his family to know that we have never forgotten Tony and we all love him very much. He was an exceptional husband, father, and friend. If you ask my 6 year old who a hero is she will tell you "Tony".
Edward Torres
April 18, 2006
I worked with Tony "El colorao" in Roosevelt Roads and remember that he was always smiling. Never knew him to be upset at anything or anyone. Hard worker and great friend. I know that he is missed by many.
Michael Gamba
September 11, 2005
I went to Susan Wagner High School with Anthony. I had the pleasure of being on the high school wrestling team with him. He was the smallest, lightest but toughest guy on the team. Every now and then I look at page 66 in my 1981 year book and there is a picture of him on Danny Rivera's shoulders along with myself and Steven Antico. I did not get to see him much after high school but I was deeply saddened when I heard of this tragedy. My heart goes out to him all of his family.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
December 22, 2004
"No one will ever forget the way you made them feel"
August 27, 2004
You are on my mind all of the time. I miss your smile, your laugh, and your craziness! We all do!
August 2, 2004
I wonder what you are thinking when you look down upon us....I can only imagine what life would be if you were still with us.
I miss you.
aurea de la Cruz
April 16, 2004
To Anthony's family,
May God give you peace. Anthony did a very brace thing that day and my heart goes out to his family. I too lost a sister so I know the feeling, but I have God in my life and that has helped me get through this. My prayers are with the family. God Bless.
Michael Iezzi
March 29, 2004
Anthony,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May you rest in peace. Amen
Chantel Ingrassia
February 5, 2004
To My Cousin Anthony,
It has been so long but the pain is still strong. I still can't beleive your gone. I miss your pranks, your laughter, and your smile. I will never forget the last time we were togther and your final goodbye!
December 31, 2003
Anthony,
Not 1 day goes by without thinking about you and how much I miss you. There is a huge hole in my heart that will be there forever.
Its New Years Eve and I am sitting here thinking about how much fun we used to have. I was hoping that time would heal the sadness inside of me but it hasn't.
I miss you......A&F
September 12, 2003
Cousin Anthony ... its been two yrs and a day since I heard that you were missing in The World Trade Center disaster... I will never forget that day ... the day that everyone anxiously awaited you to walk through the door and say that it was all a joke ... but it wasn't it was all far from a joke... I cant believe that it has been 2yrs it feels like yesterday... I miss you so much ... it is so disturbing to think that I'll never see you again ...
My cousin had the most amazing personality ... ANT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!!!!
WE ALL MISS YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE ALWAYS YOUR COUSIN ...Fallon
Alice Fragola
September 11, 2003
I had the great pleasure of knowing Anthony and his family while he was growing up and watching him go from a young child to an adult, getting married, having his first child to now this. I was married to his Aunt Cookie's husband's cousin (Elliot Alfaro). On that sad day of 9/11/01, I was walking into my ofice, when my boss tells me something happened in New York that's when I saw the second plane hit the tower. My co-workers and I immediately formed a circle and prayed for everyone involved. I said a silent prayer "Dear God, please do not let anyone I know/love be in those towers, bless them all" I found out that two of my cousins where there. Thank God they were still alive. However when I called my friends in Staten Island and heard about Anthony, my heart broke in two for his mother, Bebe and the rest of the family. Bebe I want you to know that I have prayed for your peace and that of your family. The many times we shared playing LOTTO with the family. My trips to Staten Island from Brigeport, Ct. Watching all of our children grow up. My heart goes out to you. May the Lord have mercy on the people responsible for such a horrific act. Your son will live forever in our hearts. He's gone but never forgotten.
All my love,
Alice Fragola
Elliot Alfaro, Jr.
Alexis Aflaro
Alsion Fragola
Frank Fragola
Charles Pennant
September 11, 2003
FROM A FRIEND OF A FRIEND OF A BLESSED SOUL
MY MIND NOW REFLECTS AND MY HEARTS STILL HOLDS
PAIN FOR WHAT YOU WERE PUT THRU
AND JOY FOR WHAT YOU WERE MEANT TO DO
SAVING SOULS, YOUR GALLANTRY HAILED
WHILE YOU ARE WITH GOD
MANY STILL EXHALE
MISSED AND REMEMBERED FOREVER&ADAY
LOVE
Cookie Diaz
September 11, 2003
It's been two years and I still can't believe you're gone. I've laughted a million times because of you and have cried a million more because you're gone. You were a rare individual and affected everyone's life you touched. You and your friendship are and always will be missed but NEVER EVER forgotten.
Angelic Rodriguez
September 8, 2003
Copy and paste: http://hometown.aol.com/prangel612/
Anthony (MY BIG BROTHER),
I love YOU and Miss YOU so much! Life is def. not going to be the same with out you! All your jokes and pranks....Only you were the one who could pull those off....lol
The web page I made thats above is in memory to you.
Love always
Your little sister
Angelic
MELISSA RODRIGUEZ
February 13, 2003
UNCLE ANTHONY
I THOUGHT YOU WERE THE LUCKIEST MAN. WHEN EVERYTHING WENT WRONG YOU SEEMED TO MAKE IT RIGHT. BUT I GUESS LUCK RUNS OUT. I CAN REMEMBER ME BEING AT MY GRANDPARENTS HOUSE (YOUR PARENTS) GETTING JUGS OF WATER STORED AND PRAYING FOR YOU, THAT YOU WOULD BE SAFE AT DESSERT STORM WAR, LITTLE DID WE KNOW YOU DIDN'T GO. YOUR SHIP BROKE DOWN IF I CAN RECALL. I CAN REMEMBER 9/11 LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY I WASN'T EVEN WORRIED ABOUT YOU. YOU WERE THE TOUGHEST STRONGEST PERSON I KNEW. I TRULY THOUGHT YOU WERE JUST GOING TO COME THROUGH YOUR DOOR ONE OF THOSE DAYS AND LAUGH AT THE FAMILY MOURNING FOR YOU. WHEN YOUR DAUGHTER LYNNETTE MOVED TO STATEN ISLAND WE BECAME VERY CLOSE. YOUR HOUSE WAS MY SECOND HOME. YOU WERE THE BIGGEST JOKESTER AROUND. YOU REALLY WERE. ALL THOSE STINK BOMBS ME AND LYNNETEE THOUGHT WE SMELLED WAS JUST YOU PASSING GAS. HAHA!!. I EVEN MISS YOU TEASING US JUST B/C YOU KNEW YOU COULD GET TO US EASILY. I JUST WISH THOSE MEMORIES WITH YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO END SO EARLY IN LIFE, YOU LEFT BEHIND CHILDREN WHICH YOUR SOUL AND SPIRIT LIVES WITH IN THEM. I TRULY DO MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU.
ALWAYS AND FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS.
YOUR ONE AND ONLY NIECE.
Shelley
September 26, 2002
I didn't know Anthony, but I heard about him in the Feb. 2002 issue of People magazine when his wife was interviewed for an article about "September 11th Babies" who lost their fathers before they were born. I was so touched by his story and by his life and work as a father and a firefighter. He will truly be remembered as a hero in my and many Americans' hearts. God bless you Anthony, and your family who lives on as your legacy.
Deborah Stone
September 17, 2002
I did not know Tony personnally, but I know his wife's family (mother,aunts,cousins) in a small community in Virginia where we grew up. Our church made us aware of the loss and our prayers and hearts go out to Evelyn,his children, and all family members, as well as all the families who suffered losses. Our community is proud of the heroism of Tony.
Robin Dujon
September 11, 2002
To the Rodriguez Family:
I went to high school with Anthony,and even though I have'nt seen him in many years,I remember him as being a really nice guy with a good heart.May you always remember the happy times you shared with him.
Respectfully yours
Robin C.Dujon
Isaac Martinez
September 10, 2002
Rodriguez Family,
I would like to say my thoughts and prayers are with you. I did not have the HONOR of meeting Anthony personaly but I did purchase a Mercy Band engraved with Anthony's name in his memory. I didn't know why at the time when I choose his name out of the thousands of names but for some reason his name shined bright to me. I then read up on this wonderful man and now I know why his name was so bright and why God helped me chose his name. Now, Anthony has touched a total strangers heart thousands of miles away. I will always remember him for the sacrafice he made by turning back to go to the towers. Anthony and family you will always be remembered and in my prayers.
Isaac J. Martinez
[email protected]
yvonne roldan
September 10, 2002
To my dearest cousin,
One year later since you were taken from us and the pain is still so raw. There is not a day that goes by that I dont think about you. You will forever be in my heart as the cousin I loved and shared so many memories with and as one of the countries biggest heros.
I miss the good times. Rest in peace. Love You Forever
William Spinelli
September 10, 2002
Tomorrow will mark the one-year anniversary of Sept. 11. I am still not sure how it would affect me; let alone how it will affect your family. As the day inches so ever close I feel myself breaking down more and more. I felt that Sept. 11, 2001, should have never have happened. Anthony believed in his Family, and in his Country, as do I, but in a way I feel that our country let us down by allowing this to happen. All I can say is that through the years your family was always there for me. I truly appreciate it.
Desiree always said wonderful things about Anthony. She truly adored him with all of her heart and soul. I will never forget the day that she told me that her brother was missing. I felt my heart drop to the floor. I only met Anthony twice in my life, but in more ways then one I felt the warmth and love that he gave to all people that cross his path. Anthony God bless you and your family.
OS1 Spinelli USNR
Angie Campbell
May 14, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Eddie Sanjurjo
April 11, 2002
As I sit here April 2002 onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON CVN-73 in the middle of workup operations I reflect back on my friendship with Tony Rodriguez. How do I begin is the question? I am still in the Navy which is obvious. I had the pleasure of meeting Tony back in 1983. He came to NAVCOMMSTA, ROOSEVELT ROADS, Puerto Rico and was assigned to work in Fleet Relay were we befriended each other. We shared a common background being we were spanish and from New York (Tony from Staten Island, me from the Bronx).
Memories go back to the gang of the COMMSTA which was Tony, Augusto Torres, Barbara Roman, Manual Roman, Donna Diaz, Sheryl Holman, Tijuana, and of course myself. Yes, there were others he was close to because of his infectious personality, but my memories always go back to the group mentioned. Out of the close to 20 years I have served in the Navy, the times spent with that group of friends were the best times of my career. Where does time go? I still remember when I first met him and the rarity of seeing a red headed Puerto Rican (hence the nick name that was given to him “Colorao” (Red).
The last time I saw Tony was in 1989 while he was stationed in Groton, Connecticut. I had just gotten back from a 10 month deployment visiting family in New York and took the trip to Groton to catch up on old times. In the passing years I somehow managed to get his phone number while he was living in North Carolina and spoke to him in 1994 or 95 if my memory serves me right. I lost contact with him at that point. Still, I would run into people from that circle of friends in Puerto Rico who would fill me in on what he was doing.
Ironically, the tragedy of September 11, 2001 had the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON doing local operations. Within a matter of hours we were diverted to New York City to provide Air Defense. My feelings were mixed upon arrival on station because of the great tragedy. Seeing the smoke still rising from where the Twin Towers once stood did not seem like it was real. The other half of me was so proud to be a part of this mission providing protection to the very city I was born and raised in. Little did I know I had lost a shipmate in that tragedy.
I found out of Tony’s death through a very good friend , Augusto Torres (Senior Chief Information Systems Technician, Staff Communicator for COMMANDER DESTROYER GROUP TWO). Numb was the only way I could explain how I felt. A part of me did not believe this happened to someone I knew. Amazingly, that same group of friends from Puerto Rico established communications amongst each other to share the sorrow of loosing a good friend and shipmate.
Tony “El Colorao” – You were the friend who always had that big smile and one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen. If someone needed help, you were there to lend that helping hand or go just hear one out.
Augusto Torres and myself are serving onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON and not two days go by without Tony coming up in our conversations. Those times in Puerto Rico were the best of the times!
“Colorao” - Our love and friendship remains with you. We all miss you!
ITCS(SW) Sanjurjo, Eddie
USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73)
[email protected]
[email protected]
April 10, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO..ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS 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.ANTHONY GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Vanessa Turman
April 2, 2002
I had the pleasure of being stationed with Tony at NAVCOMMSTA Roosevelt Roads Puerto Rico. We made rank together, he was my neighbor in Ceiba, I remember his daughter Lauren being born, he was a jokster, and was always laughing about something. We used to call him Archie because he had bright red hair - Tony was always the first one to help with anything. I ran into him about a year ago buying lunch. I hadn't seen him since '87. We laughed and talked about getting the gang together for old times. Not a day goes by that I don't think about Tony. I'm glad I have a memory of him laughing. He's more than a Hero. He was simply the BEST!!!!!!!!!!
CHARLENE HUNT MCCARTER
April 1, 2002
I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING "TONY" WHEN WERE SERVING IN THE NAVY TOGETHER AS RADIOMEN..STATIONED IN ROOSEVELT ROADS PUERTO RICO..ALWAYS THE "JOKER" AND ALWAYS WAS UP TO SOMETHING!!!MY DEEPEST AND HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY.."GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN"...YOUR SPIRIT WILL LIVE ON FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS...THE MCCARTER FAMILY...LARRY CHARLENE LAUREN AND BRITTANY...NORFOLK VA
Adabelle Rodriguez
March 11, 2002
Familia Rodriguez,
It is my prayer God replace your sorrow with the joy of having had Anthony in your lives. Memories are more precious than any material inheritence.
As a Firefighter myself, we know that our lives are borrowed. We do what we do because it has to be done and we feel that we can do it right. We understand and accept the risks involved.
Everything Anthony did for himself died with him. Everything he did for others will live forever and is his legacy.
Please focus on your memories of Anthony. Thank God for sharing him with you. I thank God for sharing him with us.
Descance en Paz Hermano Rodriguez
Bernice Jauriqui
January 4, 2002
Dear Rodriguez Family,
My Mother gave me the Mercy Band engraved with Anthony's name. I will remember him and the sacrafice he made by going back to he towers. You will be remembered in my prayers.
Judy C
January 2, 2002
To The Rodriguez Family,
I am sorry for the loss of your loved one, Anthony. He made the ultimate sacrifice on that fateful day of September 11.
I hope you find comfort in the words express by people all over the world who share your pain and sorrow.
May peace replace some of the sorrow in your hearts.
Rest in peace, Anthony.
Teresa Jahn
December 14, 2001
We thank Anthony for dedicating his life to serving his country and then as a fireman. May his life and love live on through each of his children and his family. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Anthony. 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
louis gonzalez
December 8, 2001
anthony was a good man. i knew him for a short time and we shared alot of laughs. may god bless his family and keep them in his grace.
Louis J. Gonzalez III-
a friend from Millar elevator
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