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Stanley S. Smagala Jr.
Stanley S. Smagala Jr.
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Stanley Smagala Obituary
Her joke about Firefighter Stanley Smagala was that he was a good wife, said his wife, Dena Smagala. He cooked. He cleaned. He was handy. He was looking forward to having a family.
Firefighter Smagala's first child is due on Jan. 11, four months to the day he died at the World Trade Center as part of the team from Engine Company 226 in Brooklyn. He was 36.
"He loved kids and wanted a big family," Mrs. Smagala said. "He was very much looking forward to this baby."
Her husband's best qualities, his sense of humor and ease with people, were on display when he came to speak about fire safety to the fourth-grade class she taught on Seaford, on Long Island. "He'd act like a little kid," she said. "He had a big heart for children."
Michael Mason, a firefighter at Engine Company 226, said: "He was a real sweetheart, Stan. He was a good fireman. He cared about people and wasn't afraid to do the job." Firefighter Mason recalled that Firefighter Smagala, a big golfer and softball player, had a reputation as a Ping-Pong player.
"He'd always joke around, even at the worst of times," Firefighter Mason said. "I understand that he was laughing that day, on the way to the Towers. He was a real good guy."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bryan Ramsey
September 11, 2024
Thinking of you on this day. 9/11/24. Friend of your brother "Smags" and Career fire Lt (ret) Henrico County Fire in Va.
July 5, 2023
Miss you Stan, weeks before 9/11 we went with the wives to watch boxing in Melville right off the expressway. ❤
Deborah Gleason
July 2, 2023
I was at a Mission BBQ in Lady Lake, Florida recently. There was a memorial display set up and you were invited to draw a name to honor someone who lost their life on 911. I drew Stanley´s name and have a picture of him. I will always remember Stanley on every September 11th as long as I live. Prayers to his family! I did not know him but feel I do, now that I´ve read this obituary.
Jen Kalwasinski
September 12, 2016
I was honored to carry a photo of Stan Smagala Jr with me yesterday on 9/11/16 at the NFFF 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Columbus, OH. I carried him high every step of my 110 story climb and I will continue to carry him with me. I pray your family finds peace & comfort in the wonderful memories of him. God Bless.
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Stan Smagala
September 10, 2016
We honor your sacrifice
Marty Patchin
September 9, 2016
Fireman Stan. He visited my sons school , St William the Abbot in Seaford, Long Island. The kids all knew him. His wife, such a wonderful teacher. My prayers go out to you all. Such a brave man, we could all learn from him
Patty Lancaster
November 5, 2014
Alexa Faith is a beautiful name for your daughter. I'm sure he would have been so proud of her. She definitely would have been Daddy's girl. I'm so sorry Mr. Smagala never got to see her. My deepest condolences and
God bless you and Alexa.
Matt Ogren
September 11, 2014
I am a Denver Firefighter, and our department just completed our 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Each firefighter selects a name tag of a fallen 9/11 firefighter for whom they climb for, and mine was Stanley S. Smagala, Jr. I will remember him and say a prayer. My heart goes out to you and your family, especially on this day. God Bless.
Denise and Gail Yelyn/Heredia
September 11, 2012
Our sympathies go out to the families. We were friends and neighbors of his parents in Florida. I will always remember when Stash and his friends came to Florida and what an amazing time we all had. Myself and my Mother think of him fondly.
September 11, 2012
My condolences to your family I had gone to school with Drew
Chiodo
October 6, 2011
Stan
kim burton
October 5, 2011
First of all sorry for your loss. My husband went on a 911 memorial bike run on Sept 11 2011. Stanleys name was on a flag that was givenon the bike run. We googled his name so we could learn about him and his life.. What a true hero!!!!.Our hearts go out to you and your family.. take care and God Bless America.
Sam McPherson
September 14, 2011
In a video of the second Nashville Memorial Stair Climb, my son requested Stan's badge again and he shows it at the end of a video in THE TENNESSEAN at http://alturl.com/9y8ok. I hope Alexa, Dena, Jimmy and Denise will watch it.
stan smagala
September 12, 2011
remembering stanley smagala on 10 years
Mike and Grete Hynes
September 12, 2011
To Stan (watching down) Dena, Alexa, Jimmy and Denise
Days do not paas by too often without thinking of Stan. The days at Robert Plan: the softball team - no one threw a garbage pail like you ! Listening to who should have been on the calendars (Jimmy or Stan). Just a great guy who is sorely missed by many many people.
Best wishes to you all and know we still think of you.
Debbie and Chris Corvaia
September 11, 2011
We only knew him for a short time but will always remember Stan. We think of him often.
Lou Williamson
September 11, 2011
I had the honor of holding a card with Stanley's name on it today as our small town in Wisconsin paid tribute to those who perished 10 years ago. Even though I didn't know Stanley, I wanted everyone to know how honored I was to represent this fallen hero.
Dr. Joseph Mills
September 11, 2011
Stan, You are for sure missed. I wish we could of hung togther longer, I think we would of been friends forever with many of good times ahead. You made the best Vodka sauce I have ever had. We love you and miss you. God Bless
Diana Galletta
September 9, 2011
Remembering Stan and the heroic acts of him and others on that tragic day. Alexa is absolutely beautiful she looks just like her Daddy. It was comforting to see Alexa and Dena have kept your memory alive in this weeks People I will NEVER FORGET you or that day...Thank You for touching my heart with your kindness that Mother's Day in 2000... ALWAYS WITH US....
Scott Chamberland
September 7, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Sam McPherson
September 6, 2011
Thinking of Stan today as the 10th Anniversary of the tragic losses of 343 good men approches. My son is the Nashville firefighter/emt who wore his badge (picture, name and station) in last year's memorial stair climb in Nashville. I hope he gets it again because they look somewhat similar and my son felt he had bonded with him by the time the stair climb was done.
My special prayers to his family and his NYFD brothers as his loss is remembered.
Thoughts of you today and always....Thank you for your bravery and your service... RIP Stan.
Andy Hurtig
September 5, 2011
Nadine Barry (Ray)
May 2, 2011
Thinking of Stan today due to the recent circumstances. I worked with Stan back in 1995 at the Robert Plan Insurance Company in Bethpage, New York. He was my direct supervisor and I worked with him everyday. I remember his sense of humor, and we used to laugh and joke around a lot. If someone got a little upset or testy about something, I can still remember him jokingly say, "don't get saucy with me bearnaise." Stan was a truly great guy, and I can imagine how much he must be missed. I left the company and moved to Florida before he left to become a firefighter. I didn't even know he had left until after 9/11, when I saw his brother on TV looking for him and he showed his picture. That's when I realized what had happened. I recognized his brother too, because he also worked for the same insurance company, and sounded just like Stan - it was hard to tell their voices apart on the phone. I've often thought about Stan over the years, and found out that his wife was one of the widows that was pregnant at the time. I said a silent prayer for Stan, his wife, (whom I've never met), and his unborn child. I'm glad that a piece of Stan lives on forever in his beautiful little girl. I hope that the recent developments will give some measure of comfort knowing that justice has been done. God Bless
Alexa's First Day of School 2010
October 3, 2010
Judith Kittredge
September 12, 2010
Rebirth
When someone special passes away,
It’s always hard to find words to say.
I guess the One that says it best
Is the Lord with whom we all are blessed.
For it is He who decides how long we stay
And when we are to be called away.
Though we may not quite agree,
His reasons are greater than we can see.
For those who believe in the good Lord’s works,
Death is not death, but an exciting rebirth.
Sorrow is only for us left behind,
Who cannot imagine His great design.
In His words we can find the hope
That gives us strength each day to cope.
Once our trust is put in Him,
It is then the pain begins to dim.
In the setting of our grief aside,
Our hearts and minds are opened wide.
We rejoice in our loved one’s heavenly gain,
And hope one day to have the same.
Judith Kittredge
SAMUEL MCPHERSON
September 12, 2010
Stanley, my son climbed the stairs of 110 floors today with your name on a pendant to honor your sacrifice in the line of duty. The memorial stair climb in Nashville, TN raised more than $11,000 for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. He was overcome with emotion as he completed the climb in full turnout gear with tanks. God bless you and all your firefighter brothers, including my son, who face death every call to serve their fellowman. My best wishes to your widow and your beautiful daughter, Alexa Faith. We shall never forget you and the 342 other brave souls who died 9/11/2001.
Sabrina Civello-Abbatiello
September 11, 2010
To the Smagala Family,
I find it so hard to believe it has been 9 years. I worked with Stan at The Robert Plan. He was always such a down to earth funny guy, " Stan the Man". I watch the memorial service and the reading of the names every year and say a prayer for your family and for him. The world lost a wonderful person that day. The world was a better place with him in it. I hope these days find the Smagala family with peace. Alexa Faith looks just like Stan, She is absolutely beautiful.
God Bless
Allison Smagalla-Truchan
March 22, 2010
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to your family. My name is Allison Smagalla Truchan and I also had a relative a great grandfather named Stanley Smagalla (two ll's) My brother is a Jersey City Firefighter and I have alway's wanted to write a note to express my heart felt sadness at your loss. God Bless your family.
Allison Smagalla-Truchan
Branchburg, NJ
PETER CHIODO
March 10, 2010
STAN, ENGINE 226 MISSES YOUR QUICK WIT AND WRY SMILE. IT'S NOT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU. WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Danielle Smagala
May 9, 2009
Uncle Stan,
I miss you lots!! I wont ever forget the great times we had that summer...playing monopoly with Rachael and Justine, eating junk food & the sleepovers. You will always be be hero and in my heart/memories.
Love Always,
Danielle
May 8, 2009
Linda Smagala Kuzmiskas
Nicole Smagala
May 8, 2009
Uncle Stan,
I miss you so much! You have always been and always will be a true hero to me. I wish that we could have spent just one more day together. You will always be in my memories and my heart.
Love Always & Forever,
Nicole (Nicole-my-bowl)
stan smagala
March 1, 2009
my sincere sympathies
*** FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS***
tara
December 7, 2008
***engine 226 = forever***
Tara
December 1, 2008
Dear Dena,
I love you all so much. Stan will always be in my heart. Not one day has gone by that i haven't thought of him, you and alexa. I wear the braclet every day, look at it so often on my wrist. Every day as i walk into school i look at the leaf (on the memory tree)
*****FF STAN SMAGALA, JR. *****
FOREVER ENGINE 226
LOVE YOU!!!!!>3
bernadette bingham
October 27, 2008
RIP Stan
RIP 343
thoughts and prayers always to ms. smagala and alexa faith
Michael Hashimoto
April 7, 2008
Dena,
On behalf of my family, we sincerely send out our deepest regret and prayers for you and your beautiful daughter. Though years after the fact, we have only just become aware of your loss today. May God be with both of you all the days of your lives.
Stan's girl - ALEXA FAITH - 2007 (age 5)
February 23, 2008
Gerald Dupre
February 18, 2008
I will never Forget That Day! I came home from work and held my son Jordan who was only 6 months old. I Cried with the rest of America that day. Then some time after I remember them dedicating and naming our street and the street one block over from ours after Two of the fallin NYC fire fighters. I realized then how close to home this terrible day took place. Dena we did not know you then when we prayed for you and Alexa. Who would have known that Jordan and Alexa would have become close. We like to think of you as part of our family and we still pray for you and Alexa.
May God Bless Stanley S Smagala Jr, Dena Smagala, And Alexa Smagala.
Love, Jordan,Bailey, Lexi, Jerry, And Fran Dupre'
robert and jennie lenartowicz
October 6, 2007
my mother's maiden name is smagala she came to canada from poland in the 60's.we send our sympathy to you the smagala family.we shair your sadness here in toronto
Juli Smagala
September 18, 2007
Dena,
My heart is with you! May god be with you through the good and the bad.
Gary/Sonny Schoenberger
September 12, 2007
The entire Smagala Family, God Bless you all. Gary if you read this please get in touch with me, I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of your Brother and now, one of MY FALLEN BROTHERS. I pray for all 343 every day of my life. Dena I never met you but stay strong and God Bless you and your little girl. I WILL NEVER GET THAT PICTURE OUT OF MY HEAD. Stan (Stosh) as I remember him was toasted yesterday along with Chief Ray, Chief Ganci thirty other of my personal friends and the rest of the guys, by Palm Beach County Firefighters, Palm Beach Gardens Fire-Rescue ( Where I am a member )West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Shores, Riviera Beach,Palm Beach County FOOLS, and many other departments from New York. We also had some FDNY members down here. God Bless you all and Gary Please call me or email me 561-792-9981 /[email protected]
Diana Galletta
September 12, 2007
I went to GZ to pay my respects and found out thru a friend, Alexa Smagala was on the cover of the NY Daily News, I got one and she was on it holding her daddy's picture...I will NEVER FORGET...God bless everyone for their loss...
Britni Eppolito
September 11, 2007
It has been 6 whole years...I remember Stan so well when he used to visit us in class when i was a sixth grader!! There isn't one day when i don't think about your whole family!! I miss you and I hope today wasn't too hard!! Tell Alexa Faith that her daddy is still with her!!
Lisa & Glenn Marringer
September 11, 2007
Dear Smagala family,
I cannot believe it has been 6 years. Its odd because sometimes it seems as if it were yesterday, and other times it seems as if it were an eternity ago. We feel so priveleged to have know Stan and Dena personally and miss him very much to this day. Alexa is so fortunate to have such a great mom with so much strength and courage. Stan would be very very proud. We miss him. Dena, we hope you are doing well.
Merri (Vrahnas) Krempa
September 11, 2007
Dear Smagala Family,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I used to work with Stan at Robert Plan in Lynbrook. A bunch of us would do lunch occassionally. He was very down to earth and such a wonderful guy. Although I have not seen him in years, when I saw his picture and name, I remembered him right away. Dena- my husband, Scot Krempa remembers you from Seaford, I think. He too sends his thoughts and prayers to you and to your family. Stan is missed.
Diana Galletta
September 10, 2007
Still can't believe time is passing by so rapidly...I will never forget, I am getting up tomorrow to go to the service. Rest in Peace, Stan.
kristine
August 19, 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.
Gary (Sonny) Schoenberger Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.
Gary ( Sonny) Schoenberger
August 13, 2007
I remember when we called you " Stosh" Gary was my best friend and I was in the DPFD later joined FDNY got hurt in the 80's and retired out of TEN HOUSE. It's been almost 6 years.I am still re-living it every day of my life. You did good Stosh, you grew up to be a Brave family man God Bless You and your Family. FDNY was honored to have you as one of their own. I'll see you soon.
Diana Galletta
May 30, 2007
Well its been almost 5 years since I have been up there to Stan's house I am going up there with the sadness of losing a dear friend to suicide. I am going up there to get away. I will be back up to NYC for the Memorial as well. I hope Dina and Alexa are doing well. I always think about how everyone is doing and now I am coming back up I look forward to seeing his brothers' again.
P Tabbernor
March 15, 2007
In remembrance....
bob smith
February 21, 2007
Always in our hearts and on our minds.........
St William the Abbot
CLass of 2006
Jennifer Holland
September 10, 2006
Thinking of you and praying for all of your loved ones so much during this time. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland
Forever in my heart and prayers,
Jennifer Holland
Wilmington, DE
Felecia Parise (D'Andrea)
September 8, 2006
To the Smagala family
My deepest sympathy is with you and your family as the anniversary of 9/11 is here once again. I worked with Stan at the insurance co. He was not only my supervisor he was a friend. He was always there with a joke or a one liner that would just make you laugh. There are times when a conversation of 9/11 will come up at work and my eyes still fill with tears thinking of Stan and what a great person and hero he was. Last night there was a primetime special on with the wifes and children, when i saw Dena and their beautiful little girl(who looks just like Stan) my heart broke once again for the family. Even though we never met my thoughts and prayers are with you always. God Bless!
Erica VanDenHeuvel
July 10, 2006
Dear Smagala family,
My name is Erica VanDenHeuvel, I was in high school during the September 11th attacks. I was crushed by everything that happened that day. My school started a fund raiser through the red cross to help everyone involved. I went straight to work selling hospital bracelets with names of people involved in the attacks written on them. With thses bracelets we were given a website for us to check on the status of the name on our bracelets. I scavanged up all the money I could, including my lunch money to buy a bracelet. I was given Stanley's name. 3 times a day I would check that website hoping and praying he would be allright. I found out he was a firefighter for FDNY engine 226. I continued to search on for him and find out about him, who he is etc. I finally saw a picture of this beautiful man and I want you to know, he has changed my life. He has put a face to reality for me, and deep in my heart, when I look at his picture, I swear I can see nothing but love. Allthough I have never met Stanley, I keep a very special place in my heart for him and your family.
The bracelet I bought stays in my scrapbook, and I got a metal bracelet of sorts with his name engraved in it and I wear it every 9-11. I will never forget Stanley, his name and face will be engraved in my heart and mind for the rest of my life.
I send you all my condolences and love.
Sincerely,
Erica VanDenHeuvel
rita dekmar/creeden
September 11, 2004
dear smagala family, i never knew this site existed, til today. it is 1:am 9/11/04. i shall never forget. i knew "stan the man" at my job. his smile and his laughter will be my fondest memory of him. i remember a particular time where he was a bit serious.i was running plate searches. and another man was sitting next to me, somewhat bald. and stan was sitting next to him. i remember stan asking him..how can we save our hair? i guess he was worried about it for some reason. the man next to me said "you really want to know how to save your hair?" stan bent forward to hear his advice. he said "put it in a shoe box" we all cracked up for about 3 minutes. there was such a glow on stans face. i knew back then that he was special. i hope and pray that your family is well. i shall never forget. God bless.
Diana Galletta
September 10, 2004
I cannot believe it has been three years since this horrible tragedy took place. I will NEVER forget. I am going to one of my local firehouses to give them some flowers tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of rememberance.
Tricia Toner-Ferrara
September 11, 2003
Dear Dena,
It has been two years now since that horrible day. I think of you and your daughter often. I learned of your loss on Christmas Day of 2001. How do I begin to express my condolences. I am grateful that today I have found this site and I am able to let you know that although it has been many years since Seaford H.S. You and your daughter have and will be in my prayers. I know you and your family will do a wonderful job raising that sweetie and make your husband so proud. May you both have peace and each others love. Love, Tricia
Cindy Silverman
September 11, 2003
Dear Dena,
It has certainly been years since we have seen one another, but despite that I think about you, your daughter and the loss you are grieving often. I am sure you are finding immense joy in your daughter and the stories you are and will be able to tell her about her father. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Marc Harris
September 11, 2003
Our whole family will never forget Stan. He was a great friend and just a fun, happy person at all times. Never missed an opportunity for leftovers at the house, either! He is still missed and we all still cannot believe he is gone. Hey, Stan, wink and the guns, man!
Love, the Harris and Rodriguez families.
Piotr Smagala
September 6, 2003
Maybe we were a family. I am proud of Stanley's bave and sacrifice.
Piotr Smagala from Poland
Stephanie Smagala
September 12, 2002
Dear Dena,
I just learned of Stanley today and I want to express my condolences to you and your family. I am a granddaughter of Walter and Harriet Smagala of Three Rivers, MI.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Smagala
Santa Barbara, CA
Jenny D'Attoma
September 11, 2002
Mrs. Smagala and daughter:
I have thought about you and your daughter over the past 12 months many many times. I have a nephew, Frank Serravalli who was in your class at St. William. I am an entertainment reporter for the Associated Press and that horrible day and for the next 2 weeks I covered the disaster. I was instructed to go to a firehouse and talk to firemen one morning. After having interviewed some of the men there, I returned to the news room, edited my piece and continued with my day. When I finally was able to see my family, my nephew Frank told me about your loss. I immediately felt so much pain for you because I knew through Frank that you were expecting your first child. I could not imagine what you were going through. About a month ago, I finally was able to look back at all the stories I did surrounding the 11th, and I came upon my firehouse story. There was a close-up of some pictures of the firemen lost at #226. I saw your husband's picture. I couldn't believe it. I had not made the connection before because I couldn't bear to look at the footage of those 2 weeks. I can't help but think that it is a message to you and your daughter. Of all the firehouses I could have picked that day, I believe I was led to that one by your husband. I think he wants you to know that he is there with you all the time -- for you and your daughter. May God bless you.
Stephanie
September 11, 2002
Dear Dena, Alexa Faith and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you and yours.
Kelly True
September 9, 2002
Hi Dena,
I can hardly believe September is here again. So many years have passed, but I've been thinking about you a lot lately and I hope you're doing well. Just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts.
Love, Kel
Danielle Pelletiere-Ferranola
July 21, 2002
To The Smagala Family,
I Just want to say i am very sorry for the loss of Stan. I use to work with Stan at The Robert Plan. He was a wonderful person. He was Always there when you needed him. Just remember he is always with you. I do feel your pain on your loss of a wonderful person. God Bless to you and your family. My prays are with you.
YVETTE
May 22, 2002
TO A TRUE HERO!! REST IN PEACE..YOUR BRAVERY AND KINDNESS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
Angie Campbell
May 16, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
May 2, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL HERO..STANLEY S.SMAGALA JR.AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS ..MARY..JOSEPH AND ST.STANLEY GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
TOM SCUDERI
April 18, 2002
STAN WORKED AT MY SERVICE STATION
WHEN HE WAS STILL IN SCHOOL HE HAD
A SHARP WIT AND A SOFT EASY WAY ABOUT HIM ALL MY EMPLOYEES WANTED
TO BE IN HIS COMPANY BECAUSE HE WAS
ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING TO MAKE THEM LAUGH ,IM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS I REMEMBER STAN TO BE A GOOD LOOKING YOUNG MAN WITH A WONDERFUL FUTURE GOD HAS HIM NOW IM PROUD TO SAY I KNEW HIM MAY GOD BLESS HIS FAMLEY
WE LOVE NYC!!!!!!
Kerrie McCurdy
April 12, 2002
To Stan's family:
My friend Diana and I met Stan along with other 226 firefighters in Brooklyn Heights, May 2000. I think the reason he stuck out in our minds so strong was his down-to-earth personality. My prayers are with your family.
Barbara Mierzejewski
March 12, 2002
Dear Smagala Family
I cannot imagine the loss you feel at this time. Plese know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. I reside in the Chicago area and have three men in my family that share the name Stanley S. Smagala. I am also married to a retired Philadelphia Firefighter who proudly served for 23 years before moving to the Chicago area. I know, all too well, the sacrifices our firefighters make each day on the job. You will never be alone as we are one family. Our firefighters, especially, Stan will be forever in our hearts. God Bless you all.
pauline Haley Smagala
March 12, 2002
Dear Smagala Family,
I can only imagine your terrible loss in Stan not being here with you. I am a grand-daughter of Adam Smagala, Stan's grandfather being my grandfather's brother. There are three Stan Smagala's in our Chicago family who feel your pain and loss. I wish to express our sense of loss and devastation of the tragedy of 9-ll. Our prayers and hopes are with Dena and the baby, both of whom were blessed with a loving husband and wonderful father,
Danielle Teicher
March 12, 2002
To the Smagala family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I'm sure it is a really tough time and he will be sorely missed, but rest assure he is in good hands... he is in God's hands. He is a true hero as well as all the rescue workers that risked and/or lost their lives that day.
This is what someone told me when I lost my brother and I want to share it with you.
A golden heart stopped beating,
When he was put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.
God bless and comfort all of you.
All my love,
Danielle
P.S. I am a friend of Drew Smagala.
Diana Galletta-Hunley
March 12, 2002
I just wanted to send my condolences to Stan's family. My friend Kerrie and I visited NYC in May of 2000. These guys in this picture made our day. Two Southern girls that love your city deeply have grieved over the loss of him. On September 15, I went to Fire Station #17 near my home to deliver flowers to them in memory of their lost brothers', it was my 33rd birthday. We were in town just for the day taking pictures all over town when we ran into these guys, they truly solidify our belief that the people of New York are warm, kind and friendly people. They stopped and took the time to let us take a picture and talk, that meant so much to us. In the days that followed the tragedy, I carried my picture around with me praying these great guys were ok. I still cry when I see the towers in movies and was deeply moved by last nite's 9/11 tribute. I have a cousin in the Dallas Police Department so I know what it is like to see the news everyday and worry when I see something involving the police. I pray for him all the time, now I pray for peace for the people of NYC as well. My husband and I have donated money and I bought an FDNY sweatshirt from the FIRE ZONE that I wear proudly in memory of Stan and every one of the firefighters who lost their lives on that horrific, surreal day. (My husband calls it my uniform because when it is cold, he can't get me to wear anything else!) I love New York City and I will visit Firestation 226 with my husband the next time we go up there so he can meet Stan's Brothers'.
I will always <3 NYC!!!
Diana
Karyn Mierzejewski
March 11, 2002
Dear The Smagala Family:
I am truly sorry for your loss. I cannot begin to imagine the emotions you must be feeling during this time. I would like to over my support in any way possible. I am the great-granddaughter of Adam Smagala from Chicago, Ill. He to my knowledge had a brother named Stanley. I have three Stanley Smagalas in my family and they all reside in the Chicago area. I will pray for your family. If there is anything you need, please write me at my e-mail address.
Karyn Mierzejewski
Willow Grove, PA
Jill Cortez
March 11, 2002
My son attends a high school art class with Stan's brother in Mechanicsville, VA. Although we are not close to the Smagala family, I want you to know that you are kept close at heart each and every day, you have been since 9/11. May peace and love be with you.
Joanne V. Bascetta
March 11, 2002
Stan you were a great guy. A real HERO. I visited you house with ROCKY and took picutes and enjoyed your humor and fun. My condlolences goes out to u and your family. Your in Heaven with your Angel. RIP. Joanne
Christine Spear-Vollkommer
January 29, 2002
I worked with Stan at the insurance company.He was always very nice and always had a smile. We worked together handling property damage claims for the insured .We had alot of laughs . I remember when his brother stared working there too, and they were always together . I just wanted to say I am very sorry for your loss. I also had a loss my, brother Robert W Spear jr. he was a Firemen for eng.26 Ladder19 . I do not know if we will ever get through this but ,I know that your new baby will be a blessing and will keep his spirit alive.Be well.
Patsy Smagala
January 22, 2002
Uncle Stan,
I miss you so much Unlce Stan, you meant a lot to me and the people around you. You made others feel welcome and brightened their day with a simple smile. I will never forget you, Uncle Stan, or what you did on that day. You are truely my hero. All my love...
Neeli
January 22, 2002
Dear Family and friends of Mr. Smagala.
Hi I am a 9 yaer old girl. in the 4-th GRADE. EVEryone has to do a report on a hero. I got Stan Smagala. It takes alot to know and recognize a hero. Hero's help in many diffrent ways sometimes the little things that hero's do mean alot. Like all the firefighters and rescu workers including staNly smagala. I mean i didn't evan know him and I'm writing about him. Like I said last time, "The little things can make a big deal and the people who normaly do that are hero's!!! HERO'S that's exactaly what Stan Smagala was a "HERO"!!!!!!! YOURS TRULY NEELI.
Ken Plate
January 16, 2002
To Stan's family,
Stan and I went to high school together. He was nice guy then and by all acocunts never changed. I hope the birth his baby girl brings some peace to you all. Please know you are in our prayers.
Ken
Roseann
January 15, 2002
To the family of Stan-
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was an exceptional guy. I knew Stan from the insurance company we both worked at and we dated for a couple of months. We dated during a very bad time in my life. My mother was terminally ill and somehow, someway, Stan, with his piercing blue eyes, made the days brighter.
"Stan the Man". I'll never forget him.
May God bless you.
May God bless your family.
Roseann
Judy C
January 5, 2002
Dear Stanley,
I never had the pleasure to meet you, but I thought about this poem I wrote years ago, for another young brave man seemed fitting for you and the 342 other brave firefighters of the FDNY who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.
"THE ANGELS HAVE COME"
The angels have come to take you along home.
The family you've left behind is so much alone.
Please God, make their pain go away -
And let them look forward to at least to one peaceful day.
Your laughter and stories they wish they could hear.
Just to be with you, to have you so near.
They will always love you for what you have done.
Goodbye, Stanley, their most loved one.
Your family will make it through, somehow -
And God will take care of you, sweet angel, for them, for now.
Rest In Peace, Stanley and may your family, friends and fellow firefighters who perished and those who survived no they will never be forgotten!
Teresa Jahn
December 11, 2001
We are very thankful to Stanley for dedicating his life to helping others. Such a wonderful gift he gave the world by caring for others everytime he was called out. We are tremendously sorry for your loss of Stanley. 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
Sandra Harpine
December 1, 2001
Hello, to a "probable/possible" "family member. I am trying to find out if we are cousins.
My Dad's name was William Smagalski, as were his two brothers in upstate N.Y.: Fred and Stanley. His other two "brothers in the city", were Paul and Montey Smagala( all of whom are deceased). The two "city brothers" kept the "family name" Smagala; the three "brothers on the farms upstate" changed their names to Smagalski ( to sound more Polish).
Please respond, to let me know... if we are your cousins.
Are prayers are with you.
Love, Sandy
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