Port Washington, New York
Where Is Your Rock?'
Antonio Rodrigues painted what he liked and he liked the water, so he painted scenes of the beach and of boats. He grew up in Portugal, in a town perched on the coast. When he married and settled near New York, he and his wife, Cristina, chose Port Washington, on Long Island, because they wanted to be near the balm of the water. Their two children, Sara and Adam, had no complaints.
Mr. Rodrigues, 35, had been a transit officer in New York but joined the Port Authority police force earlier this year. He designed a T-shirt for his graduating class, with a logo on one side and caricatures of graduates on the back.
He had been stationed at the Port Authority bus terminal, and when the attack occurred, he and 14 other officers commandeered one of the regular commuter buses and raced down to the trade center.
Much as he relished painting, Mr. Rodrigues had not done many canvases in a few years. Instead, he drew cartoons about his job. "He found a lot of things funny with his job," Mrs. Rodrigues said.
For instance, she said, one of the other officers at the academy was assigned to carry around a rock and take care of it. It became a running joke to inquire of this officer, "Where is your rock?"
So Mr. Rodrigues drew a cartoon about the officer and the rock. In sorting through the cartoons, Mrs. Rodrigues has decided to give some of them away to officers she feels would appreciate them. The officer with the rock is getting his.
Me again remembering Tozé.
Sending my deep love, best thoughts, and huge hugs and kisses to Cristina, Sara, Adam, and extended family members and friends.
José Rodrigues
September 12, 2021 | Porto, Portugal | Family
On the 20th anniversary, the entire nation is remembering Antonio and the others lost on or because of the events of 9/11. I never knew Antonio, but similar circumstances connected me with his family and I will always think about them and the other families affected by 9/11, especially at this time of the year. Sending my love, thoughts, and hugs to Cristina, Sara, Adam, and extended family members and friends.
Diane Kirk
September 11, 2021 | Clive, IA
In loving memory of a wonderful person.
The pain from your loss still hurt in my heart.
Tears running down in my face.
I will love you and miss you forever.
José Rodrigues
September 12, 2020 | Porto, Portugal | Family
I cannot go through September 11 without thinking about Antonio, his family, and the others directly affected by the tragedy that happened 19 years ago. NBC News showed images from today's memorial service in New York City, and tears flowed when I heard Antonio's name being read. Sure...19 years have passed, but the grief I feel about the lives lost that day (or as a result of that day) has not faded.
Diane Kirk
September 11, 2020 | Clive, IA
Dear cousin,
You're always in my prayers.
Your beloved ones too.
I will never never forget
José Rodrigues
Jose Rodrigues
September 11, 2019 | Porto
Thank you for youre service as a firefighter. Youre bravery saved many people on that tragic day. I hope the best for your son and family.
Joel J
September 03, 2019 | Fargo, ND | Student
I did not know Antonio, but I did buy a bracelet with his name on it. Would like to know if any family member would like it. [email protected]
valorie tabor
September 11, 2018 | Rio Communities, NM
Dear cousin,
It's been 15 years now.
You may rest in peace. We will never forget.
One day we'll meet again.
José Rodrigues
September 11, 2016 | Porto, Portugal
Jean Pierre Zahhar
September 09, 2016 | Mississauga, ON