'I Have No Regrets'
Charles R. Mendez was a reed of a boy who grew up to be a "good sized" man with a heart to match, said his mother, Doris Mendez. When Mr. Mendez's father died, he was a tremendous help to his mother, even though he was only 21.
Mr. Mendez was a firefighter with Ladder Company 7 in Manhattan. His last job was at the World Trade Center. He was 38.
"He was sort of quiet but well-liked all over," Mrs. Mendez said. "He wanted to be a policeman, first. Then he was working for a bank but when the Fire Department called him, that was his glory. He loved that job."
Firefighter Mendez's wife, Kelli, said her husband so enjoyed his job that there were many mornings he rose early to leave home in Floral Park, on Long Island, to get to work. When he was not working, he renovated their old house, she said. He learned how to be handy by reading books.
"He was always doing something," she said. "We had a million friends and we were always out doing something. We probably vacationed five times a year. I have no regrets -- we never canceled, we never said we can't go, we just did it.
"He was just a wonderful, wonderful person. If I'd known five years ago this would happen, I still would have married him. He was it. He was my best friend."
I am a Firefighter from Dallas, Texas. I am climbing in the Dallas Memorial Stair Climb on September 9th, 2018 in honor of Chuck. It is my pleasure and honor to climb in his name
David Weimer
July 02, 2018 | Prosper, TX
In Remembrance
I knew Chuck from working at Skandinaviska Enskilda Bank (SE Bank)back in the late 80's early 90's. He worked in the Paying and Receiving (Money Transfer) dept. and I had my own Customer Service Investigation dept. His Father died when he was working for the bank.
I knew that Chuck started working for the Fire Dept. part time.
Chuck was a likable and extremely helpful person. He never said no to anyone. He was also a lot of fun when our whole crew would go out for a few...
Cecilia (Cece) Bell
September 12, 2016 | Clearwater, FL
Me and Chuckie - Easter Sunday!
This is the first time I read the beautiful sentiments left here. As my brother's birthday approaches (3/16) I am flooded with a lifetime of memories. My birthday is 3/18 so we always shared one birth date as 3/17 (my mom wanted a St. Pat's baby in the worst way). I don't think there is anything I can say that hasn't been said. He LOVED his job, his family and his life. He lived more in his 38 years than some do in a lifetime and THAT is the legacy we should all take with us. When I am...
Patti Mendez D'Agosta
March 09, 2016 | Brooklyn, NY
After almost 15 years , I finally made it down to the footprints of the Twin Towers at Ground Zero this afternoon, and ran my fingers over Chuck's name on the monument. I met Chuck Mendez in the summer of 95 at a house in the Hamptons. What was Chuck like ? Well, he was just an all around awesome guy and you would find it quite impossible to find someone who had a bad word to say about him . I am not surprised at all to hear that he would run into a burning office tower and give his life to...
Richard Darcy
March 06, 2016 | Stamford, CT
I walked the Red Rocks Memorial Stair Climb (Denver, CO) on Sept. 9, in memory of Charles. I wore his picture badge proudly. 9 circuits at Red Rocks is equivalent as 110 stories.
Robin Lucy
September 14, 2015 | Lakewood, CO
Today I ran a 5k in honor of Charles Mendez. I was given Chuck's name at the beginning of the race. The race is an annual event to honor the fallen and raise money for the families of those left behind.I cam home after the race to read about Chuck. I want you to know that as I ran I prayed for those family and friends that Charles left behind. He sounds like he was a wonderful man. Irreplaceable.
Francine Rice
September 12, 2015 | Idaho Falls, ID
Hope this pic brings comfort to the loss of your loved on.
William Echevarria Jr
September 11, 2015
Uncle Chuck and I <3
Today we confront 14 year old memories. That's exactly half my life I have now spent without you. It gives me comfort to know that this is the first Anniversary that you are spending with your mom. I miss Nana SO much, but there's no more pain or suffering where you are. I will continue to tell stories of your bravery, your kindness, and your generosity to my little girl. She is SO much fun, you would've LOVED her! She sings songs about you that she makes up, and I promise to never stop...
Nicole D'Agosta
September 11, 2015 | Brooklyn, NY
Hi I'm Matthew. I'm from Maryland and am researching Mr. Mendez for a project at school. I would be honored if you would email me and talk to me about what Charles was like as a person. Thank you so much and I am very sorry for your loss.
April 08, 2015
