Great Neck, New York
Honoring No. 16
Take a walk out to the Saddle Rock Bridge over Udalls Pond in Great Neck, on Long Island, and you will see the Manhattan skyline, forever altered by a terrorist attack. Look down from the vista toward the railing of the span and you will see a North High School Blazers hockey jersey, No. 16.
The jersey belonged to Jonathan L. Ielpi, 29, a New York City firefighter from Great Neck who was among the first to reach the twin towers. Mr. Ielpi's sister, Melissa, put it there just 24 hours after the disaster. It is still tacked to the railing, among flowers and candles. "Jonathan loved playing hockey, but he gave it up when he joined the Fire Department," Ms. Ielpi said. "He was just very nervous that he'd hurt himself and wouldn't be able to do his job."
That was Jonathan Ielpi ‹ more concerned about others than he was about himself. He not only worked for Squad 288 in Queens; he also served as the chief of the Volunteer Vigilant Fire Department in his hometown.
If you cannot find Saddle Rock Bridge or Udalls Pond, just head over to Great Neck's skating rink. There, from the rafters, hangs an enormous banner emblazoned with Mr. Ielpi's name and jersey number, which the Blazers recently retired.
Jonathan, tho I never met you - my loss- I was a teacher at GNS Middle School We had a special day celebrating your life with your wife and children It was a wonderful day thinking of you and thanking you for your service bravery and love
Gail Keyes
September 11, 2023 | School
You were remembered today. After seeing a picture of you in a 2008 video documentary, I Googled your name and read your story. I thank you for your heroic service. For going into a place others fought to get out of. The pain from that day remains all of the years lost from those like you who had so much life and potential ahead. I pray your family and friends have found comfort in the memories of times shared. We will never forget. May you rest in eternal peace
September 01, 2023 | Fort Myers, FL
The Ielpi family lived across from me growing up in Great Neck. Great family and terribly sorry for their loss of Jonathan. I was teaching in Great Neck that Sptember 11th day. Never to be forgotten. God bless the Ielpi family. Hope your doing well Lee.
Best - Jon Folber
Jon folber
September 11, 2021 | Liberty, MO | Neighbor
Thank you for your Service & ultimate Sacrifice!
Kathy Schlotterbeck
September 09, 2021
Jonathan, thinking of you and all the heroes of 9/11 today. Thank you for your sacrifice.
Joy York
September 11, 2020 | SC
Hi I am a student from Shanley High school in North Dakota. I have been researching Jonathan and the great heroic life he lead. He seems like he lived a very brave and selfless life. His story has touched me in a an indescribable way and I would like to thank him for his bravery. He will never be forgotten and Ill be praying for his soul and for his entire family.
Elsa W
September 01, 2019 | Fargo, ND | Student
Hi I'm a student at Shanley High School in North Dakota. I have been researching Jonathan and his heroic actions. He seems like he was a very brave man who put others before himself. His story has touched my life and he will never be forgotten. I'm praying for his soul and for your entire family.
Elsa W
September 01, 2019 | Fargo, ND
Thank you for your bravery. God bless you and your family, and may you rest in peace.
September 13, 2018
Jonathan, I'm sure you miss your family as much as we all miss you, I am certain that you're with your brothers, and that you're at peace for a job well done.You'll always be remembered and thought of as a great New York City firefighter,following in your father's footsteps. And without a question, I'm sure there isn't a day that goes by,that he doesn't think about you, as so many others that were lost. May God always bless you!,and keep you and your family at peace and protect your...
Gene T Trotta,jr
October 26, 2016 | San Antonio, TX