Joseph Angelini Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Lindenhurst, New York

The Veteran and His Son
He would not have wanted it any other way.

Joseph J. Angelini Sr. and his son, Joseph Jr., were firefighters, and neither survived the twin towers' collapse. "If he had lived and his son had died, I don't think he would have survived," said Alfred Benjamin, a firefighter at Rescue Company 1 in Manhattan who was partnered with Mr. Angelini for the last six months.

The elder Mr. Angelini, 63, was the most veteran firefighter in the city, with 40 years on the job. He was tough and "rode the back step" like everyone else. His 38-year-old son, who worked on Ladder Company 4 on 48th Street, was on the job for seven years.

"If you mentioned retirement to Joey, it was like punching him," Mr. Benjamin said. Joseph Jr. was proud of his father's reputation and tried to copy him any way he could, said Joseph Jr.'s wife, Donna.

And they never gave up their tools. "Think about climbing 20 stories with bunker gear, ropes, hooks, halogens and other different types of tools and somebody wants to borrow a tool -- no way," Mr. Benjamin said. "You ask them what they need done and you do it for them. You carried that tool all the way up there, so you're going to use it. If they thought they were going to need a tool, they should have carried it up. Joey Sr. always said carry your own weight. He always carried his."

Joseph Jr. applied to the department 11 years ago. He got called seven years ago. "It was the proudest day for my father-in-law. It was a great opportunity," said Donna Angelini. "His father was a firefighter and he wanted to be one, too."

Mr. Angelini, who had four children, taught Joseph Jr. carpentry. Often they worked on projects together, including a rocking horse. Joseph Jr., who had three children, had started building a dollhouse for one of his daughters. Unfinished, it is sitting on his workbench.

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You are a hero and will never be forgotten. RIP

Abby

September 11, 2023

Thank you for your service to our country. Your brave sacrifice to save so many lives will never be forgotten. Joseph Sr and Joe Jr leave behind a beautiful legacy in your family who I know you are so proud of. Your kind heart, strong family values, and incredible work ethic, sense of duty live on through not only your family but all who knew you and know of you through your stories. Sending love, light, and healing prayers to the Angelini family and to all who perished on 9/11. XOXO

The Kincaids

September 11, 2021

Rest in peace

Louise Scalzo

September 11, 2021 | NY

Remembering Joseph Sr. on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...

Cindy Roe

August 31, 2021 | Galesburg, MI

I participated in a fund raiser and tribute to those that gave their life on 9/11. I wore a lanyard with Joseph's name. Humbled by his bravery. Praying for the family!

Stephen Rawlings

October 31, 2019 | Thomasville, GA

Taking time today to read about the lives of those lost. My deepest condolences for the loss of your loved ones. They are not forgotten

September 11, 2019 | AL

THe heroic acts of joseph Angelini Sr and Jr inspired me to join the military they were I constant inspiration whenever I was afraid I would remind myself of their heroic actions.

Joseph Angelini

October 05, 2018 | London, ON

I visited the 9/11 memorial this past weekend. I was deeply moved by the photos of loss of both Father and Son in their efforts to save the lives of others. I will forever remember their heroic sacrifice. My condolences to the Angelini family for their loss. Great Americans and Heroic Firemen.

Steve Matranga

July 29, 2018 | Sacramento, CA

In 2016 I climbed the stairs in honor of Joe Sr. at the 911 memorial stair climb at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. It was an honor for me that I'll NEVER FORGET. I have the plastic badge I carried on that climb on my desk and I'm looking at it right now.
That climb and the thoughts of Joe inspired me. Since that climb I have been doing a stair climb as part of my routine exercise program. My goal is to climb the equivalent of the height of Mount Everest. I will be carrying Joe's picture with...

Larry Boehm

December 27, 2016 | Green Bay, WI

Joseph J. Angelini Sr.

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