New York, New York
Modest Winner
After they took the captain's test, Lts. Robert Dimperio and Louis Modafferi compared notes. Lieutenant Dimperio knew he'd aced it; Lieutenant Modafferi knew he'd done badly.
Results: Lieutenant Dimperio missed it by a point. Lieutenant Modafferi was among the top 10 scorers in the Fire Department.
Captain Modafferi, 45, who was awaiting assignment as a battalion chief, was so modest that many people had no idea about his accomplishments — although they knew all about those of Christine, 18; Michael, 16; and Joseph, 12. The captain led Staten Island's Rescue 5, an elite company that saves people from a horrendous array of precarious situations.
Captain Modafferi also worked on a federal rescue team, racing to aid victims in plane crashes and Caribbean hurricanes.
To make extra money, he fixed dents in cars. As a boss, he was good-humored and fair-minded. If he was teaching you something, he acted as if you knew it already and he was just reminding you of some details.
He was a man of many loyalties: married to Joanne and the job for about 20 years; played softball with childhood friends, three of whom worked with him at Rescue 5. Rarely rattled, when he got home he relieved job stress fervently but safely: he vacuumed.
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 30, 2001.
CAPT. LOUIS MODAFFERI, 45, of New York, a firefighter, wasn't scheduled to work Sept. 11 but joined his squad when he heard the World Trade Center had been attacked. "His job was very important to him," said his wife, Joanne. "If he had to choose how he was going to die, he would have chosen being a hero and doing what he did. That much gives me comfort." Despite the physical training and book work the job demanded, Modafferi was a full-time father to his two sons and daughter. "He was a perfect father in my eyes. He never let me down," said his daughter, Christine. "I miss him so much."
What a hero!!! I read about him just today, in a Facebook entry about a firefighter walking the stairclimber at a Planet Fitness in honor of Sept 11. His cousin, Joe posted it. True hero that came from home to help his team. I bet he would do anything to save lives, and he sure did!!! Bless his family as they made the ultimate sacrifice losing their husband/father. Know that he is a true hero!!!
September 21, 2019
I visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum one month ago today. The flag placed on Louis' name on the memorial drew my attention to it, and I took some photos of the scene. When I got home, I looked up his name, learned his story, and cried tears of sadness that he is no longer with us and thankfulness for his life and his heroism in his final moments. I entered this photo into a contest at our local fair that called for photos that represent the core values and ideals of the Congressional...
Jenny Herchenrider
September 11, 2019 | Knoxville, TN
I am a firefighter from Australia who had the honour of climbing for Louis at the 3rd NYC Memorial Stair Climb at WTC Tower 4 on the 19th of March, 2017. I met a few of his friends and co-workers both at the Pools of reflection and at Rescue 5 when I visited their House on Staten Island. The whole Rescue 5 family is an amazing group of people and each one left an impression on me.
I also visited the memorial museum and read his story and the words from Joanne and I am not ashamed to say, I...
Darryl Luck
March 29, 2017 | Medowie, Australia
Modafferi Family, My name is Curtis Burns. I am a volunteer Lt. with my local FD. Today I participated in a silent walk to honor the 343 by walking 5 miles in full gear with several hundred other firefighters in SC. Your husband/dad was who I walked for carrying a lanyard with his name and picture. His spirit was with me. He will never be forgotten. Prayers and love to you on this 14th anniversary of 9/11.
Curtis Burns
September 11, 2015 | St. George, SC
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
S j Friscia III
February 10, 2015 | Staten Island, NY
Thank you for lending me your strength and courage today.
G Bryan
November 08, 2013 | TX
i love you dad
September 12, 2012
Captain Lou,
You reached out and put your hand on my shoulder, you led me to safety and continued up the stairs while I fled for my life. I made it out and watched in horror as the buildings collapsed. You laid your life down so that I and so many others could live. There are no words available to express my gratitude. I will never forget you.
Kevin Hayes
September 10, 2012 | Kendall Park, NJ
May you rest in peace always...
From Lisa Gillule Matelle
Fellow Harway Terrace resident.
September 11, 2011