Warwick, New York
His Best Was for the Family
Lt. Michael N. Fodor, his friends were convinced, had seen every "Jeopardy!" episode before it was on television. "He always knew the answers," said Deborah Fodor, his wife of 28 years. "He had a passion for learning" and a vast collection of antique history books, as well as original copies of the newspapers reporting the attack on Pearl Harbor and the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
Fifteen years ago, the family moved to Warwick, N.Y., because Lieutenant Fodor wanted his children — Michael, 23, Andrew, 22, and Ashley, 16 — to grow up in a small town. Lieutenant Fodor, 53, of Tower Ladder Company 21 in Manhattan, was still all firefighter, and although the trip to Manhattan could take three hours, he was on the job on time when the call came from the World Trade Center.
Holidays were Lieutenant Fodor's favorite time of year, his wife said, and, like many firefighters, he loved to cook. After he was promoted to lieutenant 17 years ago, though, he saved the cooking and especially his pièce de résistance, prime ribs and Yorkshire pudding, just for the family.
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 21, 2001.
LT. MICHAEL N. FODOR, 53, of Warwick, N.Y., a firefighter for the New York Fire Department, was helpful by nature. He had been an assistant Scoutmaster with a local Boy Scout troop, pitched in at his children's schools, and looked forward to helping his oldest son, Michael, earn a master's degree. "This is a man who would help anybody under any circumstances," said his wife, Deborah Nelson Fodor. "It's very difficult to explain these firefighters. It's just something that they do without expecting any thank you or acknowledgment."
I don't know if any of Mike's family will see this, but I wanted to let them know that he has never been forgotten by my family. We lived next door to Mike and Debbie and the kids for a few years in Warwick. Mike and Debbie were unbelievably kind to me at a really difficult time in our lives. I hope their memories continue to be a blessing.
Lisa
January 06, 2025 | Friend
May his memory be a blessing to his loved ones
Laura
September 11, 2024 | MD
Remembering Michael on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Cindy Roe
September 13, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
Alot of us in 34/21 loved Mike sitting in the Truck office talking to us. Mike said long ago, after '93, they are coming again. We all felt safe having you as the Lt. in Truck. You had a calm level of a great officer, & hearing Mike talk to us about all of life. He was a well read guy, knew fact that we both shared passion for our great military history, the history of our nation, the economy, all same page. He'd have a look far away when he talked out of legnth on topics, and was correct on...
Brian Armstrong
September 13, 2021 | West Babylon, NY | Coworker
Remembering Mike and the others lost on this day twenty years ago
Phil Mcvay
September 11, 2021 | Clemmons, NC | Coworker
I just watched Dennis Leary's Rescue Me series for the second time. I saw Michaels name on the Memorial at the end of the last episode. I decided to look him up. That brought me here. RIP sir, condolences to all the family. God Bless all First Responders.
Johnnie Zerangue
May 17, 2021 | Haslet, TX
Remembering you today Mike.
phil mcvay
September 11, 2014 | Clemmons, NC
I ran an obstacle course today called Hero Rush. I participated in an event call the "343 wave" where everyone that ran in that time slot was give a name of 1 of the fire fighters that died in 9/11. Today I ran in his honor and the thought of his sacrifice was a constant reminder to give it my all today. Thank you for your bravery and courage in others time of dire need.
Sgt. Matthew Snyder
Augusta Fire Dept
October 20, 2012 | Augusta, GA
Mike,Andrew & Ashley,
I don't know if you'll see this.I just came across this website.It's 11 years now, we had a nice Mass at St.Francis for our lost brothers.It,in a way, gave some peace.
I'd love sitting in the Truck office talking stocks,politics,or history with him.I'd do the majority of time listening.Fact that he took the time, and gave me that respect was very gratifying!His humor was priceless, and how he reacted my my pals(Duff/TommyMerenyi/JerryGavin...
April 01, 2012
