New York, New York
Son's Cake and Candles
Robert T. Lane was a man whose size might have been intimidating were it not for his magnetic smile. Name a sport, and this towering firefighter played it, but his favorite hobby was cooking.
"He'd go to restaurants and try to duplicate their food back at the firehouse," said his mother, Janet Lane.
Mr. Lane started work at Engine Company 55 three years ago this month. That was fitting, because November was the month his parents married and the month he and his sister were born.
This November, on their anniversary, the Lanes dined at Trattoria Romana, a restaurant near their Staten Island home. They ordered shrimp fra diavolo over linguine ‹ their son's favorite dish. They paid the check with a gift certificate he had given them.
Mr. Lane would have turned 29 on Nov. 29, and until last week his family planned to take a cake, lighted with candles, to the site of the World Trade Center on that day. But they learned last week that their son's body might have been among a group retrieved from the rubble, something that will still take weeks to confirm. So now they will have their cake at home, his mother said, "and hope he isn't down under there anymore."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on November 24, 2001.
ROBERT T. LANE, 28, of New York, was a firefighter and self-taught mechanic who hoped to take a souped-up 1983 Pontiac Grand Prix through its paces at a New Jersey race track in the spring. "It's a piece of junk as far as I'm concerned," said his mother, Janet Lane, "but he loved that car." Her son is among the firefighters missing at the World Trade Center site. Lane had always aspired to be a fireman. He was sworn in to the New York department in 1998, just days before his 26th birthday. Before that he had had a variety of jobs, from school bus driver to chef to bartender. "He did every odd job you could think of," his mother said. "He would just take these jobs and knew it wasn't going to be forever, because he was getting into the fire department and that was it."
Hello , my name is Robert Dean Lane, I found Roberts name as I searched for my friends and family while stationed with the Army in Germany after 9/11. Im sending my love and prayers to all his family and friends that suffered his loss. I am here, my heart is open to yo all.
Rob Lane
September 10, 2019 | Gautier, MS
I completed a 9/11 memorial stair climb on 9/7/2019 in Green Bay, WI. When I checked in I received a badge bearing the name of Robert T. Lane to carry with me. I dedicated my climb in his name and thought of him throughout the 110 flights of stairs I climbed. I am 50 and honestly didn't think I would be able to complete all 110 flights. When I thought I may have to quit I thought of Robert's sacrifice and told myself that I can do this for him. When I reached the bell at about 3/4...
Ellen Konrad
September 08, 2019 | Oshkosh, WI
Hi Bobby. Hows things up top? My kids growing up fast. Today was Alexas 8th grade graduation and Rob finishing up junior year. Whenever I see him wearing a Bobby Lane t-shirt it brings a tear. Although he never met you, he holds a special place in his heart for you. We speak of you often. He has a bright smile like yours and the wit to match. Love ya brother, see ya at the big one!!
Marc Bruni
June 22, 2019 | Staten Island, NY | Friend
I can imagine Robert doing everything he could to reach the WTC infernos and save lives before the towers crumbled. Sending warm regards and prayers to the Lane family whose lives truly changed after 9-11.
Alex Lai
June 21, 2019 | ON
Hey brother, whassss up? 2 days away from another anniversary. I miss you and wish you were here. Kids doing good, and I told you a few years back Robert and Kimberly, watch, you'll see. They look out for each other a bit. Alexa is my angel and you are theirs. I'm a lyfr I realize. Never gonna change. I'm running through life like a sprinter in a race, I just want to get to the end my friend. Then my pain will be gone. Love you Bobby, keep looking out brother.
Marc Bruni
September 10, 2017 | Myrtle Beach, SC
It was an honor to climb 110 stories today in honor of Robert T. Lane, you will never be forgotten. Thank you for the service you provided on September 11th. My prayers go out to your family as we approach this anniversary.
Tyler Retel
September 09, 2017 | Roanoke, VA
Janet,
Thinking of you and your family in this sad sad anniversary. Cathy Morone
Cathy Morone
September 11, 2016 | PAsadena, MD
Robert whilst I never knew you , today I know you whilst we are not direct family sharing the last name means we will sbe linked togethe by ancestry .
I know that as lanes we are very big hearts and I am sure you went doing something that filled your heart with joy helping those. That couldn't help themselves
Engine 55 you will now be forever in my heart this day more even from the little far away place called Wellington New Zealand .
Wendy Lane
September 11, 2015 | Wellington New Zealand, UM
Hey my brother. I know your up there and I wish I could say all is well but it isn't. Many years after 9-11 I still agonized over your death and never came to terms with it. I ran away from the pain and buried my emotions inside a big white lie. I wish I could be stronger but after so many years of losing my self, I no longer know where to begin. I miss you. Things should have been different for us. Your a true hero Bobby, I'm becoming a zero. I.ve failed my family, children and myself. Shine...
Marc Bruni
December 13, 2014 | Staten Island, NY