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Brian McAleese Obituary

Brian McAleese, 36, of Baldwin, New York, a firefighter with the New York Fire Department.

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Published by Clarinda Herald-Journal on Nov. 19, 2001.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian McAleese

70 Entries

Caryn Firestein

September 11, 2020

My high school experience wasn’t great ‘
BUT, for one period a day -
Brian and I would roll pennies across the commons into the office ‘
No surprise- the office gave us sh*t.
I looked forward to that 45 min we had ; each day
#NEVER FORGET
CARYN FIRESTEIN

Gladis Saenz

September 11, 2018

This year I participated in McAllen, TX stair climb honoring the 343 Firefighters. I was surprised to find out that I would be climbing in honor for Mr. Brian McAleese a second year in a row without requesting to. Thought this was unique since what are the odds of this happening. I climb this year again in your honor!

Tre e Waters

September 11, 2018

Thank you Brian

Sarah Nichols

October 19, 2016

May your soul live on. RIP Brian

Gene Egan

September 11, 2016

I was blessed to be in prayer for Dawn and the McAleese children & all the McAleese family this morning remembering Brian and the Salt and Light that he was and is to so many...God bless the McAleese Family for the sacrifice they have given and the days that are without their amazing son, brother, husband, uncle, friend and loved one of so many. The Egans (Emerson Ave) will NEVER FORGET & will ALWAYS REMEMBER the day that took Brian McAleese...

Bria Williams

September 11, 2016

I never knew you personally, but your sister in law taught my second grade class. I absolutely loved Mrs. McAleese and it broke my heart when she informed us that you lost your life on this day. I would just like to share my condolences with the family and that I think about Brian every year. Peace and blessings to everyone, stay blessed.

Judy McAleese

September 10, 2016

May your soul shine on.
Love & light

Brian Kearns

September 9, 2016

Every year I think of Brian and other heroes that gave up their lives for us.....I was blessed to know him and share some great times. ..he graduated HS with my brother Tim.....ironically i worked with his older brother Kevin in the early nineties and we would share stories of the early Baldwin party days.....May you and your brave soul be remembered forever....blessings to your family...RIP....

Clare Halliday nee Mc Aleese

March 14, 2016

Your my cousin which I've never met but somehow knowing we are blood related makes it more sad for me. Your granda and my father were brothers, your granda moved to the USA as a young man, my father the youngest of 12 children stayed in Ireland.

John Szczech

October 28, 2014

ALWAYS REMEMBER , NEVER FORGET !!!!!

Alexandra Schultz

September 11, 2014

Sitting in my college bed wondering where all this time went. I was only in the first grade when the tragedy struck. You made such an impact on my mother and fathers life and I know they miss you everyday. I can't help but wish I got to know you better not only as the hero everyone recognizes you as, but also as my godfather. You must've been someone extraordinary and although your time was cut too short, the footprint you left on my family will be forever. Thinking of you and the whole McAleese family a lot tonight. We promise never to forget. You will forever remain a hero

lisa g

September 9, 2014

always in our hearts and never forgotten

Judy McAleese

September 6, 2014

May you never be forgotten.
Love & Light

S J. Friscia III

September 5, 2014

In Memory
With Honor & Respect.

April 30, 2014

Dear Friends or Family of Brian McAleese, I am very sorry for your loss. My name is Paige, and I am working on a project about Brian. Our school has an annual trip to New York to remember the fallen heroes of 9/11. We are assigned a hero to research and do a project to honor them. I have been assigned Brian. If any friends or family of him would like to share any information or pictures about him, I would love to know more about Brian. He seemed like a wonderful person, and I'm very sorry for your loss. If you have any information you are willing to share, please email my teacher at : [email protected]

Olly Bateson

December 6, 2013

God Bless your dear family. You are in heaven with the Angels and one day we will reunite with all our good and precious loved ones.

August Raby

December 3, 2013

I never met Brian. However upon visiting the memorial in September 2012 I ended up with a picture of a woman's hand next to his name. I did not realize this until going through the pictures in September 2013 while I was 7 months pregnant. Since my first child's name is Brian and we were unaware what the sex of our child in the womb was we felt it was a sign that I stumbled upon that picture, a year after taking it. Needless to say we had a beautiful boy on 11/1/13 and we named him Gerard. Now we have a Brian and a Gerard. I felt that it was too coincidental to not share this with the people who knew and loved him. Even after 12 years his memory and name lives on. I pray for all of you and am grateful for not only his service to others but also to his family and friends who gave up so much as well.

September 11, 2013

Remembering Brian and all of his family today...The Egan's will never forget the day, the city, the people, or the man...Blessings...

Denise Silverman

September 11, 2012

I met Brian in third grade. I was new to Plaza school but Brian and I became friendly right away. He always had a smile on his face. He always looked out for the underdog and made sure noone was picked on then. It makes sense that his life was spent watching out for people and always being there to help. I never had the pleasure of meeting his wife and children but they were truly blessed to have him in their lives. I get chills every time I drive down Westervelt Ave. and see his name on the cross street sign where Brian lived. My heart goes out to his entire family everyday. He was truly a good soul and is sorely missed every day.

KATHY SCHLOTTERBECK

September 11, 2012

WE REMEMBER RIP

James Walker

September 10, 2012

To the McAleese Family;
I carried Brian's picture with me during my three tours overseas. I played football with the older guys from 76-79, but, had meet Brian during the 1980 season. He was gifted then so it was no surprise that he would continue to provide selfless service to his fellow man! Just wanted to say that he is never forgotten by those outside that were only touched by him if only for a mere second!
V/r,

HMC(EXW) James Walker EMT-W, OIF/OEF
Baldwin Sr. High School 1980

dan mc aleese

July 7, 2012

my name is dan mc aleese from glasgow scotland and i would like to pass on my condolences to brians family,he was a hero.

janie husser

October 27, 2011

you were always the last child to see your dad at night & the first one in the morning when i first met you.you took care of him so well.always smiling, never too busy to say hello to your moms friend.i enjoyed knowing you.the last time i saw you, was at the baldwin train station,we were both going into the St.Patrick"s day parade. I have a picture, you in the green hat & me so excited because it was my first time going in. Watch over us, Brian. I know you will.

Mary Camiolo

October 26, 2011

My husband's fire department had a memorial service on 9/11/11. He got a flag w/ Brian's name on it. Engine 226. He has not been forgotten. We are sorry for your loss.

Mary Jane McAleese

September 23, 2011

I could not believe it when I saw the name of Brian McAleese scroll across my computer as I searched the list of 9-11's first responders from the "Wall of Remembrance". I cried for the loss of all who so bravely sacrified their lives to save others. Thinking Brian might be a distant relative really blew me away. My heart and prayers go out to the entire McAleese family. Even after 10 years, we will never forget all our courageous fallen heroes.

Judy McAleese

September 16, 2011

It was with a heavy heart when I first saw his name scroll across my tv screen as I watched a tribute to the fallen heros of 9/11 shortly after that tragic day.
Having relatives in the US, I often wonder if Brian was somehow related however distant.
My thoughts and prayers are with the McAleese family.
May God bless you.

Judy McAleese
Toronto, Ontario
Canada

wendy Quartz

September 11, 2011

Sept 11, 2011
I do not know for sure, but Brian may be a distant cousin of mine. My dad's name is Keneth A McAleese. His dad's name was Fred McAleese. We are from Los Angles Calif. I was always told that the only McAleese in the United states was related to our family. So I wonder if we are related.
When I heard that the Cleveland Browns were sponsoring a family from 911 and heard for the first time the name Brian McAleese My heart just sank. I am so very sorry to the family. Brians wife and children, mom and dad and brothers and sisters. My heart goes out to all of you. My the Lord above always keep you in His loving arms. May His Love be upon you always.
I hope one day I can find out for sure if we are family.
My Love and prayers
Wendy M. McAleese Quartz

Kate Curran Doyle

September 11, 2011

Brian was a wonderful person and someone who makes a life-long impression on you. I went to high school and my memories of Brian make me smile and laugh. I have been thinking a lot about Brian on this 10th anniversary. I didn't keep in touch with him but I feel a huge loss. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children and his whole family.

deb doetzer

September 10, 2011

i recently went back to baldwin with my mom and kids to take a trip down "memory lane" and had to pull my car over when i saw the brian mc aleese memorial on tennyson avenue behind plaza school. brian and i were classmates thru plaza, jr high and high school, and although never really "friends" he was a constant part of my life for many years--i remember having the BIGGEST crush on him in 6th grade (ah, unrequited love) and will never forget those dreamy blue eyes.
i wept on september 11, 2001 and i wept when i saw the memorial street for brian and i am sure i will weep tomorrow again for a life cut way too short. god bless him and the other firefighters and police who risked their lives to save others. i am proud to have known brian. he was a true american hero.

Susan Hess

June 17, 2011

My family and I were recently visiting NYC from San Diego. I wanted my children to visit ground zero and the memorial museum there. Our whole family was so overwhelmed by what we learned and saw. I bought a bracelet there and it has Brian's name on it. I will wear it with pride and respect for a man that I never knew. God Bless Brian and his family. We will never forget.

Nora Brown

April 12, 2011

We have not forgotten you Brian and all the others who died that horrible day. May you rest in peace and may God bless your family who think of you everyday. Love you Brian , Nora A. Brown

R McNamee

April 12, 2011

I forgot to give my name when I signed Brian's guestbook on April 8, 2011. I was distracted by something at the time. May Brian rest in peace. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Laura Amore

April 10, 2011

I met Brian in 2nd grade at Plaza School but never really got to know him as well as I would have liked to. He is a
part of my childhood past and someone who was always kind
when I thought others were
jerks!! I had already moved to
North Carolina when Sept 11
occurred. I will always
remember that day as the sky
was truly Carolina Blue. I
unfortunately knew quite a few
people that perished that day
but for some reason Brian's passing had a great impact on
me. It saddened me so much to think of his wife, children,
family and his best friend Greg
Fix! It was so obvious the love
they had was so strong and this was a devastating lost. I have
kept the mass card with Brian's
picture on my fridge at home
for all these years - one to
remind me that life is short and
to live it to the fullest and two to
remind me to stop and think about others when I am having what I think is a bad day.

Andrew McConnachie

April 10, 2011

I did not know Brian McAleese, but I know that he came from a fine family. My brother, John McConnachie, is a member of Ladder 7 Engine 1. When the Towers fell, they rained on him, but he survived. I dropped off a card of condolence to his mother in her mailbox without my return address. She took the time to look up my address and return a lovely note. The McAleese family, like the firefighter family, is loving, dedicated, and thoughtful. Once again my heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the McAleese family.

james rinere

April 10, 2011

I met Brian in 6th grade at Plaza school, he had one of the most infectious laughs that I have ever heard and I think of it often. He and I spent much of the Fall of 7th grade hanging around the LIRR train station with Tommy Cavanaugh and every get together ended in Tommy getting mad at Brian because he would torture him with his caustic humor and left jab - we always left those days laughing. When the trade center went down, I was heartbroken that so many people that I knew had died - when I saw Brian's name on the list, I was crushed to have lost a childhood friend. I ran the NYC marathon that year and was crossing the Verrazano Bridge when i looked up and saw Brian's name on the t-shirt of a runner in front of me. It was one of his Fire House Mates who was running in Brian's honor and he and I ran for about 5 miles together just talking about Mac and the passion he brought to life. It was a great bridge to my childhood and Brian was there with us - laughing only the way he could. He is a genuine hero and I think of him often.

Pat Nitti

April 10, 2011

Brian, if you could only know how much you are missed.....
Ten years later and I still feel cheated by the times we all should have shared together. All of lifes milestones. Our children growing up, the countless accomplishments and heartaches, seeing your hair turn grey. In my thoughts I see yor smiling face and am touched by how much you enjoyed this life, and saddened by what could have been. Not a moment goes by that my heart doesn't ache for Brianne, Jack, Liam and Aidan. They were so fortunate to have the most loving Dad, and you were stolen from them. That is a heartache much too hard to bear.
Unti we meet again, may God hold you and Daddy in the palm of his hand.
Everybody dies..but not everybody lives.

April 8, 2011

Peace and love to the McAleese family, you are always in our thoughts and prayers-Kathleen, Jean, and Connie Roland

April 8, 2011

I have known the MacAlesse family for a very long time. I graduated with his sister, Pat Nitti , from Baldwin High. My family goes a long way back too. My mother knew Brian's mother in Catholic school in Brooklyn when growing up and knew and hung out with the same crowd of people. I know his brothers John and Kevin and also know his sister Maureen. I will always remember how nice Brian was while growing up together and also remember seeing him around Baldwin. My heart goes out to his family each year on the anniversary of 911. I am honored to have known him. He is a HERO.

Gerry R.

September 12, 2010

Brian,
I was thinking about you alot over the last few days. I can picture you in the back room at 226 by the butcher block table, on a stool, soda in one hand cigarette in the other with your legs crossed like Dean Martin. A funny and caring guy. I can't begin to tell you how much I admired the way you looked after Carll the neighbor. I'm 100% sure you're in heaven because you were a saint on earth. You are sorely missed here now and always. It was a privelege to have known you!

Lisa & Gary Meskil

September 12, 2010

Thinking of you, Brian. You're always in our hearts.

Love,

Lisa & Gary Meskil

Heather McAleese

September 11, 2010

We love you and miss you so much. Not a day goes by that your not in our thoughts.
Love Always,
John, Heather, Sean, Kerin & Brian

Ralph Zanoni

January 26, 2009

Brian,

You were truly a hero, you taught me how to play football at Plaza School, to not carry the football like a loaf of bread. Although you never knew it, you taught me a lot about life by teaching me that game. To play every down as if it's your last. I have taken those lessons to my life and I am forever grateful to you.

My sympathy goes out to your family. I am honored to have known you.

james sullivan

September 11, 2008

we will never forget you.from jackie,john,james janine.sullivan

Jack Earl

September 11, 2008

To the McAleese Fmaily

You are in our thoughts

We have bought a tile for the towns memorial in Brians name

He was a true hero

Jack and Ruth Wagner Earl

formal from Baldwin

E226 E226

September 11, 2007

Brian I'll bet you never knew how much you would really be missed eternally empty without the laughter the sorrow the every day living-the magic of being here- forever indebted to just knowing you for the short time I did

September 11, 2007

Six years gone and it still feels like yesterday. Your spirit lives on in your beautiful children.
We Remember.

Phyllis Mardorf

September 11, 2007

Sorry for the loss. I knew all of you from the Yankee Clipper Restaurent. Pease be with all of you.

Nancy

September 6, 2007

Thinking of you Brian
God bless you and your family. Watch over them and protect them from Heaven above...til they are with you again.

Nancy Nee
sister of FF George Cain...ladder 7

February 1, 2007

Brian once told me life was too short to not forgive and forget...who would have known life would be too short for one of the best. You are missed...

P Tabbernor

December 26, 2006

In remembrance....

Pete Culkin

December 13, 2006

You are missed my friend.

Kristine

November 17, 2006

As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

joan thompson

September 11, 2006

I remember Brian well from Baldwin High School. i always picture him laughing and smiling. My heart and my prayers go out to the entire McAleese family. I think of Brian and your family often.

Joan Thompson

BHS class of '82

Kevin Foley

September 11, 2006

Brian was a great guy!I used to work at I'M in a Hurry Pizza and Brian would always stop in to see Bryan Carroll and Paul Schultz.

james sullivan

September 11, 2003

i knew brian,my older brothers and sisters knew john,you were a hero then and you are still a hero and i believe that you brian are helping so many people up in heaven.god bless you love the sullivan family.jackie,john janine and myself

Julie Smithback

September 11, 2003

May God be with you.

Joseph Cooney

September 11, 2003

I sit here in the desert, a member of the United States Air Force, on this the second anniversary of 9/11. We held a small ceremony this morning, to commemorate all those who lost their lives and the families they left behind. I went to High School with Brian. Although my memories are as distant, as the miles I have traveled. May God's Grace be with those who Love you most.

Ken Krol

November 14, 2002

I never knew Brian, but I know his brothers. I was just looking up someone else's bio on this tribute web site, when I came across Brian's name. I thought I'd contribute to Brian's site that I'm just one of many voices that will NEVER FORGET the ultimate sacrifice he made that day. My father and my brother are/were also FDNY. Brian is a true hero, I'll never forget.

May God bless and strengthen his wife, children, and family.

Carole Kassmann/ Jay Liegey from RM4&5

September 10, 2002

I never knew Brian but over the summer I met his sister Pat and her wonderful family. This message is to the family:

I was overwhelmed by the love and devotion that you have for each other. Brian was a very lucky guy to have you as family, not many people have what you have, a close knit family whose sole goal in this life is to love each other and take care of each other. I walked away from speaking to Pat and watching the family be together that I had such a good feeling and that Brian was a very lucky guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tom Seeburger

May 30, 2002

I grew up just blocks from Brian and attended elementary, Junior and Senior high school with him. I can tell people who never had the opportunity to meet him you really missed out. I'll always remember him as a guy you always wanted to be around. He was a lot of fun to be around and if he was at a Party or something that was the place to be. I read a poem right after 9/11 that was about people who come into your life and make an imprint on you and then suddenly leave. "Mac" was one of those people. Growing up, Mac was the type of guy that stuck up for his friends and was always willing to help someone out. Unfortunately,I did not stay in touch with him as he become married and starting a family I understood he became a great father and wonderful husband husband. I will never forget Mac and what he taught us. Live life to the fullest and enjoy your family and friends every day of your life. So remember when your kid asks you to have a catch with them or your wife asks you to join her to go somewhere...do it...you never know when you'll get another opportunity. We miss you Mac.

Susan Bruno

March 30, 2002

Brian was a great guy in all ways. Let us not forget to pray not only for his wife and four children but also for his mother. She lost her husband and son in one year and it is truly devastating. We will all always remember the firefighters who lost their lives but Brian holds a special place in my heart.

March 2, 2002

DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN...AND FIREMAN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS...GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN

Joe Russell

January 19, 2002

Although I do not know Brian, I will where this braclet with his name on it forever. As a brother firefighter, I knew what a devistating hit 9-11-01, was going to have to the Bravest. I will try my best to uphold the strength, courage, and love for our fellow man that Brian and all those lost on that day. The love for the job is what guides us all everyday to do this. We will overcome the loss of 343 of our brothers. We will become stronger. As I sit here writing this, I look at this braclet and think, I am truly humbled to be able to HONOR one of the BRAVEST.

Marianne Saraf

December 30, 2001

Brian was not only one of New York's Bravest...but also one of New York's Caringist. He volunteered and coordinated the FDNY and NYPD to assist with Recreational outings for the NYC Chapter of the MS Society. When I met him I wondered why he was so driven with compassion for people with MS. It was only after his untimely and tragic death did I find out his Father had MS. He brought Joy to all that came in contact with him. He made a difference both as a Fireman and a Human being. He and all those others who fought so valiantly to save others are sorely missed. Brian you brought sunshine in our lives. God Bless you and your family.

SUSAN WEST

December 30, 2001

I didn't know Brian, but my dear friend was on a sailing trip with the NYC MS society. We both have MS. Upon her return home, she called to say she had a wonderful time; but most of all, she spoke of this wonderful fireman who made life so easy for all MS'ers. When 9/11 came, she panicked, worrying that Brian was involved in the tragedy, as after one meeting, he touched her heart so much. I, and all my fellow MS'ers extend our sincere grief at the loss of this gentleman, who made a difference in so many lives. May God give strength to his loved ones.

Teresa Jahn

December 22, 2001

We thank Brian for dedicating his life to others by being a firefighter. Such devotion comes with a brave, warm and caring heart full of love for his fellow man. May Brian's courage, life and love live on in those who love him and in those whose lives were touched by him. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Brian. Our hearts cry with you.

America Cries

We see your sorrow-

and our hearts cry....

We can not erase your pain

but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-

-the American people-

are beside you.

We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,

the strength that gives you courage,

and the words to lighten your spirits.

And when we are left speechless

may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts

to ease your sorrow.

May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-

-the American people-

face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn

Dixon, IL

Chris

December 6, 2001

I wear my bracelet with Brians name on it every day. His family and friends are always in my prayers. As of Sept. 11th we all became New Yorkers.

God Bless you

Judy Cherbonneau

December 4, 2001

America discovered just how many heroes lived in New York on 9-11-2001. You were one of those heroes! I am so sorry that we had to discover just how heroic you were. You and your fellow fallen brothers are constantly in my thoughts and prayers! My deepest sympathy goes out to your family, friends, and comrades of Engine 226!

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