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| Thomas Anthony Casoria |
Thomas Anthony Casoria was killed by Al-Qaeda terrorists on September 11, 2001.
Tommy was only 29. He was a firefighter with the New York Fire Department, Engine Company 22. He lived his life in direct opposition to the values of the terrorists. He died trying to save lives.
Tommy responded to the call for help in Tower One of the World Trade Center. Here's what one of his cousins, Jo-Ann Casoria, wrote:
Tommy absolutely loved his job and he loved sharing stories of his workdays with his older brother, Carlo, also a firefighter.
(snip)
Tommy radioed in his location twice after Tower Two fell. He and two of his "brothers," Vinny Kane and Mike Elferis, were carrying a paraplegic down the stairwell, when a call came in that another firefighter needed aid. Tommy answered that call, as did many others.
Tommy was engaged to be married. Though he never got the chance to spend those happy honeymoon years with his fiancee, Terri, or raise a family, he left a legacy of love and friendship along with his heroism.
One of Tommy's friends, Richard Vitale, wrote:
Let me tell you about Tommy. This man was the funniest guy I ever worked with. It was always a blast. Tommy could simulate anyone's voice with great detail. I never worked with anyone like him. What a great guy! Tommy knew what was right and what was wrong. He never crackled under peer pressure. Even when he tried to work for me for Thanksgiving. He stood strong. That was some reaction we got from the Truck, wasnt it, Tom. Maguire got red as a tomato. I remember when he told me he was going to get married. He was so happy and in Love. What a big smile he had on his face. I teased him about "dont do it", however, I thought what a lucky man to be in love this much. Tommy was respected and loved by everyone.
2 comments:
Really nice post. I have to ask, how does an Oregon man become so familiar with Tommy? It is very nice, amazing to see that he touched lives so far away, but I'm curious to hear how you came to know of him. I prefer to remain anonymous, but I knew Tommy, and his fiancee. He is always on our hearts and minds, especially on this day. Thank you.
Thank you for your comment. It's wonderful to know that someone who actually knew Tommy was pleased with the tribute to him.
In 2006 as part of the 5th anniversary commemoration of 9/11 victims and heroes enough bloggers volunteered to enable a tribute to be posted for each person who died as a result of 9/11.
Tommy was the person assigned to me. I searched on the internet for a photo and some details about his life. And that's when I found out about his heroism.
It is a privilege to pay tribute to him on 9/11. I hope next year on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 there will be a blogger movement to again pay tribute to each victim/hero of the 9/11 attack.
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