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Maspeth honors Squad 288/Hazmat 1 20 years later
There was a distinct emotional feeling among attendees at Maspeth Federal Savings’ annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony this year as the community marked the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
As it is annually, the ceremony was held in front of a 9/11 monument in Maspeth Memorial Park dedicated to the 19 firefighters from Squad 288/HazMat 1 and others from the community who lost their lives on that morning.
The Squad 288/Hazmat 1 firehouse, which is located just off the memorial park, had the single largest loss of firefighters of any FDNY firehouse on September 11.
But this year’s ceremony looked a bit different, with the gate surrounding Memorial Square behind the monument adorned with banners displaying the names of the firefighters from Squad 288/HazMat 1.
Each name was read aloud at the event.
Kenneth Rudzewick, host of the event, cited the importance of holding memorial ceremonies like this one every year.
“This is a 20-year journey that has affected most of our lives, remembering the attack and marking it is vital,” he said. “There is no better way to honor the lives of those heroes taken in 2001 than to protect and honor their fellow rescuers of today.”
The ceremony included words from Vincent Tomeo, a retired high school teacher and poet; music from husband-and-wife duo Bill and Liz Huisman, and the singing of the National Anthem by Kathleen Nealon.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to sit here for the last 20 years,” said Nealon. “I keep all of those who died on 9/11 and their families in my prayers always, as well as those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses and continue to suffer from that day.”
In addition to the 343 firefighters killed directly in the attack, 253 later died due to complications from their rescue work at Ground Zero.
Maspeth Federal Savings continues to honor them and add them to the memorial, including Firefighter Thomas Oelkers, who died just this May from a World Trade Center-related illness.
Congresswoman Grace Meng and Councilman Robert Holden discussed the importance of not only remembering and honoring the lives lost, but also how to carry out justice on their behalf in the present day.
Meng said that Congress is working on a resolution to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 to ensure that New York’s future generations never forget the events of that day.
“We are also working on a bipartisan basis to make sure that we are fully funding the health programs that will benefit so many of the victims’ families and to take care of those who are still with us,” she said.
Holden, alongside the Juniper Park Civic Association, has fought to have the Maspeth firehouse recognized as a landmark. The Landmarks Preservation Commission turned down their request because it was constructed too recently.
“The Landmarks Preservation Commission will have to landmark this,” he said “We’re not going to wait 30 years.”
104th Precinct Police Blotter (8/30/2021-9/5/2021)
Monday, Aug. 30
Luis Quinde was arrested at Cypress Avenue and Hancock Street for driving while intoxicated by Officer Troia.
Andrea Nunez was arrested at 60-47 68th Road for burglary by Officer Arfeen.
Destiny Martinez was arrested at 60-47 68th Road for burglary by Officer Arfeen.
Tuesday, Aug. 31
Vanessa Mendez was arrested at Myrtle Avenue and Palmetto Street for felony assault by Officer Martinez.
Curtis Edwards was arrested at 1675 Cornelia Street for criminal possession of a weapon by Officer Nessler.
Jansen Edwards was arrested at 1675 Cornelia Street for criminal possession of a weapon by Officer Nessler.
Jessica Signorello was arrested at 1643 Hancock Street for criminal contempt by Officer Etienne.
Wednesday, Sept. 1
Michael Castro was arrested at 69-62 Grand Avenue for criminal trespassing by Officer DeFreitas.
Joshua Vega was arrested at 64-02 Catalpa Avenue for criminal contempt by Detective Scrimenti.
Nelson Pineda was arrested at 79-67 78th Avenue for criminal contempt by Officer Combs.
Thursday, Sept. 2
Olga Hanisz was arrested at 64-02 Catalpa Avenue for misdemeanor assault by Detective Lodato.
Jason Fajardo was arrested at 1741 Norman Street for resisting arrest by Officer Lenoci.
Valon Stublla was arrested at 1877 Cornelia Street for burglary by Officer Foppiano.
Magdaline Duncan was arrested at 432 Stockholm Street for criminal mischief by Officer McMahon.
Jade Williams was arrested at 432 Stockholm Street for criminal mischief by Officer McMahon.
Christopher Tierney was arrested at 877 Wyckoff Avenue for burglary by Officer Santos.
Charles Deveau was arrested at 607 Seneca Avenue for felony assault by Officer Etienne.
Giuseppe Spataro was arrested at 61-19 Linden Street for arson by Officer Petito.
Friday, Sept. 3
George Fehem was arrested at 62-53 69th Lane for misdemeanor assault by Officer Jaswal.
Chelsea Chiguani was arrested at 1037 Seneca Avenue for misdemeanor assault by Officer Prizeman.
Ramon Arroyo was arrested at 80-07 Myrtle Avenue for criminal obstruction of breathing by Officer Gonzalez.
Danielle Lindemann was arrested at 64-02 Catalpa Avenue for felony assault by Detective Rogers.
Miriam Delossantos was arrested at 1673 Linden Street for felony assault by Officer Fitzalbert.
Saturday, Sept. 4
Justin Dixon was arrested at 1671 George Street for obstruction of governmental administration by Officer Duran.
Sunday, Sept. 5
Julia Kelert Drzewiecki was arrested at 65-22 Metropolitan Avenue for misdemeanor assault by Officer Gonzalez.
Piotr Pisarski was arrested at 60-40 Madison Street for misdemeanor assault by Officer Villada.
Omari Sanuel was arrested at 72-35 Cypress Hills Street for misdemeanor assault by Officer Chowdhury.
Joseph J. Rabito
Joseph J. Rabito passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at the age of 63. Beloved Husband of Patricia Rabito. Loving Father of Salvatore Anthony Rabito. Devoted Son of the late Mildred and Anthony Rabito. Dear Brother of Anna Rabito, Frank Rabito & Michelle and family, James Rabito, and the late Anthony Rabito. Cherished Nephew of Phyllis Petrowski and John Abate. Also survived by many loving newces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Adalbert’s Church on Friday, September 10, 2021 at 10 AM. Interment followed at Lutheran All-Faiths Cemetery, Middle Village under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.
Michael P. Skeahan
Michael P. Skeahan passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at the age of 70. Beloved Father of Samantha Aramburu and Michael J. Skeahan and Father-in-Law of Cody and Linda. Cherish Grandfather of Margaret and the late Micahel T. Skeahan. Dear Brother of Pat Spiers and Dennis Skeahan. Also survived by many loving cousins and friends. Mr. Skeahan was a master electrical contractor and member of IBEW Local Union 3, as well as an avid Harley Davidson Motorcycle enthusiast and photographer. In Lieu of Flowers, memorial donations may be made to : Alzheimer’s Association. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Adalbert’s Church on Monday, September 13, 2021 10:00 AM.Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.
Ana L. Lopez
Ana L. Lopez passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the age of 93. Beloved Mother of Ana Alvarez-Filatova and the late Felipe Alvarez and Antonio Lopez. Loving Grandmother of Daniel, Kelly, Luca and Marco. Private Cremation held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Fresh Pond Crematory, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.
Maria I. Soldano
Maria I. Soldano passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the age of 90. Beloved Sister of Rosa Avolio. Loving Aunt of Marisa & Steve and Fernanda. Cherished Great-Aunt of Nicole,Steven and Gina. Funeral Services held at Papavero Funeral Home on Monday, September 13, 2021 from 11 AM – 1 PM. Private Cremation followed at Fresh Pond Crematory, Middle Village, NY. Interment of Cremains to follow at Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.
Theresa I. Moakley
Theresa I. Moakley passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at the age of 78. Beloved Wife of Patrick Moakley. Loving Mother of James Moakley, Patrick Moakley and Lisa Gibbons. Cherished Grandmother of Dina, Carissa and Patrick. Dear Sister of the late Anthony Linguiti. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Adalbert’s Church on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 10 AM. Interment followed at St. John Cemetery, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378
Herman Vargas, Jr.
Herman Vargas, Jr. passed away on Monday, August 30, 2021 at the age of 56. Beloved Brother of Lorraine Vargas-Solla, Carlos Vargas and Darlene Vargas-O’Connor. Loving Uncle of Curt, Jordan and Lauren. Funeral Services held at Papavero Funeral Home on Saturday, September 4, 2021 from 9-11 AM. Interment followed at Cypress Hills Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.
Andrea Ann Gerolimatos
Andrea Ann Gerolimatos passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at the age of 66. Beloved Sister of Anthony Gerolimatos and Dennis Michael Gerolimatos. Loving Aunt of Christina, Dana, George, Thomas and Alexander. Dearest Cousin of Renee. Funeral Services offered at St. Demetrios G.O. on Saturday, September 4, 2021 9:30 AM. Private Cremation followed at All Souls Crematory, East Elmhurst, NY. Interment of Cremains to follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Kew Gardens, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.