2004 Stories and Memories

Dec 25, 2004 Merry Christmas
 
Merry Christmas Chuck. I love you and miss you. It's been a tough year, but as usual, I have only made it through with the strength you give me every day.

Love, Your brother.
 
 Mike Margiotta

Nov 24, 2004 Keep Our Soldier Safe
 
Dad.. this thanksgiving all i ask of you is to keep Manny, Julie's brother-in-law safe this Holiday. He is now in Iraq and this holiday season of thanksgiving and christmas keep him safe and bring him home safely. We will miss him dearly and i pray for him and you everyday. Please just keep him safe.

 Norma Jean

Nov 15, 2004 College Entry Essay

  “My Coach, My Hero”

It was the first full week of school in my Freshman year. I remember sitting in class during fourth period when an announcement came on over the loud speaker, informing us about a terrible situation at the World Trade Center. Throughout the day, numerous people were called down to the office, leaving one by one. I, for one, was puzzled. It wasn’t until later on that day–September 11, 2001–that I realized how serious it was. Little did I know, this one day would change my life forever.
On September 11, many lives of our family members and friends were lost in this terrible act of terrorism. The most devastating moment to me, however, was the realization that I had just lost one of my heroes, Lieutenant Charles “Chuck” Margiotta. It all started when I was going into the first grade. I do not remember much, but from what I do remember, he was always a man of strong will. I remember vividly each time I went to practice at the Alba House, we never knew what was in store for us. All we knew was that we were fearful of his powerful voice, which could be heard miles away. And trust me, when he spoke, you definitely listened, or else you would pay for it later (usually involving a lot more running). God forbid, if you ever wanted to know if practice was cancelled regarding the weather, it was best to never ask him and just show up anyway. One of his famous quotes when it was raining was, “Are you kidding, of course we have practice! You’re not going to melt in the rain!” Of course, he lectured us, as well as the parents, when we did get to practice or the game about asking such “stupid” questions.
Mr. Margiotta coached me for about six years, influencing me more than I ever knew. It wasn’t until September 11, that I truly realized how he had affected my life. As I got older, I realized that he was, in fact, a harmless “big, teddy bear” (as he was known to many) and you just learned to “deal” with his voice. His tough exterior did not define, who he was inside, which was a man with the biggest heart you will ever know. His decision to step down from coaching soccer and moving onto helping the basketball program, came to a big surprise to all of us, especially since he spoke about coaching us until we graduated. The day came to say goodbye at our last practice and the “big teddy bear” began to cry, showing this side of him for the first time ever. I remember so clearly the week before that dreadful day of September 11, when I saw Mr. Margiotta at my brother’s basketball practice. I was so excited that he would be one of the first to know that I had made the Varsity Soccer team as a Freshman. Instead of getting the ordinary, “Congratulations,” he immediately turned to me and said, “What are you crazy! Now, you are just a small fish in a big pond.” And of course, he confused me again. But, deep down, I knew he was overjoyed for me, even though he didn’t express it as much as I had hoped, and knowing that he had accepted some of the credit I received for being on the team.
Still to this day, when I play soccer, I constantly hear his voice in the back of my head. Whether he was yelling at me because of my shots or for doing something wrong, he always had the biggest smile on his face afterwards. These past few years, I’ve realized just how much I truly loved him as a coach, and also as a friend. His intentions always came from the heart and would do anything for you. We still have a close relationship with the family and honor him yearly at his Annual Soccer and Basketball Memorial Tournaments. Knowing someone from such a young age, it’s amazing the impressions they leave behind. I’m just thankful to have known such a great person in my life and his lasting lessons he taught me. I just wish I got the chance to tell him how much he meant to me and that he was a special coach, my hero.

 Krystina Ruocco

Sep 19, 2004 MISSING YOU
 
 CHUCK,

I JUST WANTED TO SAY I MISSED YOU AND AS THE ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR PASSING CAME I PRAYED AND THOUGHT OF YOU TILL THAT DAY. IM TRULY SORRY I HAVE NOT SIGNED YOUR BOOK BUT I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU. YOU WERE ALWAYS THE GREATEST ROLE MODEL FOR ME AS A KID AND THE GREATEST ROLE MODEL AS AN ADULT. THE MEMORIES YOU LEFT ME WITH WERE, ARE AND WILL ALWAYS BE GREAT MEMORIES. YOU WERE THE GREATEST COUSIN GOD EVER GRANTED ME.. *NOTE* I LOVE YOU NORMA JEAN, AND LIL CHUCK AND MY BELOVED COUSIN NORMA. ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE WE SPOKE BUT WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE ARE STILL HERE FOR YOU AND THE KIDS AS A FAMILY... WE LOVE YOU ALL...

WITH LOVE

ANTHONY E. RAMOS AND THE RAMOS FAMILY
 
Sep 13, 2004 Little Tonot Christened - Your Friends Miss You

Chuck:
Yesterday Anthony Taranto (jr) was christened. Tonto and I missed you. I told a story about you that is not publishable but nonetheless was typical of your quick wit and humor. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family in this 3rd year. We wish you were here to share in our happy occasions and join in our parochial, adolescent humor.
Love
Tony Biz
 
Tony Bisignano

Sep 12, 2004 September 12th
 
9/11 was, like other historic days, a day that will always be remembered. But for me, it was today, September 12th. It was on this day I heard that my friend Chuck was missing. It was on this day I started to feel the loss. The day after. I miss you Chuck. I feel your loss. You will always be remembered. I know you are luckier than ALL of us on earth because I know you in Heaven but we still miss you here. Tomorrow is my first day with my students. Your picture and poem are still on my wall. I will discuss with them that dreadful day. But I will also let them all know who Chuck was, and how OES should remember you. Much Love, Evelyn.
 
Eve Cuevas

Sep 11, 2004 I remember
 
 Mike,

I thought about your brother and your family today as I do most days when I put on the bracelet with Chuck's name on it. I have been wearing it for nearly three years now. The American flag has worn off, probably from loading hose.

I will not forget.

 Marc Scrivener

Sep 11, 2004 Hello Chuck
 
 Well little big Brother Its 3yrs now and not one day goes by that I don't speak about you. I don't know if I am crazy but I see you everywhere I go, thanks for being there.

Yesterday Norma Jean got her license. She's become our designated driver and I don't have tell you to watch over her. Charlie looks more like you everyday. He has a great personality and what a sense of humor...like you know who.

Norma misses you so, and when I tell her she's doing a great job with the kids, she looks at me and says, "My Husband taught me well." One more thing, if ever you come across that gorilla, buy him a drink for me.

Always in my heart
Ernie

Aug 31, 2004 A Stranger's Words
 
I was surfing the Internet attempting to locate a friend by the name of Louie Biondo, in the Detroit, Michigan, area. Somehow, I happened on this website. I felt compelled to look at all the photographs of Chuck, his beautiful family, his great friends, his sports outings, etc., and I was so moved that I wanted to write something about Chuck too. I know it's crazy; I don't know him or anyone in the pictures I saw. Anyway, the thing is, after looking at all the pictures, I FELT like I knew everyone (I'm Italian -- everybody looked familiar!#*), and I wanted to say how moved I was by the beautiful tribute created for Chuck. The pictures came alive with the wonderful stories they depicted about his life, those he loved, and those who loved him.

God Bless and keep Chuck, his family and all his friends!!!!
 
Cherie Nichols

Aug 5, 2004 Thought of a picture.
 
 Hello Mike:

I am not sure you recognized the name, but this is Gregg Mariconda, Joe's son. I visit Chuck's site occasionally to see if any new stories or photos have been posted. Four years ago, I was about to take the Fire Department physical. Chuck offered to help me out by lending me a Scott Air pack to prepare for the test. To me, this is further proof of two things so apparent about Chuck: how much he was willing to help anyone out, and how much he loved his job, since he wanted to help someone experience all he had while on the department. You probably don't remember this, but I still remember going into the sporting goods store when I was young to get cleats for football or baseball, and you and Chuck helping me pick them out.

Anyway, on to the point...As I said, I visit the site every so often. I look at the pictures you have posted, and I am constantly thinking of one of them. Six months ago I had a baby girl, Victoria. One of my favorite things is when we lay on the couch together, and she falls asleep on my chest. Every time this happens, I actually think of the picture of Chuck with your daughter Sarah sleeping on his chest. However, on my last visit to the site, I noticed a picture that, for some reason, I had never noticed before. It is the picture from 1960 of Chuck and your mom. I noticed that there is some wear and tear on it, the folds and creases any picture that is 44 years old will have. I have removed the "wear and tear". I really hope you don't mind. I am sure the picture has a ton of sentimental value to you, and that sentimental value includes the folds and creases that come with it. My thinking was that it might be nice to have a restored version for the website for all to see. I hope all is well. Please say hello to your dad for me, from the ''gerkin'' (if he even remembers calling me that).

Kind regards,
Gregg Mariconda

Jun 20, 2004 THINKING OF YOU TODAY
 
WELL COMPADRE WHAT CAN I SAY ON A DAY LIKE TODAY, BUT THAT WE MISSING YOU, AND LOVE YOU WITH ALL OUR HEARTS. YOUR KIDS' ARE GROWING UP TO BE GREAT YOUNG ADULTS I KNOW YOU ARE PROUD. OH BY THE WAY THANKS FOR THE RAINBOW THE OTHER DAY. LOVE YOU ALWAYS RUTH.

TU COMADRE

Jun 20, 2004 Fathers Day

Chuck Happy Fathers Day
You Just keep being the great father that you are
and between you and Norma the kids will be fine, its always hard but on Fathers day
its rough cause they miss you, I miss you, we all miss you. God Bless You Pop!
I work today but on my passday we'll have a cold one
 
 Ernie

Jun 9, 2004 Delta Tau Re-Union 2004
 
Not really an old memory, but...

Chuck's college fraternity (Delta Tau)held its third annual re-union this past Memorial Day/Brown Univ. graduation week-end. I'll note again that the concept of the first weekend arose out of his brothers wanting some way of remembering Chuck and the three other Delts whose lives were lost on 9/11. After Brown honored Chuck during halftime of a football game a couple of months later, it occures to a few of us who knew Chuck that we who hadn't/couldn't forget him might do something on our own. The week-end's activities included included a party where the brothers gathered to greet friends they hadn't seen for years, and a re-union conert by the band "The Nukes" featuring Chuck's best friend Bruce Alterman, as well as a memorial ceremony at the tree that was planted in 2002 on Brown's campus in memory of our fallen brothers. The ceremony was attended by over 2 dozen brothers from the classes of 1979- 2003, who each stood up and spoke of the lost brothers they knew or knew about. Chuck's name was mentioned by a number of people who knew him, had heard about him and respected his sacrifice in the line of duty and of being an extraordinary man. In addition, fresh mulch was spread around the tree, and each speaker laid a red rose at the base of the tree. Once again, people on their ways to other things stopped to watch and listen, and the red and misty eyes were not confined to those of us who spoke. It was a sad occasion, but a good one for us in attendance as all the memories of Chuck and the others were funny, inspiring and heartwarming.There was a couple of guys who had missed the earlier ceremonies who were so touched that they vowed to return to do this again in the coming years.

I remember sitting in a restaurant reading the paper before going to the football game and reading for the first time that Chuck had passed away during the attacks, and was to be honored that day at halftime that day, and beginning to cry as a rush of little memories of a man I hadn't seen in over 20 years came back to me: the thick mustache he had at the time; a leather jacket he wore; his walk; his voice; the way he was held in high regard by me and everyone else in Delt. Bruce always says that Chuck taught him to stand up for himself, and that always reminds me of a time when Chuck overheard an incident between me and a woman behind the counter at a store, and him waiting for me when I walked out to tell me that I should never let someone speak to me in that way. I was a touched and little stunned, because it was early in my sophomore year and he didn't really know me, but had still taken the time/effort to tell me that. That is something that I have had occasion to remember over the years, and has served me well in a world that has proved to be harder than the one I grew up in.

Best wishes to Mr. & Mrs Margiotta, Big Mike and Mike (I don't know which one is which :)), Norma Jean and the children and to the rest of Chuck's family and friends.
 
 Chas

May 28, 2004 Spell Check
 
 Hey Da,
I meant to respond to the inscription in the cement when I saw you at the top of the stairs..."Iskinyetti"...Uncle Chuck hasn't updated Microsoft Word on that one yet so I wasn't sure how to spell it...

Love,

Sarah

May 26, 2004 summer fishing

Yearly fishing trip// Every year for a number of years we picked out a day and went surf fishing with the hope of catching that big striped bass under the Verranzano. Charlie would pick me up at home and we'd drive his old jeep down on the beach and we'd drink some beers hoping to catch a huge striper. As luck would have it we'd usually catch mostly eels, which Charlie would put on a spit and bbq on the barnfire that we built. Charlie would make me eat this crap like a freshman at football camp eating twinkees laced with tabasco! Once again Charlie was ahead of his time, I eat smoked eel all the time now at the sushi bar and I pay a heck of a lot more than it cost us for the bloodworms to catch them at the time! Whenever I am able to get out fishing these days i think of those days and all the fun we had. Simple things are what make life enjoyable and create the best of memories, let's all enjoy them to the fullest, like Charlie did. Brian
 
brian

Apr 9, 2004 Second that emotion
 
When I went to visit Mike and Patti I was thunderstruck.. the emotions that poured over me were so real, so tangible. I saw you Chuck in your shorts and hairy chest with the flipper in your hand, "Hey Meliss..you want a dog?" "Hey where's your old man?" That big ol bear hug awaiting me, sweat and all..as I looked at down the driveway I could see the cannonballs off the roof into the pool, I could see Lil Michael being thrown in and swimming "ala fish" to the top. I could see Paul Mitchell's ever present grin. All these things came flying towards me as I went to see your brother's new home. A door away sits your family, right in the shadow of Mike and Patti.. as it should be. Chuck, you are bigger than a memory, you are larger than a picture. You are engraved on my mind and heart. I know I speak for Steven when I say this, you are never forgotten, never far from our thoughts. Now that Mike and Patti have returned I feel it is as it should be, well almost....much love~Melissa
 
 Melissa

Mar 11, 2004 To the Best Coach

i remember when you coached me and charlie when we were little and you were the best.you are in my heart forever.thanks.
 
Nick Giordano

Mar 7, 2004 YOU WERE VERY BUSY

Chuck, You were all around yesterday as we got settled into our new surroundings. We went to Sears to pick up some stuff and the woman behind the counter asked me, out of nowhere, "Do you have a brother?" I told her about you and we had a short deiscussion. I then showed her your picture and hers welled up because she was fairly certain her daughter had done a paper about YOU and the events of 9/11 for school.

As we came home later that evening, I was flipping channels and happened to stumble upon the movie "FREQUENCY". But not just the movie...but the exact part of the movie where you appear for the first time watching the Mets 1969 World Series in the firehouse!

Later in the evening, again while channel surfing, I flipped to a movie where a character was in a record store telling his girlfriend that she absolutely had to have a particular album, as it was essential for any Rock & Roll collection. The album? Greetings from Asbury Park by Bruce Springsteen! The album you first played for me by him in the early 70's. The one with your favorite song, "It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City". It's also the one I posted on your website many months ago to let people know the song that I most closely relate to YOU!

Catch some sleep while you continue to watch over me and my family....you must be tired....I love you. Michael

 Mike Margiotta

Mar 4, 2004 Back Home Again
 
Well Chuck, I am back home...and it feels like I never left. I feel you all around and every memory is good. It's great to to be one door away from the kids...by the way they were our first visitors!! It was so nice seeing Norma Jean and Charlie come running up the stairs. Charlie got a kick out of the intercom system...LOL

2 FLOORS UP IS 2 FLOORS CLOSER TO YOU....I LOVE YOU.
 
Mike Margiotta

Jan 30, 2004 charlie, i miss you a lot my friend

strong, unspoken feelings is what we were always about my friend. you watch my back and i'll watch yours and if all else fails get paul involved! we had more adventures in our short time together than most can imagine and every one is etched in my memory, all good! i miss you pal. brian
 
brian moore

Jan 25, 2004 My Co-op Results
 
I got my Co-Op Results 2 days ago and i made it into my first two choices which were Sea and Moore,I KNew you were watching over me as i took the test and you helped me get through it.
 Brian Logan


Jan 30, 2004 Happy Belated Birthday!
 
It's only 12:30AM on the 16th here in Hawaii...I'm not that late on wishing you a happy birthday...I was thinking about you all day, especially when I passed a firehouse in Waikiki. Yellow fire trucks...different. Happy Birthday, Uncle Chuck! Love you and miss you!
 
Sarah

Jan 15, 2004 Happy Birthday
 
 Thinking of you on your special day.
Prays, Hugs and Kisses, Love you for always.
Ernesto, Carmen and your comadre Ruth,
paws from huskey and rescue.

Tu Comadre para siempre Ruth

Jan 15, 2004 THANK YOU FOR THE SNOW!!!

Thank you soo much for the snow. Mommy was worried all night about me getting to school. It made her soo happy when i got a call saying there was no school. I knew you would always keep Charlie, mommy, and me safe. Thank you!

Love you soo muchh! Happy birthday dad!! (i knew it would snow on your Birthday!)
 
Norma Jean Margiotta

Jan 15, 2004 I KNEW IT WOULD SHOW

Happy Birthday Chuck....Not a second goes by that I am not thinking of you. It never gets better.

Especially at this time of year...I think of you pushing the snowblower.
I could have bet a million dollars a month ago that you would make it snow on your birthday.

You will ALWAYS be my older brother, my strength and FOREVER YOUNG. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU.

Love Michael

Jan 10, 2004 2nd annual chuck margiotta soccer tournament

chuck, we are getting ready for january 31, which will be your 2nd soccer tournament at the ymca on broadway. your old twisters will be there: normajean,krystina,rosie,weenie,marykate,and hopefully alot more.we hope to make this one even better than the first. we miss you pal and are always thinking of you.we will try to meet your high standards-have fun and just mess around. talk to you soon. love, the ruocco family
 
 the ruocco\'s

Jan 3, 2004 WUBSEY
 
CHUCK ALWAYS GOT A KICK OUT OF MY NICKNAME I GAVE HIS DAD, "WUBSEY". IT JUST SEEMS TO FIT HIM. WELL CHUCK AS YOU KNOW YOUR DAD CAME TO VISIT MICHAEL JR. HE SAID WHEN HE HEARD JANENE AND I HAD A BABY BOY HE HAD TO COME AND SEE HIM. THE LOOK IN YOUR DADS EYES SAID IT ALL, I GOT VERY EMOTIONAL BECAUSE I KNEW HE WAS THINKING OF YOU AND HOW HE FELT WHEN HE KNEW HE HAD A BABY BOY. WUBSEY JUST KEPT SAYING HOW GREAT IS WAS THAT I NAMED HIM MICHAEL AND THAT I HAVE A LITTLE BOY TO DO ALL THE MACHO THINGS DADS DO WITH HIS SON. CHUCK, YOUR DAD IS SO PROUD OF YOU, I KNOW I DONT HAVE TO TELL YOU OR ANYBODY ELSE THAT BUT HIS EYES WERE GLISTENING WITH THAT LOOK. YOU KNOW THE LOOK A DAD HAS WHEN TALKING ABOUT HIS BOY. WE TALKED ABOUT THE STORE OFCOURSE, ABOUT ALL THE LAUGHS AND BRINGING UP PEOPLES NAMES I HAVENT HEARD IN YEARS. YOU AND MIKE BATTELING IT OUT IN THE BACK ROOM ABOUT NONSENSE THEN ALWAYS ENDING WITH A KISS GOODBYE. CLASSIC MARGIOTTA STORIES, WE LAUGHED HARD AT SO MANY STUPID THINGS, THEN MY DAD CAME OVER AND BLAMED YOUR DAD FOR CORRUPTING ME WHILE I WORKED AT THE STORE ALONG WITH YOU, MIKE AND PAT OFCOURSE. CHARLIE AND I JUST LAUGHED AT HIM AND GAVE EACHOTHER A LOOK ONLY SOMEONE WHO WORKED WITH US WOULD UNDERSTAND.
WHEN I LOOK AT MY TWO KIDS, MY NEWLEY BORN SON ESPECIALLY, I CAN FEEL IN A SMALL WAY WHAT YOUR DAD FEELS ABOUT THE BOND A SON AND A DAD HAVE. MY EYES SWELL EVERYTIME I THINK OF HIS FACE TELLING ME HOW LUCKY I AM. I AM LUCKY, I WORKED WITH YOUR DAD, YOUR BROTHER, AND YOU CHUCK, ID SAY I AM LUCKY. THINKING OF YOU ALWAYS CHUCK.
 
 M. MAURO