In Memory of Donald J. Regan

12 Total Comments
Page:  1 of 1

Thinking of the Regan family this weekend. You are in my prayers.

*** Posted by Kerry Gallagher Vreeland on 2011-09-10 ***

Every time I see the new WTC buildings I say a quie prayer for Donny and the others lost 10 years ago. I went to LFS with Donny from 1963-1967 and even though he teased me about my weight and called me "Wahoo" like the football player, I had a secret crush back then. I lost touch after graduation but was none the less devastated to hear of his passing that terrible day! GOD BLESS his wife and children always! They are ALL in my prayers and thoughts. He will always be in the hearts and minds of MANY who knew his gentle soul! RIP and God Bless Donny, Thoughtfully submitted; never too late, Francine D.

*** Posted by Francine Danza on 2011-09-10 ***

Donald Regan was my godfather. I did not know much about him, and I was very young when he passed away. I don't know much, but what I do know is that he was a wonderful person who cared so much for his family. He died a hero and will always be known as a hero. Even at 16 years old I see the smile on my grandmother's face and the pride in her eyes when she talks about him. Although he is gone, he will never be forgotten.

*** Posted by Katie Regan on 2010-01-31 ***

I remember your Donny Regan from Mahoney's. He had a beautiful smile, a quick sense of humor, and a generous nature. I never heard a bad word said to him or about him. We were too young to recognize the hero, we just knew him as a great guy. I went to high school with his wife, Terry. I can not remember a time when it was not "Donny and Terry." They were one of those rare couples who were made for each other. Donny Regan lives on in the memories of those people whose lives he touched. My prayers are with Terry and her family always.

*** Posted by Mary Fallon-Reilly on 2009-11-28 ***

Hello Jill,

I did not know your dad, or any of the other heroes of 9/11, and can not possibly really know just how hard it was, and still is, for you.

But I, like most Americans, share in your loss and will forever carry a place in our hearts for them.

I am not sure how I found your website this Sunday morning while listening to gospel music on the computer, but I am glad I did.

Take care, and God bless you, Jill,
Dan (a friend from Maryland)

*** Posted by Dan on 2009-11-22 ***

Jill,

Sorry for your loss. I knew your dad briefly, but you know your dad is a hero, and you will honor his memory in a great way. Just remember the nights at the bowling alley in Pine Bush. I hope it brings you a smile. I miss you and hope you and your family are coping.

*** Posted by sean sullivan on 2008-02-11 ***

To the Family of Donny,
I lived on E40th and Cortelyou when my children were little 1968 to 1976. Donny was my paperboy during that time and no matter what the weather the paper was there. I could not get over it. I had younger brothers and I knew how kids were and this boy was so responsible at such a young age. He was such a nice boy too, always smiling and respectful. When he would come to collect for the paper I would always give him a $5.00 tip which was more than the price of the paper was. Years later I was in the Colonial Room on ave D with my husband and my brother, Tommy Kelly (who was also a fireman and killed in the south tower on 9/11). Donny recognized me and told Tommy I was his "biggest tipper". From that time on every once in a while when I would be talking to Tommy he would say that he saw Donny and he was asking for me.
Donny was a good boy who took his responsibilities very seriously. 
I miss Tommy and whenever I think about him I also see that wonderful little boy Donny collecting for the newspaper and I always fill up with tears that these wonderful people were taken from this life so young.
They were great kids who grew up to be true heroes who saved so many lives that day.
To his children, please know that you had a wonderful Dad, he was a very special person from a very young age, and I am sure there are many people who he touched in his short life that remember him fondly and pray for him as I do.
All the best to you,
Maureen.

*** Posted by Maureen (Derbyshire) on 2007-09-12 ***

TO MY BROTHER, ALWAYS MISSED

(a work in progress for five years)



Cold winds, these wretched winter chills
Cannot erase your kind words from my thoughts.
Nothing can bring you back,
But nothing can take you away.
As long as one of us remembers
You live though you could not stay.

Now whatever miles I travel,
Whatever life yet wills to be.
You are there in my mind's eye,
And in my heart.

Trees share their leaves.
Tasks of living told,
While grass grows back
Truth slowly to unfold.

Too many left with you -
Sons and daughters
Sisters, brothers,
Mothers, fathers, friends.

We do not wait for answers...
There are none that answer for madness
Except to learn better, we must love who remain.

And humbly we try to help, our other brothers and sisters
even though they once were strangers.

There are so many now, once unrecognized and who
having faced that blankness
live quietly, alone in their pain.

We hold sacred those who left us when vigilance slipped by.
They didn't mean to leave us, they didn't mean to die.
That day.
That way.

Nothing can bring them back,
But nothing can take them away.
As long as one remembers
They live though they could not stay.

Never Forgotten, never forget.

*** Posted by Eileen on 2007-04-11 ***

Donny Regan was a prince. I knew him when he bartendered at Mahoney's, his brother Billy's bar on Avenue D in Brooklyn. Quick with a smile and generous to a fault. It surprises me not that he would charge into the face of danger to help even if his own life was threatened. In the end he gave his all to protect each and every one of us. That was the Donny I remember.

Go with God my friend.

*** Posted by Dan Maloney on 2006-09-11 ***

To the children of Donnie Regan:
I grew up with your Dad on Schenectady Ave in Brooklyn, right down the block. Spent many hours in the Regan house.  Same grammar school class, same High School. I remember Donnie's older sisters (Peggie, Eileen??) thinking what losers we were because they were teenagers and older than us. He was just a kid when he lost his own Dad. I couldn't believe it when it happened because Dads and Moms are not supposed to ever die.
I remember being in his apartment in the mid 70's I think, and Shane was a baby. Terri soon had her hands full with another baby no much later. I was amazed how Donnie took on so much responsibility so young. I recall how he worked countless hours at UPS to support his family. He also tended bar at brother Billy's dive, Mahoney's on Ave D. It was the social mecca of the neighborhood.
Then his dream came true and he became a firefighter. He was born to do this job. And especially so as a member of a Rescue squad. No surprise there.
But you've heard so may stories, I'm sure, about your Dad. I hope it provides some comfort to you all.
He was a good friend to me and our circle of jerks, Al, Mario, Harry, Steve, Jerry, Billy, etc. He was always quite the athlete. What a pitcher. He could throw a hardball over 80 miles an hour at 17 years old. I have so many memories that include him and his family. I will never forget him and those memories.
God Bless you, Donnie, and your family, Terri, and the kids. You're with your father now. I hope you know that you're a grandfather.
Pray for us as we pray for you.
You're a good man, Donnie Regan.

*** Posted by Gene Clifford on 2004-12-03 ***

Donald was a wonderful brother. He loved his wife and children and honored his mother. He was her "fix it son". He would say "make a list, Mom, and I'll get to it".  Shortly after 9/11 his three-year old nephew not understanding he was gone, told his grandmother not to worry "Uncle Donald" will be in to fix the refrigerator soon. Soon never came and Uncle Donald has not been found! Now in addition to "Fix it Son", Brother, Husband, Father, Firefighter, Uncle, Friend, Cousin, Coach, Nephew he has a new title...Grandfather! We miss him each and every day.

*** Posted by Kathie Regan-Dey on 2004-04-16 ***

It seems these memorials will never end.  It is healing to know that most people will never forget.  My father would be proud to know that so many people actually do care.  We all miss him very much and wish we could have him back.

*** Posted by jill regan on 2004-03-08 ***

12 Total Comments

Page:  1 of 1